Updated July 2026: HUD revised its Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) forms and introduced a new recordkeeping form for owners and agents. This article has been updated to reflect the current forms, required customization, and compliance reminders.
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The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protects applicants and residents who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
These protections help eligible individuals keep their housing and access emergency transfers when needed. Owners and agents play an important role in carrying out these protections.
What is VAWA?
VAWA protects eligible applicants and residents from losing housing because they experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
The law also gives eligible residents access to emergency transfers and other housing protections.
Owners and agents should understand these requirements and follow HUD’s guidance when administering the program.
What’s New?
HUD updated several required VAWA forms in 2025. If your property has not reviewed these forms recently, now is the time.
HUD revised four existing VAWA forms and added one new form.
All current forms expire January 31, 2028.
The updates require owners and agents to add property-specific information before using several of the forms.
HUD-5380 Notice of Occupancy Rights under VAWA
The HUD-5380 notice explains the housing protections available under VAWA.
Before distributing the form, add your property’s:
- Emergency transfer information
- Emergency Transfer Plan
- Reasonable accommodation information
- Language access information
- Local advocacy organizations
- Legal aid organizations
- HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) office information
HUD-5381: Model Emergency Transfer Plan
HUD provides this form as a model Emergency Transfer Plan.
If you use HUD’s model:
- Complete all required sections.
- Customize the plan for your property.
- Remove HUD drafting notes before using the document.
Every property covered by VAWA must maintain an Emergency Transfer Plan.
HUD-5832: Certification Form
Applicants and residents may also use Form HUD-5382 to request VAWA protections.
Before using the form, include your property’s:
- Language access information
- Local advocacy organizations
- Legal aid resources
HUD-5383: Emergency Transfer Request
Residents use this form to request an emergency transfer.
Like Form 5382, it now requires property-specific information, including:
- Language access resources
- Local advocacy organizations
- Legal aid contacts
HUD-5384: Emergency Transfer Data Collection Form
HUD also added Form 5384 to improve recordkeeping.
The form helps owners and agents document:
- Emergency transfer requests
- Transfer decisions
- Outcomes
Most properties already keep these records. The new form provides a consistent way to organize the information.
What Owners and Agents Should Review
Downloading the new forms is only the first step.
Before you begin using them, make sure every required field is complete. Review:
- Emergency Transfer Plan
- Emergency transfer procedures
- Reasonable accommodation information
- Language access information
- Local advocacy organizations
- Legal aid contactsHUD FHEO office information
Incomplete forms may not meet HUD requirements.
When Should You Provide These Forms?
HUD requires owners and agents to provide Forms HUD-5380 and HUD-5382 at specific points during the housing process.
Provide these forms:
- When denying admission or assistance
- At move-in or initial certification
- With an eviction notice
- With a notice of termination of assistance
If your property still uses older forms, replace them with the current versions.
Why Do These Updates Matter?
The new forms do more than update an expiration date.
They give applicants and residents accurate information about their rights. They also help owners and agents maintain consistent documentation and procedures.
Taking time to review the forms now can also reduce confusion later and support compliance with HUD requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Changed with HUD’s VAWA Forms?
HUD updated Forms 5380, 5381, 5382, and 5383. HUD also added Form 5384 to standardize emergency transfer recordkeeping.
Do I have to customize the new VAWA forms?
Yes. Several forms require property-specific information, including emergency transfer procedures, language access resources, legal aid contacts, and local advocacy organizations.
What is HUD Form 5834?
HUD Form 5384 is the Emergency Transfer Data Collection Form. It helps owners and agents document emergency transfer requests and outcomes.
What VAWA forms must I provide to the residents?
HUD requires Forms 5380 and 5382 when denying admission or assistance, at move-in or initial certification, and with eviction or termination notices.
What is the expiration date for the current HUD VAWA forms?
The current forms expire January 31, 2028.
What Should I do if I am still using older VAWA forms?
Replace outdated forms with the current HUD versions. Then complete all required property-specific information before distributing them.
