How it works
The Residential Tenancies (Safer Spaces for Victims of Domestic Violence) Act allows for victims of family violence to end a residential tenancy agreement, often referred to as a lease, without financial penalty.
To do this, a tenant must get a certificate confirming grounds to terminate their lease and give it to their landlord along with at least 28 days' written notice. The tenant is still required to pay rent during the notice period.
For more information, see:
- Residential Tenancies Act – Part 4.1
- Termination of Tenancy (Domestic Violence) Regulation
- RTA handbook for landlords and tenants: Residential Tenancies Act and regulations
If you are at risk of domestic violence, do not wait until you receive your certificate before moving out. Call or text 911 if you're in immediate danger. Call 310-1818 for supports available to you.
How termination affects co-tenants
When a lease is terminated due to a certificate being issued and provided to a landlord, the tenancy agreement of everyone living with the victim is terminated too. The victim is not responsible for telling other tenants that the tenancy is ending, but can if they feel comfortable doing so. Otherwise, the landlord will be required to notify the co-tenants of the termination.
The other tenants should inform the landlord if they wish to stay in the rental premises. The landlord may choose to enter into a new with the remaining tenants or ask them to move out at the end of the notice period.
Eligibility
A tenant can request a certificate if:
- they are named on a residential tenancy agreement with a landlord, and
- their safety, or the safety of a dependent child or dependent adult in the home, is at risk if the tenancy continues