The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA), formerly known as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (SSCRA), is a federal law that provides protections for military members as they enter active duty. It covers issues such as rental agreements, security deposits, prepaid rent, eviction, installment contracts, interest rates, mortgage foreclosure, civil judicial proceedings, automobile leases, insurance, and income tax payments.
Housing-related protections commonly associated with SCRA
- Certain civil legal proceedings may be delayed during qualifying active duty periods.
- Evictions under covered circumstances generally require a court process.
- Some residential leases may be terminated when a servicemember receives qualifying orders (such as PCS or qualifying deployment).
- Some pre-service lease obligations may be ended without typical penalties in qualifying situations.
- Guard and Reserve members may be eligible when activated for qualifying periods (commonly 30+ days).
Where to get help
You should contact your nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program office to see if the SCRA applies. Dependents of servicemembers can also contact or visit local military legal assistance offices where they reside.
If you believe your SCRA rights were violated, start with your military legal assistance office. If the issue cannot be resolved, it may be forwarded for further review by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Call us with any questions regarding corporate housing
800-960-0102