VAWA Occupancy Rights and Certification Form for Domestic Violence, Stalking, Sexual Assault, etc.

Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a tenant may not be denied assistance, terminated from participation, or be evicted from your rental housing because that tenant is or has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.   

Am I a Protected Person Under VAWA?

VAWA only applies to certain kinds of rental housing. To find out whether you are a protected person under VAWA, view our Domestic Violence and Housing Rights Guide, attached below and available through this link: https://www.idaholegalaid.org/node/2763/domestic-violence-and-housing-rights-guide.

Notice of Occupancy Rights under the Violence Against Women Act

If you are a protected person under VAWA, you may use the attached “Notice of Occupancy Rights under the Violence Against Women Act” to invoke your rights as a tenant. You may also find this form attached below or through this link: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/violence_against_women_act. The attached form was created by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and can be used by survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to submit to their housing provider for protections under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 

Certification Form for Domestic Violence, Stalking, Sexual Assault, or Dating Violence

If you are seeking VAWA protections from your housing provider, your housing provider may give you a written request that asks you to submit documentation about the incident or incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. In response to this request, you or someone on your behalf may complete the attached form and submit it to your housing provider. You may also find this form through this link: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/violence_against_women_act. The attached form was created by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and can be used by survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to submit to their housing provider for protections under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).