# Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Survivors Act

This bill protects people who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault from being discriminated against when trying to rent or buy a home. Right now, survivors sometimes face barriers in housing because landlords or sellers might see their history of abuse as a "risk" or hold it against them unfairly.

The law works by clarifying that it's illegal to deny someone housing, charge them higher rent, or treat them differently because they're a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault. It also protects survivors from being evicted or having their lease terminated simply because they experienced abuse. This is important because many survivors are trying to escape dangerous situations and need stable housing to rebuild their lives, but instead they sometimes face additional discrimination that makes it harder to find a safe place to live.

The bill also allows survivors to break their lease early without penalty if they need to leave for safety reasons related to the abuse. For example, if someone needs to relocate to escape an abuser or access better support services, they won't be stuck paying rent on an apartment they had to flee. Additionally, the law protects survivors' privacy by limiting what information landlords can ask about or require regarding their history of abuse.

This protection extends to anyone who has experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The bill recognizes that survivors shouldn't be punished twice—once by their abuser and again by the housing market—and ensures they have fair access to the homes and stability they need to move forward with their lives.

Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Survivors Act of 2021

Shaheen, Jeanne

Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2021 This bill prohibits discrimination against survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or sex trafficking in the sale or rental of housing and other related real estate activities.