SCRA

Ending a lease for PCS or deployment.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act can let a servicemember end a residential lease early. This is general information, not legal advice.

When a lease can end

Under the SCRA (50 U.S.C. §§ 3955), servicemembers and their dependents may terminate a residential lease early without an early-termination penalty when:

  • PCS orders require a move. Termination is effective 30 days after the next rent payment is due.
  • Deployment of 90 days or more, in the United States or overseas, gives the same right.
  • Entering active duty after the lease was signed allows termination after active duty begins.

What to send the landlord

  1. Written notice that you are ending the lease under the SCRA.
  2. A copy of the orders for the PCS, deployment, or activation.
  3. The effective date. The lease ends 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Notice on March 15, with rent due April 1, ends the lease on April 30.

Deliver the notice by certified mail or in person and keep a copy of the receipt and the orders.

Spouses and dependents

  • Joint leases. A spouse on the lease can give notice for the servicemember.
  • A lease in the spouse’s name. It may still be covered if it was signed to live near the duty station.
  • No penalty. The landlord cannot charge an early-termination fee, and prepaid rent past the end date is refundable.

Not legal advice

For a specific lease, talk with your installation’s legal assistance office or a licensed attorney.