SCRA Lease Termination Rights

Name: Lease Terminations
Brand: Military Justice Attorneys
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

Federal protections that allow service members to end qualifying residential and vehicle leases early due to military service.

Early Termination of Residential and Vehicle Leases Under the SCRA

The SCRA provides service members the right to early termination of residential and motor vehicle leases. A service member on the lease, referred to as the lessee, may choose to terminate a lease at any time after entering military service or after receiving qualifying military orders. If a service member is a joint lessee with a dependent, such as a spouse, termination of the lease by the service member is also effective for the dependent.

These lease termination protections apply to leases of residential premises, including apartments and homes, as well as leases for motor vehicles.

When Residential Leases May Be Terminated

Early termination of a residential lease may be sought when a person enters military service during the term of the lease or when a service member receives military orders for a permanent change of duty station or deployment lasting at least 90 days. These provisions are designed to prevent service members from being locked into housing arrangements that no longer align with their military obligations.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our attorneys are all former military officers who served on active duty. We work as a team on your case, leveraging each of our attorneys’ unique perspectives and vast experience to win on your behalf.

Gerry Healy

Owner and Founder

Gerry founded Military Justice Attorneys to provide service members with principled, trial-tested defense rooted in firsthand experience inside the military justice system.

Former Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps
Recognized Criminal Defense Attorney and Litigator
Represents Military Community in Complex Mass Torts

Josh Hill

Managing Partner

Josh oversees the firm’s military justice practice, bringing a strategic and detail-driven approach to complex litigation, appeals, and high-stakes administrative matters.

Former Military Prosecutor and Defense Counsel
Admitted to Practice in all Military Appellate Courts
Burton Award for Distinguished Legal Writing

Chip Hodge

Partner

Chip draws on senior-level military justice experience to advise and defend service members facing courts-martial, investigations, and career-altering administrative actions.

Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel
Served as Deputy SJA, Marine Forces Reserve
Deployed to Afghanistan in Support of OEF

Paul Murray

Partner

Paul represents contractors injured while working overseas in support of US agencies and forces, combining significant litigation experience with a deep commitment to helping injured workers.

Former Major in the U.S. Marine Corps
Admitted to the Bar in South Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois

Jon Shelburne

Senior Counsel

Jon brings decades of courtroom and appellate experience, focusing on serious criminal allegations and complex military justice matters worldwide.

30+ Years of Trial Experience
Co-Chair, Veterans Committee for Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Amy Thomas

Of Counsel

Amy provides strategic counsel on military and employment-related matters, informed by senior leadership experience and advanced legal training.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps
Master's in Jurisprudence in Labor & Employment Law

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Motor Vehicle Lease Termination Requirements

Motor vehicle leases are subject to different termination requirements under the SCRA. A service member may terminate a motor vehicle lease under the following circumstances:

When a person enters military service for a period of not less than 180 days during the term of the lease;
When a service member receives military orders for a permanent change of duty station or moves from a location within the continental United States to a location outside the continental United States, or vice versa, or
When a service member receives military orders to deploy for a period of not less than 180 days.

Case Results We’ve been in the fight & know how to win

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NO GOMOR ISSUED

Fort Cavazos, Texas. Army Officer Rebuts Allegations of Online Social Media Misconduct; No GOMOR Issued.

GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Army Major (O-4) reprimanded for extramarital sexual conduct, GOMOR locally filed.

NO ADVERSE ACTION

Fort Stewart, Georgia. An Army Sergeant (E-5) was flagged for allegedly violating a restriction of movement (ROM) order following a suspected case of COVID-19.

GOMOR REMOVED

Fort Stewart, Georgia. GOMOR removed for Army Ranger arrested for DUI less safe after failing to submit to a field sobriety test.

GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

Fort Knox, Kentucky. Army Major (O-4) facing an investigation and possible removal from the Army contacted MJA to help him respond appropriately.

MARINE SNCO PROMOTED

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Marine Staff Sergeant (E-6) refused NJP, avoids court-martial and earns promotion.

PROMOTED AFTER GOMOR

United States Army Japan. An Army First Lieutenant (O-2) received a permanently filed GOMOR for allegedly being drunk and disorderly in violation of USF Japan liberty policy.

GOMOR WITHDRAWN AND DESTROYED

Army Reserve Support Command. Army Sergeant First Class (E-7) reprimanded for alleged aggravated sexual contact.

GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

1st Theater Sustainment Command, Middle East. Army Major (O-4) reprimanded for allegations of extramarital sexual conduct.

GOMOR TRANSFERRED

Department of the Army Suitability and Evaluation Board (DASEB). Army Captain (O-3) reprimanded for drunk and disorderly.

View All Results

SCRA Notice Requirements for Lease Termination

Service members must comply with the SCRA’s notice requirements to properly terminate a lease. If notice requirements are not met, payments due to the lessor may continue to accrue and become payable. When notice is properly given, the SCRA provides that leases are terminated and affords protections related to security deposits, prorated rent or lease payments, and early termination charges.

