Adding Someone to Your Lease in Yukon: Tenant Guide

Needing to officially add a roommate, partner, or family member to your lease in Yukon? While it’s common for circumstances to change during a tenancy, it’s important to follow the proper legal process under Yukon law. This tenant-friendly guide explains what’s involved, key forms you’ll need, and where to get support—all using clear language and official resources.

Who Needs to Be Added to a Lease?

If someone new is moving in and sharing responsibility for the rental unit, you should update your lease. Officially, anyone who regularly lives in the rental home and pays rent or will have legal rights or obligations should be listed on the lease agreement.

• Partners moving in after tenancy starts
• Adult children or relatives joining the household
• New roommates replacing someone moving out

Children or dependents do not need to be added as tenants—only adult occupants who want a legal relationship with the tenancy or who will share responsibility with the landlord.

Step-by-Step: How to Add a Person to Your Lease in Yukon

The process in Yukon usually requires approval from your landlord and a lease amendment or new written agreement. Here’s what to expect and how to do it right:

1. Talk to Your Landlord: Notify your landlord in writing if you want to add another adult occupant. It’s best to include details (name, intended move-in date, etc.).
2. Landlord Assessment: The landlord may request references or screening for the new person. They must not unreasonably refuse, but can verify suitability.
3. Update the Lease Agreement:
   A lease amendment or entirely new lease will be prepared. All current and new tenants and the landlord should sign. Keep copies for your records.
4. Use Official Forms: Yukon does not provide a specific amendment form, but you can download the Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1) directly from the Yukon government. Amend by adding the new person's details, or complete a new agreement for everyone to sign.
5. Submit to the Landlord and Keep a Copy: Ensure everyone receives a signed copy. It’s also wise to inform the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office in writing of changes to responsible parties if there are ongoing tenancy matters.

Amending your lease ensures all parties’ rights and responsibilities are clear—protecting both tenants and landlords under Yukon law.

What Happens to the Security Deposit?

If a new person joins, your landlord may ask for an updated deposit reflecting the total monthly rent or new arrangements, but any changes must comply with the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act ^[1]. For more on deposits and what you need to know, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Legal Responsibilities After the Change

Once a new co-tenant is added, all those named on the lease share legal accountability for rent, property condition, and lease terms. For a full overview of shared obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Always confirm amendments in writing. Verbal agreements won’t protect you in case of a dispute—make sure everyone has a signed copy with the new person's name.

Legislation and Decision-Making Body

All Yukon residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This legislation defines tenant and landlord rights, how to change agreements, and how disputes are resolved. If a dispute arises, the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office adjudicates complaints and applications.

Need a Lease Amendment Example?

You can use an updated Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1) or draft a written amendment signed by all existing and new tenants plus the landlord. Clearly state:

• The name of the person being added
• The effective date
• Any changes to rent or responsibilities

Adding a new tenant is a good opportunity to revisit what happens after a lease is signed. See What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for a refresher on post-signing steps.

What if a Tenant Wants to Move Out?

If the makeup of tenants changes (someone leaves, someone new joins), all parties should update or end the current agreement and start a new one, unless all original tenants remain. For a full overview of Yukon-specific tenant and landlord rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

To see rental options before updating your lease, Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Canada's best rental listings platform.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adding a Person to Your Lease in Yukon

1. Can a landlord refuse to add someone to my lease?
   Landlords must have reasonable grounds to refuse, such as occupancy limits, past conduct, or financial risk. However, refusal must not be discriminatory or arbitrary.
2. Do I need to pay a new security deposit when adding a tenant?
   Possibly. If rent increases or a new agreement is signed, a revised deposit may be requested—within limits set by the Act.
3. Is written consent necessary to add a roommate?
   Yes. Both the landlord and new tenant should sign a lease amendment or new agreement.
4. What about children or dependents?
   Children and dependents do not need to be separately named on the lease, unless specifically required by agreement, but cannot be unreasonably refused.
5. Where can I get an official lease amendment form?
   While Yukon does not issue a specific "amendment" form, update the Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1) or draft a written addendum with all signatures.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Always get landlord approval and document any change to tenancy in writing
• Use Yukon’s official forms or written amendments, signed by all parties
• Questions or problems? Yukon Residential Tenancies Office can help

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Info and dispute resolution (phone: 867-667-5944; email: rto@gov.yk.ca)
• Yukon Government – Landlords and Tenants information
• Local legal aid clinics and tenant support services are available in Whitehorse and communities

---

1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
2. Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1) – Yukon Government
3. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy