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Violence Against Women Act

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization Act of 2013 expanded housing protections to programs beyond the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) public housing program and HUD’s tenant-based and project-based Section 8 programs that were covered by the Reauthorization of VAWA in 2005. It provides enhanced protections and options for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

HUD issued VAWA regulations in November 2016 that affect Minnesota Housing Programs such as HOME, National Housing Trust Fund, Section 8, Section 811 and Section 236. Covered Housing Programs are required to comply with these regulations.

IRS has not issued implementation guidance for Section 42, but owners of tax credit properties are required to comply with VAWA's statutory provisions. Please review section 5.14 of the Housing Tax Credit Compliance Manual for Minnesota Housing's recommendations on implementing VAWA in tax credit properties.

VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2022

The VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2022 adds to existing VAWA requirements by:

  • Prohibiting retaliation against persons exercising their rights or participating in processes related to VAWA housing protections
  • Protecting the right to report crime from one’s home
  • Reauthorizing funding for fiscal years 2023 through 2027 for transitional housing grants for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault of stalking
  • Expanding the definition of “covered housing program”
  • Reauthorizing funding for fiscal years 2023 through 2027 for collaborative grants to increase the long-term stability of victims who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and grants to combat violence against women in public and assisted housing.

The Act also requires the HUD Secretary to conduct a study assessing the availability and accessibility of housing and services for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability who are survivors of trafficking or at risk of being trafficked and to establish a Gender-based Violence Prevention Office with a VAWA Director. If new regulations are required to implement any of these changes to VAWA, HUD must issue the new regulations no later than March 15, 2024.

Forms and Notifications Requirements

Forms and Notification Requirements

HUD requires certain forms and notifications for applicants and tenants to comply with the VAWA Final Rule. Our VAWA Guidance Summary helps owners and agents with implementing and complying with these regulations.

The VAWA Final Rule and additional resources can be found on the VAWA webpage.

Lease Addendum

Lease Addendum

HUD developed a VAWA Lease Addendum, but it has not been updated to reflect newer regulations. Until updated, Minnesota Housing will require additional attachments to the addendum for HOME and National Housing Trust Fund.

Emergency Transfer Plan

Emergency Transfer Plans

Emergency Transfer Plans (ETP) are a new requirement under the VAWA Final Rule.

Additional details can be found in the VAWA Final Rule and Minnesota Housing VAWA Guidance Summary.