SCRA: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Explained
SCRA: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Explained
What is SCRA?
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.
Who is Covered by SCRA?
Covered Individuals
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