Additional protection for victims fleeing sexual violence went into effect Monday in Saskatchewan.
The provincial government has announced several changes to the Residential Leases Amendment Act of 2021 and the Residential Leases Amendment Regulations of 2021.
The amendments give victims of sexual violence the opportunity to terminate a fixed-term lease before giving the landlord 28 days notice to escape dangerous life situations.
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The government added that the changes nullify any financial penalties for the victim who would otherwise be present for an early termination of the lease.
“We are determined to protect survivors of sexual violence, who are often particularly vulnerable,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said in a statement Monday.
“With these changes, the government is taking all available measures so that the victims feel safe in their living arrangements.”
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The changes in the legislation reflect recent updates to the Saskatchewan Employment Act, which extended protection for victims of interpersonal violence to victims of sexual violence, according to the government.
Tenants who wish to take advantage of the protections offered by the amended legislation are requested to provide a notice to terminate their tenancy and a Victim Services certificate to the landlord.
Landlords and tenants looking for more details on how these changes will affect them can find information, forms and documents online at provincial government website.
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