What is a bad faith family move-in eviction?
A bad faith family move-in eviction is when a landlord serves a notice saying a family member will move into your rental unit but the stated reason is not genuine. The landlord may instead re-rent the unit at a higher price, leave it vacant, or use the notice to pressure a tenant to leave. Tenants should understand local rules about legitimate owner or family use and what evidence can be used to challenge a notice.
How to spot bad faith
- Compare the notice to the landlord's actions, such as listing the unit for rent or showing it to new applicants after the move-in date.
- Collect and keep evidence: dated photos of listings, emails, text messages, and records of viewings or advertisements.
- Note timelines in the notice and any deadlines given by the landlord or the Residential Tenancies Office.
- Check the exact reason on the notice and whether it matches permitted grounds under Yukon tenancy rules and the statute cited by the Residential Tenancies Office.[1]
Immediate steps tenants should take
- Document everything: save notices, photos, texts, emails, and take notes of conversations and viewing dates.
- Act quickly: note any deadlines on the notice and the time windows for filing disputes with the Residential Tenancies Office.[2]
- File the appropriate application with the Residential Tenancies Office to dispute the notice and request a hearing; include copies of your evidence and a clear timeline.
- Prepare for the hearing: organise documents, list witnesses, and be ready to explain why the landlord's stated move-in is not genuine.
Official forms and how to use them
Yukon provides official forms for notices and applications. Two commonly relevant forms are described below; both are available from the Yukon government website.[3]
- Form name: Notice to End Tenancy (Landlord's Use). When to use: a landlord uses this to give formal notice when they claim they or a close family member will move in. Practical example: if you receive this notice and suspect it is untrue because the unit is advertised online, include a copy of the advertisement when you file a dispute.
- Form name: Application to the Residential Tenancies Office. When to use: a tenant files this to dispute a notice or request a hearing. Practical example: attach dated communications, photos of listings, and a short timeline explaining inconsistencies in the landlord's stated reason.
The Residential Tenancies Office is the government service that handles disputes and hearings for Yukon rental issues; contact details and filing procedures are on the Yukon tenancy pages.[2]
When a hearing may find bad faith
Tribunals consider whether the landlord genuinely required the unit for a family member and whether the landlord followed procedural rules. Evidence of bad faith includes immediate re-advertising, lease offers to new tenants shortly after the notice date, or inconsistent statements from the landlord. Remedies can include the tribunal cancelling the notice, ordering compensation, or other directions to protect tenant rights.
FAQ
- Can a Yukon landlord claim a family member will move in and evict me?
- Yes, a landlord can serve a notice claiming family move-in, but the landlord must follow the rules. If you believe the claim is not genuine you can file an application to the Residential Tenancies Office and present evidence to challenge the notice.
- What evidence helps prove a notice was in bad faith?
- Useful evidence includes dated ads for the unit, messages showing listing or showing activity, witness statements, and any documents that contradict the landlord's stated plan to occupy the unit.
- Will I be forced to move out during a dispute?
- Not automatically. Filing a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Office starts a process; follow any directions from the tribunal and keep records. If urgent, ask the office about temporary measures or instructions for your situation.
How-To
- Gather and date all evidence that contradicts the landlord's claim, such as ads or messages.
- Check the notice for any filing deadlines and note the timeframe to apply to the Residential Tenancies Office.
- Complete and submit the Application to the Residential Tenancies Office with copies of your evidence.
- Attend the hearing, present a clear timeline, and ask the tribunal to cancel the notice or order remedies if bad faith is proven.
Key Takeaways
- Document every step and keep dated records of notices, ads, and communications.
- Observe deadlines and file a dispute promptly with the Residential Tenancies Office.
- Use the official forms and follow tribunal instructions to protect your tenancy rights.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies - Government of Yukon
- Tenancy forms and guides - Government of Yukon
- Housing information - Government of Yukon
- [1] Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
- [2] Residential Tenancies - Government of Yukon
- [3] Tenancy forms and guides - Government of Yukon
Additional reading: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon and Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. If you are looking for a new rental, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
