Military life comes with orders that do not always line up with a lease end date. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, usually called the SCRA, is a federal law that includes provisions allowing eligible servicemembers to end certain residential leases early in specific situations. This post gives a general, plain-language overview so you know what questions to ask. It is not legal advice. For guidance on your own situation, talk with your installation's legal assistance office, which provides help to eligible servicemembers and families.

What the SCRA is

The SCRA is a federal law designed to ease certain financial and legal burdens on servicemembers so they can focus on their duties. It covers a range of topics, and one of them is residential leases. The lease provisions are found in Title 50 of the United States Code. Because the law has specific requirements and definitions, the details matter, and a legal assistance attorney is the right person to apply them to your facts.

When the lease provisions may apply

In general terms, the SCRA's lease termination provisions can apply in situations such as these:

  • A lease signed before entering military service, when the person then enters active duty.
  • A lease signed while in military service, when the servicemember later receives permanent change of station (PCS) orders.
  • A lease signed while in military service, when the servicemember receives orders to deploy for a qualifying period.

There are also provisions that can cover dependents in certain circumstances. Eligibility depends on the specific orders and situation, which is why confirming with a legal assistance office is important.

How the process generally works

The law generally requires written notice to the landlord along with a copy of the military orders or an appropriate letter from a commanding officer. The timing of when termination takes effect is set by the law and usually depends on how rent is paid. Rent and other obligations generally continue until the termination takes effect, so it pays to act early once you have orders.

Practical steps

  • Read your lease and note your rent due date and any notice provisions.
  • Get a copy of your orders as soon as they are available.
  • Contact your installation's legal assistance office with your lease and orders in hand.
  • Deliver written notice in a way you can document, and keep copies of everything.
  • Ask the property office about move-out steps, the inspection, and where to send a forwarding address.

Planning ahead before you sign

The best time to think about orders is before you sign a lease. If you are moving to Millington for an assignment at NSA Mid-South, a little planning can make a future move less stressful.

Ask about lease terms

Ask the office about the lease terms available and how military orders are handled. Our guide to lease length and renewal covers the general questions to ask about any lease.

Keep your paperwork organized

Store a digital copy of your lease, orders, and correspondence in one folder. If you need to give notice later, everything will be ready.

Budget for a move either way

Even when the law helps with the lease, moving still has costs. Our post on budgeting a PCS PPM move covers general planning, and the PCS renter's checklist walks through the arrival side.

Military-friendly housing basics at Millington Oaks

Millington Oaks is at 4945 Navy Rd, Millington, TN 38053, in the city that is home to NSA Mid-South. Here are the facts we publish:

  • One-bedroom, one-bath, 750 sq ft, from $875 per month.
  • Two-bedroom, one-bath, 850 sq ft, from $975 per month.
  • $250 security deposit and $50 application fee.
  • Pricing is subject to change; confirm current rent with the office.

For a broader look at living near the installation, see apartments near NSA Mid-South and BAH and renting off base.

Where to find reliable information

Because the SCRA is a federal law with specific requirements, rely on official and qualified sources:

  • Your installation's legal assistance office.
  • Official Department of Defense and Military OneSource resources.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice, which publishes general information about servicemember rights.

Avoid relying on forum posts or secondhand stories, since situations differ and the details matter.

Frequently asked questions

Does the SCRA apply to every move?

No. The lease provisions apply in specific situations defined by the law. Whether your orders qualify is a question for a legal assistance attorney.

Can a spouse use the SCRA?

The law includes some provisions involving dependents. Eligibility depends on the circumstances, so ask legal assistance about your household's situation.

Should I stop paying rent once I give notice?

Generally, obligations continue until termination takes effect. Confirm the timing with legal assistance and the office before making any changes.

Questions about living here

We are happy to answer questions about our homes and the application process. Call (901) 878-0733, email [email protected], or schedule a tour. Browse the floor plans, and when you are ready, apply now online.