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Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking

VAWA Occupancy Rights Notice

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These protections are available to all individuals regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ensures that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) complies with VAWA regulations.

This notice explains your rights under VAWA. A HUD-approved certification form is attached to this notice. You can fill out this form to show that you are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and that you wish to use your rights under VAWA.

Notice of Occupancy Rights Under the Violence Against Women Act

To access this HUD Form in multiple languages, please visit the HUDportal.

VAWA Certification Form

VAWA protects NYCHA applicants, residents, and program participants in certain HUD programs from being evicted, denied housing assistance, or terminated from housing assistance based on acts of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against them. Despite the name of this law, VAWA protection is available to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

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 this optional form and submit it to your housing provider.

Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking, and Alternate Documentation

To access this HUD Form in multiple languages, please visit the HUDportal.

NYCHA’s Emergency Transfer Program and Plan

NYCHA’s Emergency Transfer Program and Plan allows tenants to apply for an emergency transfer if they qualify for one of four categories: victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking (as defined by the Violence Against Women and Children Act); intimidated witness; intimidated victim; and victim of a traumatic incident. The policy is based on guidance from the U.S. Department of housing and Urban Development, which oversees public housing authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent changes to the Violence Against Women and Children Act (VAWA) make it easier for NYCHA tenants to qualify for emergency transfers by eliminating the need for third party documentation. The revised law also provide greater flexibility to the tenant in deciding where to live after requesting an emergency transfer.