Ending a Lease Early for Domestic Violence or Safety Reasons (NY)

Staying in a lease shouldn't mean staying in danger. New York law recognizes that, and gives tenants who are victims of certain crimes a legal path to end a lease early — without owing rent for the months they won't live there. This is educational information, not legal advice; if you're in immediate danger, call 911 first.

The law: General Obligations Law § 227-c

Under GOL § 227-c, a tenant who is a victim of a family offense, a sexual offense, stalking, or human trafficking can terminate their lease early. The termination generally takes effect 30 days after you give the required written notice, and you're not responsible for rent beyond that termination date — even though the lease term hasn't run out.

What documentation you'll need

The law requires supporting documentation with your termination notice. Acceptable proof commonly includes one of the following, dated within the last 90 days:

• A copy of an order of protection.
• A copy of a police report.
• A certification from a qualified third party — a domestic violence counselor, licensed medical or mental health professional, or other professional who has assisted you related to the offense.

How to actually do it

1. Get your documentation together first — a recent police report, order of protection, or a written statement from a qualified professional.
2. Write your termination notice. State that you're terminating under GOL § 227-c, and give a termination date at least 30 days out.
3. Deliver the notice and documentation to your landlord — ideally in a way you can prove was received (certified mail is common).
4. Keep copies of everything you send and any confirmation of delivery.

What this does and doesn't cover

This law releases you from future rent obligations after the termination date — it doesn't erase rent already owed for months you did live there, and it doesn't automatically release a co-tenant who isn't the victim named in the documentation. Your security deposit is still handled under the normal rule: returned within 14 days of move-out, minus any lawful itemized deductions (General Obligations Law § 7-108).

If you're in immediate danger

Don't wait on paperwork if you're unsafe right now. Call 911, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (available 24/7) or NYC's Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-4673. They can also help connect you with emergency shelter, legal advocates, and safety planning that goes well beyond ending a lease.

Official and support resources

• NYC Family Justice Centers / Domestic Violence Hotline
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• The Legal Aid Society — free legal help, including for tenants leaving unsafe housing.

See also our free domestic violence lease termination letter template.