Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law. The U.S. Department of Justice says a service member who signs a lease and then receives orders for a permanent change of station (PCS) or a deployment of 90 days or more can end a residential lease at any time after getting those orders, without penalty.

The service member must give the landlord written notice and a copy of the orders. For month-to-month rent, the lease ends 30 days after the next rent payment is due. Military OneSource adds that the protection starts when the person enters active duty.

For owners, this is a lease-planning point. An early end under the SCRA is lawful. Owners who are service members themselves may also rent out a home while on orders; see military clause for lease wording. Allow for the possibility in your budget and re-listing plan. Our military PCS rental management page covers owners on orders.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the linked official source or talk to a Maryland attorney.