The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a US federal law that protects soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coast guardsmen and other commissioned officers as they enter active duty. Enacted in 2003, the legislation covers rental agreements, mortgage rates, evictions and more.
In 2019, North Carolina enacted their own version of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) in order to extend federal rights to the state level. North Carolina treats violations of the SCRA as unfair and deceptive trade practices, allowing the plaintiff to recover damages and attorney’s fees.
The state-level legislation treats knowing violations of the SCRA as unfair & deceptive trade practices. As a result, the victim may be able to recover damages and attorney’s fees.
SCRA Housing Protections
A servicemember reserves the right to extend a residential lease that expires while he or she is on active duty. As long as they are in good standing with their landlord, they may extend a lease.
Protections Against Internet & Phone Services
Additionally, the SCRA provides servicemembers with extended rights for phone, video and internet services. If ordered to relocate, he or she has flexibility in terminating or transferring service.
Under the law, service providers cannot charge an early termination or reinstatement fee. Further, they must return any advance payments to the servicemember. If the servicemember’s orders require them to relocate, then the servicemember is entitled to keep the same phone number.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Attorneys in Raleigh, N.C.
If you are a member of the U.S. military facing SCRA violations, Maginnis Howard’s SCRA attorneys can help.
Maginnis Howard’s Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Attorney, Karl Gwaltney has years of experience fighting SCRA violations. You can contact our firm by phone at 919.526.0450 or by email at info@carolinalaw.com. You can also reach our firm through our contact page.
