The Honorable Hannah-Beth Jackson
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: SB 406 (Jackson) – Support

Dear Senator Jackson:

I am writing in support of AB 418 (Chiu). This bill will strengthen the early lease termination provisions for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and elder/dependent adult abuse. I support the efforts of the Western Center on Law & Poverty and the National Housing Law Project reflected in AB 418, which builds upon existing early lease termination protections for survivors.

Current law allows a survivor to terminate a residential lease early by providing a statement from a health professional, domestic violence or sexual assault counselor, or a human trafficking caseworker confirming that he or she has survived abuse. However, this provision is due to sunset on December 31, 2015. After that date, a survivor may only terminate a lease early by obtaining a restraining order or by filing a police report, which presents significant barriers to survivors. We support this measure to remove the sunset date and ensure that survivors continue to have access to lease terminations without having to turn to the courts or the police.

Thank you for your efforts to decrease the rent liability and hasten the return of a security deposit for survivors who are terminating a lease early, which provide quicker access to funds that are critical to combating the homelessness survivors often experience.

AB 418 is a crucial step in reducing the barriers that too often keep survivors from living in safe and stable housing free from the threat of repeated violence. I am pleased to support AB 418.

Sincerely,
Your name
Your email address
Your city, state and zip code

[Should you choose to add a message, your message will appear here.]

View CWLC’s AB 418 Letter of Support.

[emailpetition id=”1″]