New Louisiana Law Allows Stalking and Cyberstalking Victims to Break Leases Without Penalty

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - A new Louisiana law going into effect on August 1, 2026, will provide crucial protections for victims of stalking and cyberstalking, allowing them to break their residential leases without facing financial penalties.

Act 64 extends previous domestic abuse lease-breaking provisions to explicitly include victims of stalking and cyberstalking. Under the new legislation, victims who can provide documented proof of their situation can terminate their rental agreements early to seek safety.

The Family Justice Center in Monroe emphasizes that this law represents a major step forward for public safety. Representative advocates say removing the financial barriers associated with breaking a lease allows victims to flee dangerous environments immediately.

Director of the Rural Victim Services program with the Family Justice Center, Cindy Roach, says, ““You cannot afford to pay to live somewhere else because you’re having to pay here. And so that burden and the relief that this law will give to survivors is huge. It is a huge step in the right direction for someone to be able to get free and ultimately survive.”

To legally break a lease under Act 64, renters must provide official documentation, such as a police report or protective order, directly to their landlord.