Common Landlord Violations and Penalties in Yukon

Landlord Compliance & Penalties Yukon published: June 19, 2025 Flag of Yukon

If you're renting a home in Yukon, knowing what landlords can—and cannot—legally do protects both your peace of mind and your rights. Under Yukon's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must follow strict rules. If they don't, there can be real consequences for them, and strong remedies available to you as a tenant.

Who Oversees Rental Law in Yukon?

Residential tenancy issues in Yukon are handled by the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). This office also provides complaint forms, information, and enforcement of the Act.[1]

Most Common Landlord Violations in Yukon

While most landlords in Yukon follow the law, issues sometimes arise. Here are the top violations tenants report:

  • Entering without notice: Landlords must give at least 24 hours written notice before entering, except in emergencies.
  • Improper eviction: Ending a tenancy without valid grounds or inadequate notice.
  • Failure to maintain health and safety: Not keeping the rental unit in livable condition, such as ignoring heating, water, or necessary repairs. See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more details.
  • Withholding or misusing the security deposit: Not returning deposits without valid reason, or failing to pay required interest. For more, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
  • Illegal rent increases: Raising rent without proper notice or above guideline amounts.

Some of these issues, such as neglected repairs and unsafe living conditions, are directly addressed under landlord obligations, which you can explore further in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Ad

Common Penalties and Tenant Remedies

Violations of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act can result in landlords being ordered to compensate tenants, make repairs, or—if serious—pay fines. The RTO can:

  • Order landlords to return unlawfully kept deposits
  • Direct repairs or property maintenance
  • Order compensation for tenant losses
  • Issue administrative penalties for repeat or serious breaches

Every case is unique. Keeping good documentation helps support your claim if a violation occurs.

Official Forms: How to Report a Landlord Violation

If you've experienced a breach of your rights, the most common tenant tool is the Application to Director (Yukon Form #9).

  • Name: Application to Director (Form #9)
  • When/how to use: Submit this form to the Residential Tenancies Office if you want the Director to make an order about a landlord's violation. For example, if your landlord refuses to return your deposit or fails to do repairs after formal request, you can apply with this form.
  • Where to get it: Application to Director (Form #9)

Fill out as completely as possible, attach supporting evidence (photos, communications, receipts), and submit to the Residential Tenancies Office in person or as directed on the form.

Sample Steps If Your Landlord Violates the Act

Here's a quick summary of what to do if your landlord breaks tenancy law:

  • Document the violation (emails, texts, photos, dates of incident)
  • Try to resolve directly with your landlord in writing
  • If unresolved, file the Application to Director (Form #9) with supporting evidence
  • Wait for RTO to review; be prepared for possible meeting or hearing
  • Follow through on any further instructions from the RTO
Being organized and respectful, even during disputes, often helps get results sooner.

Related Rights and Information for Yukon Tenants

To fully understand your legal situation, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon. This guide explains important rules about deposits, repairs, privacy, evictions, and more under the Act.

For practical housing searches or to change rentals, Browse apartments for rent in Canada and find the home that suits your needs.

  1. What counts as "reasonable notice" for landlord entry in Yukon?
    Landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice, stating the entry purpose and time. Exceptions exist for emergencies.
  2. What should I do if repairs are not made in my Yukon rental?
    Document the issue, send your request in writing, and if not promptly addressed, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for an order.
  3. Can a landlord evict me on short notice for no reason?
    No. There are strict notice requirements and valid reasons for eviction under the Act, such as unpaid rent or major breaches of agreement.
  4. How can I get my deposit back after moving out?
    Your landlord must return your deposit, with interest, unless deductions are lawful for reasons such as damage. If not returned, you may file an Application to Director (Form #9).
  5. Where can I get help with a landlord dispute?
    Contact the Residential Tenancies Office, or visit Yukon Legal Services Society for legal information and support.

Key Takeaways:

  • Landlords in Yukon face real penalties for violating tenant rights under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
  • Common violations include improper notice, lack of repairs, and deposit issues.
  • Form #9, Application to Director, is the main form for reporting and seeking remedies for breaches.
  • Tenants should keep documentation and act quickly when their rights are threatened.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. [1] For official Yukon rental law and services, visit the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).
  2. For full legislation text: Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (current version).

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
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

Related Articles