On January 1, 2019, changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will come into effect, including early termination of rental agreements as a result of domestic violence.
Regulations were published today in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette identifying designated authorities who may provide statements to allow for the early terminations. These include physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, police officers, and individuals employed by an agency or organization recognized by the Director of Residential Tenancies.
The statements provided will allow tenants early termination of fixed-term and month-to-month rental agreements without penalty by providing a termination date of 30 days following the service of notice in situations of family violence.
Other highlights include changes to penalties under the act, rental increase notification, group eviction notices, the ability to deliver and receive documentation electronically and the inclusion of boarding houses under the act.
The bill can be found online at assembly.nl.ca/HouseBusiness/Bills/ga48session3/bill1815.htm
Changes to the act provide consumer protection to tenants, while also ensuring the needs of landlords are taken into account. A review of the Residential Tenancies Act was a commitment outlined in the minister’s mandate letter delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to provide better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
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“The province has a large rental market, impacting people of many different backgrounds. The new Residential Tenancies Act is a balanced approach for both landlords and tenants. The act and regulations also support victims of domestic violence by helping them find ways of leaving an abusive situation and re-establishing their lives.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL
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Residential Tenancies Act Changes Aim to Improve Province’s Rental Environment
Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Residential Tenancies Act, 2000
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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Service NL
729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca