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Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking If a tenant asserts VAWA's protections, you can ask the tenant to certify that he or she is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. You are not required to demand official documentation and may rely upon the victim's statement alone. If you choose to request certification, you must do so in writing and give the tenant at least 14 business days to provide documentation. You are free to extend this deadline. A tenant can certify that he or she is a victim by providing any one of the following three documents: ~ By completing aHUD-approved certification form. The most recent form is HUD-50066. This form is available at the housing authority, or online at http://www.hud. gov/offices/adm/hudcli~s/. ~ By providing a statement from a victim service provider, attorney, or medical professional who has helped the victim address incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. The professional must state that he or she believes that the incidents of abuse are real. Both the victim and the professional must sign the statement under penalty of perjury. ~ By providing a police or court record, such as a protective order. If the tenant fails to provide one of these documents within 14 business days, you may evict the tenant if authorized by otherwise applicable law and lease provisions. Confidentiality You must keep confidential any information a tenant provides to certify that he or she is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. You cannot enter the information into a shared database or reveal it to outside entities unless: ~ The tenant provides written permission releasing the information. ~ The information is required for use in an eviction proceeding, such as to evict the abuser. ~ Release of the information is otherwise required by law. The victim should inform you if the release of the information would put his or her safety at risk. VAWA and Other Laws VAWA does not limit your obligation to honor court orders regarding access to or control of the property. This includes orders issued to protect the victim and orders dividing property among household members in cases where a family breaks up. VAWA does not replace any federal, state, or local law that provides greater protection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Additional Information ~ If you have any questions regarding VAWA, please contact ~ HUD Notice PIH 2006-42 contains detailed information regarding VAWA's certification requirements. The notice is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/. ~ An overview of VAWA's housing provisions is available at http://edocket. acces s . gpo. gov/2007/pdf/E7-4795.pdf. ii/29/io Page 16-33