Sask. government amends legislation to assist victims of sexual violence

Saskatchewan residents fleeing sexual violence received more help Monday.

Amendments to The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act and The Residential Tenancies Amendment Regulations came into effect. They allow victims of sexual violence to end a fixed-term lease by providing 28 days’ notice to their landlord.

“We are determined to protect survivors of sexual violence, who are often particularly vulnerable,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said in a media release.  “With these changes, the government is taking all available steps to make victims feel safe in their living arrangements.”

The amendments allow victims of sexual violence to terminate their leases early without paying financial penalties that they normally would face. They’re required to serve a notice to end the tenancy and must provide a certificate from Victims Services to their landlord.

The Saskatchewan Employment Act also recently was amended to help victims of sexual violence.

Landlords and tenants looking for more details on the amendments can find information, forms and documents here.