SCRA: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Explained

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law that provides legal and financial protections to active-duty military members, including the ability to terminate leases early under certain circumstances.

Original Purpose: Protect service members from being disadvantaged financially or legally due to military service.

For Landlords: SCRA is not optional. It's federal law that applies to all rental agreements with active-duty service members, regardless of what your lease says.

Active Duty Military Members:

• Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard
• Full-time active duty
• Reserves/National Guard on active duty orders (30+ days)
• Commissioned officers of Public Health Service
• Commissioned officers of NOAA

Timing of Coverage:

• During active duty service
• Plus 30-90 days after separation (depending on situation)