Rent woes for battered wives

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by NOEMI LOPINTO

Lease agreements are one of the barriers that stops women from leaving an abusive spouse, according to Abused Women Advocating for Rights and Equality (AWARE). The advocacy and support group, founded by victims of conjugal violence in 1995, is pushing the provincial government and the Régie du logement to amend the Civil Code. "The process of leaving [an abusive spouse] could be made easier," says coordinator June M. "Women who leave are still held legally responsible for their leases. This means they must choose between bad credit or paying two rents."

On Friday, July 25, AWARE went to Quebec City and met with a committee set up by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Louise Harel. The committee is formed of representatives from the Régie du logement, Women Canada and the Quebec Housing Society.

AWARE suggests that the provincial government approve an amendment that would "provide victims... with legal recourse to break their lease, with one month's notice, without fear of prejudice and financial or legal repercussions."

But Martin Messier, president of the Association des propriétaires du Québec is less enthused by the proposal. "Landlords are not matrimonial agents. We consider a lease to be a private contractual agreement between two parties. We cannot assume all of society's ills, we have a financial obligation to our creditors."

June says the initial discussions with the government went well. "We were well received. The powers that be are finally listening."

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