Compliance with these notice requirements is critical. An experienced military justice lawyer can help ensure proper compliance so that service members receive the full protections available under the SCRA.

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

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"The Government Came to Bury Me, Josh Hill Buried Their Case Instead"

If you’re reading this review,...

"If you’re reading this review, there’s a fair chance you’re in trouble with the military. The answer is YES—hire Josh Hill. He is worth every penny and more. Don’t gamble with your VA benefits, your military pension, or your freedom. You only get one shot at defending your future. Trust me, this is the guy you want in your corner. When I first hired Josh Hill as my civilian military lawyer, I was staring down a mountain: 28 specifications across 6 charges in a military court-martial. The government basically made a giant mud ball, threw it at the wall, and waited to see what would stick. The stakes couldn’t have been higher—my freedom, my career, my reputation, and my benefits were all on the line. But from day one, Josh brought unmatched experience, surgical strategy, and a level of confidence that gave me hope when I needed it most. Josh Hill is a master of his craft. He navigated the UCMJ like a seasoned warrior—dissecting every allegation, exposing every weakness in the government’s case, and challenging every false assumption thrown my way. His preparation was meticulous, his presence in court was commanding, and his cross-examinations were absolutely relentless. He left no stone unturned and no argument unanswered. Because of Josh’s leadership, we went from what felt like an impossible situation to walking out of that courtroom not guilty on all charges. That wasn’t just a win—it was a total and complete vindication. And it’s 100% because of Josh Hill’s commitment, brilliance, and refusal to let the government steamroll me. Josh Hill didn’t just defend me—he saved my life. I will forever be in his debt for the sacrifices he made and the time he dedicated to my case. One last note: When he calls—ANSWER IT. Drop what you're doing, it can wait. That phone call might be the one thing that changes your future. If you want to hear my story firsthand, Josh has my permission to give you my contact info. I’ll gladly tell you exactly how he absolutely destroyed the government’s case, so I can continue with my life."
-STAFF SERGEANT, USMC

"He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom."

My career, my life, my futu...

I know Mr Healy quite well. He represented me in a case where the odds were stacked against me. This was the most difficult time of my life considering some other circumstances that were added on. However, he fought for me tooth and nail even though his caseload was very high at the time. It seemed he devoted every ounce of effort to find me justice and in the end, because of his efforts, I was fully acquitted of several charges.
I will never forget that feeling for as long as I live. Upon the announcement of the verdict I nearly collapsed. My career, my life, my future was completely in his hands and he took it as seriously as I did. He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom. I highly recommend his services if you expect to have any chance of seeing the justice you truly deserve.

-Corporal, USMC

"Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me"

Mr. Hodge was relentless in hi...

Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me . . . and absolved me of any wrongdoing under the UCMJ.
-Corporal, USMC

"His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented."

Josh is a hard nosed and dedic...

Josh is a hard nosed and dedicated attorney that will stand by you every step of the way in your defense. His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented.
-Staff Sergeant, USA

"I would hire them again in a heartbeat."

Gerry and Josh are absolute pr...

Gerry and Josh are absolute professional monsters in the courtroom. I would hire them again in a heartbeat and wouldn’t want anyone else in my corner!
-Private First Class, USA

"I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding."

Mr. Hill tore apart the govern...

Mr. Hill tore apart the government's theory piece by piece . . . I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding.
-Petty Officer Third Class, USN

"I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands."

Gerry Healy is an outstandi...

Gerry Healy is an outstanding attorney. In the courtroom he is confident, knowledgeable, and aggressive. I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands.
-Airman First Class, USAF

What Happens If a Lessor Violates the SCRA?

When lessors fail to comply with the SCRA, service members have the right to take action and may be entitled to compensation. In many cases, an experienced military justice attorney can resolve the issue without the need for litigation. Lessors who violate the SCRA risk paying damages, attorney’s fees, and fines, and may also face prosecution for a federal misdemeanor.

If you or someone you know needs assistance enforcing rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, please contact Military Justice Attorneys to speak with an experienced military justice lawyer.

SCRA Lease Termination Rights

Early Termination of Residential and Vehicle Leases Under the SCRA

When Residential Leases May Be Terminated

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Gerry Healy

Josh Hill

Chip Hodge

Paul Murray

Jon Shelburne

Amy Thomas

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Motor Vehicle Lease Termination Requirements

Case Results We’ve been in the fight & know how to win

NO GOMOR ISSUED

GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

NO ADVERSE ACTION

GOMOR REMOVED

GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

MARINE SNCO PROMOTED

PROMOTED AFTER GOMOR

GOMOR WITHDRAWN AND DESTROYED

GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

GOMOR TRANSFERRED

SCRA Notice Requirements for Lease Termination

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

"The Government Came to Bury Me, Josh Hill Buried Their Case Instead"

"He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom."

"Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me"

"His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented."

"I would hire them again in a heartbeat."

"I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding."

"I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands."

What Happens If a Lessor Violates the SCRA?

Contact Us When Your Future Is On The Line

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