Victims of domestic violence now have the option to break lease agreements early thanks to new legislation introduced by Calgary MLA Deborah Drever.
The new bill – dubbed the Residential Tenancies (Safer Spaces for Victims of Domestic Violence) Amendment Act – allows survivors to break leases early when they present their landlords with a certificate verifying they are at risk. The law came into effect Aug. 8.
Angela Wright, executive director with the Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society (ADVAS), said the new legislation could help those in domestic violence situations.
“It’s a positive for those people in those (situations). They don’t feel bound to stay in a location where they may need to leave, for obvious reasons,” she said. “(It’s good) to be able to get out of that without any financial ties holding them back.”
The bill was first introduced by Drever Nov. 15, 2015.
“I brought this bill forward because finances should never be a barrier to fleeing violence,” Drever said in a release. “These changes will make a real difference for survivors of domestic abuse. I am honoured it passed unanimously and that today, it’s the law.”
Those looking to break leases must acquire certificates, which are available from the ministry of Human Services. Tenants must give the ministry a peace bond, emergency protection order or statement from a certified professional, including a doctor, social worker or psychologist.
Under the new regulations, those who utilize the new legislation will also be connected with other support services. According to a release, a total of 1,064 emergency protection orders were issued in the province from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.
Crystal Boys, founder and president of Airdrie P.O.W.E.R. (Protecting Our Women With Emergency Resources), said the new legislation was “great news.”
“I am very excited to see the government taking steps to not only acknowledge there is a problem but to help take away barriers for the people trying to flee domestic violence,” she said in an email. “I think it’s a great step forward.”
According to Wright, domestic violence files at ADVAS are seeing a “steady increase.”
“I think we’re seeing the financial strain on families and relationships,” she said. “The economy would play a part in that, for sure.”
