Above-Guideline Rent Increases for Yukon Tenants: Your 2024 Guide

Many tenants in Yukon wonder what will happen if their landlord wants to raise the rent by more than the typical annual guideline amount. Understanding how above-guideline rent increases operate can help you protect your rights, plan your finances, and maintain your housing stability. This guide offers straight answers for Yukoners, with steps to take if you receive a notice and links to official resources.

Understanding Rent Increases in Yukon

In Yukon, landlords can raise the rent once every 12 months, but there is a cap on how much they may increase it. This is known as the rent increase guideline, which is set each year based on the Consumer Price Index for Canada. In certain limited circumstances, landlords may apply for an above-guideline rent increase if they can justify higher costs—such as significant capital repairs or increased property taxes.

All tenants should be familiar with the general rules about Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know to navigate changes to their housing costs.

What Is an Above-Guideline Rent Increase?

An above-guideline rent increase is when a landlord wants to raise the rent by more than the annual guideline. In Yukon, these are only permitted when the landlord can show that specific situations apply, like major repairs, significant increases in municipal taxes, or unforeseen utility cost hikes for the property.

How Landlords Apply for Above-Guideline Increases

Landlords must formally apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) before enforcing an above-guideline rent increase. The process includes:

• Providing notice to the tenant and submitting an application to the RTO.
• Demonstrating that the cost increase is legitimate and meets the criteria under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
• Obtaining approval from the RTO before charging the new rent.

If you receive a notice of an above-guideline increase, check that your landlord has filed with the RTO and is following the proper procedure.

Your Rights When Facing a Rent Increase

As a Yukon tenant, you are protected by specific laws that place limits on when and how your rent can be raised. You should never be pressured to pay any increase above the guideline unless the landlord has formal approval from the RTO. It's your right to see proof of all applications and decisions.

Receiving Official Notice

For a rent increase to be valid, the landlord must serve you proper written notice and give at least three months' advance warning before the new rent takes effect. If the landlord is approved for an above-guideline increase, you must be told the reason and the decision by the RTO. For more on your rights and obligations after signing a rental agreement, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Official Forms and Resources for Tenants

You may encounter the following official forms during the rent increase process in Yukon:

• Application for Approval of Rent Increase Above Guideline – This is submitted by the landlord to the Residential Tenancies Office. Tenants can request a copy if they wish to review or challenge the reasons cited by the landlord.
  Download the form (PDF).
• Notice of Rent Increase** – Landlords must use this official form to provide you with written notice at least three months in advance.
  Download the notice (PDF).

Practical Example: If your landlord plans a new roof installation and seeks an above-guideline increase, they must apply to the RTO first. If you're uncertain about their claim, you can ask the RTO to see a copy of the Application for Approval of Rent Increase Above Guideline to make sure the request is valid.

Responding to an Above-Guideline Increase

If you disagree with a rent increase above the guideline, you can object in writing to the RTO during the review process. The RTO will consider both sides before making a final decision and will issue a written decision that must be followed by both the tenant and the landlord.

Key Legislation Protecting Yukon Tenants

All rent increases, including above-guideline increases, are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon).¹ This law creates specific rules for notice periods, guidelines, and disputes for tenants and landlords throughout Yukon.

For a broader view of local rights and rules, you can read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

If you are searching for a new home or want to compare options in other provinces, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, a reliable and up-to-date rental platform for tenants.

FAQ: Above-Guideline Rent Increases in Yukon

1. How often can my landlord apply for an above-guideline rent increase?
   Landlords can apply only once every 12 months and must provide justification and obtain approval from the Residential Tenancies Office before increasing your rent above the set guideline.
2. Do I have to accept an above-guideline rent increase?
   No. If you disagree, you can file an objection with the RTO during the review process. The increase is not enforceable unless approved by the RTO.
3. What reasons allow landlords to apply for an above-guideline increase?
   Common reasons include major building repairs, increased property taxes, or unexpected large hikes in utility costs. All claims must be documented and approved.
4. Will my rent ever decrease after an above-guideline increase?
   Generally, increases remain unless the circumstances justifying them change and an updated decision by the RTO requires an adjustment.
5. Where can I get help if I think the increase is unfair?
   You can contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for guidance, submit concerns, or participate in the review process.
   

Summary: What Yukon Tenants Should Remember

• Landlords must apply to the RTO and prove special circumstances to increase rent above the guideline.
• You have the right to receive proper notice and object in writing to the RTO before any increase takes effect.
• The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is your main source of legal protection.

Staying informed ensures your home remains affordable and your rights are respected throughout your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): The official body for tenancy disputes, notices, and approvals. Phone: 867-667-5944
• Tenant Information and Help: Directory of Yukon-based housing resources and free help for renters
• For plain language legal info, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon

1. Read the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
2. See the official Residential Tenancies Office (Yukon) website