Domestic Violence

It is illegal for a housing provider to discriminate against you because you are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence.

The Fair Housing Act, Violence Against Women Act, and the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act all have legal protections for survivors of domestic violence.

There is no charge for any of HOME’s services and all calls are confidential. It is illegal for a housing provider to retaliate against you or evict you because of your situation.

HOME can help you advocate for your your fair housing rights.
Call 804-354-0641 for help deciding what to do next, or fill out a preliminary intake form.
 

Some examples of actions that may be illegal include:

• A landlord evicts you because a neighbor complains about a fight between you and your partner.
• A landlord evicts you because you have made a call to 911 while in fear of or while experiencing domestic violence.
• A landlord charges you a fee due to a noise complaint related to an incident of domestic violence.
• A landlord refuses to rent to you because your partner was recently arrested for hitting you.
• A public housing authority terminates your housing voucher because you called the police to your home for protection from domestic violence.
• A housing provider refuses to accept your application because you are leaving a domestic violence program because they are afraid the abuser will show up and destroy the property.
• A landlord makes you pay a pet fee for an emotional support animal you have due to a mental illness developed as a result of domestic violence.

 
HOME can help you with your housing rights. Call 804-354-0641 or fill out a preliminary intake form.

Always call 911 if you are in immediate danger or a life‐threatening situation.

For more information and resources for sexual violence and harassment, domestic violence, stalking, or for emotional support, contact:
Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance
Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-838-8238