Reforming Residential Tenancy Law for Victims of Domestic Violence

Abstract

Financial liability for ending residential tenancies early can prevent victims of domestic violence from fleeing danger or affording adequate housing. Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women, the primary victims of domestic violence. A recent amendment to residential tenancy legislation in most Canadian provinces has made it easier for victims to leave their rental housing by allowing early termination of tenancies with minimal financial penalties. However, the early termination amendments vary greatly among jurisdictions, and some of the provisions are problematic. In addition, more reforms of residential tenancy law are needed before its commonly encountered structural barriers to leaving or staying safely are removed. The new federal homelessness strategy may provide motivation for reform.