Sample letter of notification for termination of lease under the SCRA

[DragonFlyer]

Also available in PDF format for download here.

Sample Notification Letter to Landlords to

Terminate a Residential Lease under the SCRA

 

Note: The following is a sample only. It is not legal advice of any kind. Any letter notifying a

landlord of termination of a lease should be sent via CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT

REQUESTED to comply with the SCRA and provide the sender with proof it was received.

 

 

[service member’s Return Address]

[Date]

 

[LANDLORD’S ADDRESS]

 

 

Dear [sir or Madam]:

 

On or about [DATE] I signed a lease agreement to occupy the premises located at

[ADDRESS OF LEASE PROPERTY]. At that time I was [not on active duty in the armed

services OR had not received orders for a change of permanent station/notification I would be

deployed].

 

I have now [entered active military service in the U.S. BRANCH OF SERVICE on

DATE OR received orders for a change of permanent station for at least 90 days outside the

sate/notification I will be deployed for at least 90 days on DATE]. A copy of my orders is

enclosed. This change in my status as a member of the armed services materially affects my

ability to continue leasing the premises identified above.

 

The Service Member’s Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. §§ 501-596) allows service

members in my situation to terminate a residential lease without penalty prior to the end of the

lease term. For leases paid in monthly installments, termination of the lease is effective 30 days

after the first date on which the next rental payment is due after the date on which this notice has

been delivered – therefore one month of notice is required. For any other lease, termination of

the lease under is effective on the last day of the month following the month in which the notice

is delivered. [Optional: At the time of the lease signing I provided you with payment for the last

month of rent. Please consider that amount my final rent payment.]

 

Please note that under 50 U.S.C. App. § 535 of the Service Member’s Civil Relief Act,

you must return any rent or other lease amounts paid in advance within 30 days of the

termination of the lease. Kindly return my security deposit and any other funds by mailing them

to [ADDRESS].

 

Thank you for your attention in this matter. I can be reached at the address above with

any questions you may have.

 

 

Sincerely,

[service member's name, rank and branch of service]