Legal VAWA Addendum

LEGAL VAWA ADDENDUM

This VAWA Addendum (the "Addendum") is made and entered into on by and between Landlord Name: (hereinafter "Landlord") and Tenant Name: (hereinafter "Tenant") concerning the residential premises located at under the Lease dated .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Tenant asserts that Tenant or a member of Tenant's household is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and seeks protections and accommodations provided under applicable federal law commonly referred to as the Violence Against Women Act ("VAWA"); and

WHEREAS, Landlord recognizes obligations to protect the safety and confidentiality of victims and to consider requests for transfer, bifurcation, or other reasonable measures to reduce risk of future violence while upholding legitimate safety and property interests; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth certain rights, responsibilities, procedures and certification requirements related to Tenant's status as a covered individual under federal law.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Addendum:

(a) "Domestic Violence" means felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse, intimate partner, or family member, including physical harm, fear of physical harm, or coercive control that threatens safety.

(b) "Dating Violence" means violence committed by a person who is or has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim where the existence of such a relationship is determined based on its length, type, and frequency of interaction.

(c) "Sexual Assault" means any nonconsensual sexual act, including unwanted sexual contact or forced sexual activity.

(d) "Stalking" means a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress.

(e) "Covered Individual" means Tenant, household member, or affiliated individual who is a victim as described above and seeks protections under this Addendum.

2. PROTECTIONS AND LANDLORD OBLIGATIONS

2.1 Non-Discrimination and Non-Eviction. Landlord shall not deny admission, terminate tenancy, refuse to renew a lease, or take other adverse housing actions against a Covered Individual solely on the basis that the individual is or has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, provided that the Covered Individual complies with the Lease and reasonable documentation procedures set forth in Section 3.

2.2 Confidentiality. Landlord shall treat all information related to a Covered Individual's status, requested accommodations, and documentation as confidential and will not disclose such information except:

(a) as necessary to process requests under this Addendum; (b) as required by court order or applicable law; or (c) with the prior written consent of the Covered Individual. Landlord shall maintain records in a separate, secure file.

2.3 Emergency Transfer and Relocation. Upon receipt of a certified request demonstrating that the Covered Individual is in need of relocation for safety reasons, Landlord will evaluate transfer requests promptly. If Landlord determines that a transfer is necessary and safe units are available, Landlord will make reasonable efforts to offer an alternate unit. Landlord does not guarantee availability of a particular unit type or location.

2.4 Lease Bifurcation. To the extent permitted by law and lease terms, Landlord may, upon request and appropriate documentation, bifurcate a lease and remove an abuser from the Lease without evicting the non-abusive Covered Individual. Bifurcation shall be implemented only after Landlord's review and in accordance with applicable notice and due process requirements.

2.5 Reasonable Accommodations. Landlord will consider requests for reasonable accommodations or modifications to enhance safety (including locks, lighting, or other safety measures). Such requests must be reasonably related to safety needs asserted by the Covered Individual and are subject to Landlord's legitimate safety and cost considerations.

3. CERTIFICATION, DOCUMENTATION AND TIMEFRAMES

3.1 Certification Options. A Covered Individual may establish status by one of the following methods (select applicable option(s)):

Self-Certification: A signed written statement from the Covered Individual affirming that the individual meets the definition of a victim.

Third-Party Certification: A written verification signed by an employee, agent, or volunteer of a domestic violence program, an attorney, an advocate, a medical or mental health professional, or law enforcement official who has assisted the individual. Include certifier contact information below if available.

3.2 Timeframe for Documentation. Landlord may request supporting documentation reasonably related to the claim. The Covered Individual shall provide requested documentation within days of receipt of the request unless an extension is granted for good cause. Failure to provide documentation may result in denial of requested protections to the extent permitted by law.

3.3 Consequences of False Statements. The Covered Individual certifies that statements and documentation provided under this Addendum are true and accurate to the best of the individual's knowledge. Knowingly providing false information or a false statement to obtain protections may subject the individual to legal remedies, including termination of lease or other remedies permitted by law.

4. PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING RELIEF

4.1 Request Procedure. To request protections or accommodations under this Addendum, the Covered Individual shall submit a written request to Landlord by delivering Notice to the address designated below. The request should describe the accommodation or relief sought and include available supporting documentation.

4.2 Response. Upon receipt of a request and any required documentation, Landlord will respond in writing within a reasonable time describing whether the request is granted or denied and, if denied, the reasons for denial and any alternative measures offered.

5. RENT, PAYMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS

5.1 Existing Lease Obligations. Except as expressly modified by a written agreement executed under this Addendum, all terms of the Lease remain in full force and effect, including obligations to pay rent and utilities.

5.2 No Penalty. Landlord shall not impose penalties, fees, or different terms solely because a Tenant is or asserts status as a Covered Individual.

6. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

6.1 Notices. All notices under this Addendum shall be in writing and delivered in accordance with the Notice addresses set forth above or to such other address as a party may designate in writing.

6.2 Amendments. This Addendum may be amended only by a writing signed by both Landlord and Tenant.

6.3 Waiver. No course of conduct, delay, or failure to enforce any provision of this Addendum shall operate as a waiver of any right unless in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

6.4 Governing Law. This Addendum shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Property is located, without regard to conflict of laws principles.

6.5 Entire Agreement. This Addendum, together with the Lease, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to VAWA-related protections and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, and agreements, whether written or oral, relating thereto.

6.6 Severability. If any provision of this Addendum is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such provision shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

CERTIFICATION BY TENANT

Tenant certifies under penalty of perjury under applicable law that the information provided in support of this Addendum is true and correct to the best of Tenant's knowledge. Tenant authorizes Landlord to contact any third-party certifier identified above for the limited purpose of verifying the statement or documentation submitted pursuant to this Addendum.

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