Consent orders are written agreements accepted by the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office that record a negotiated solution to a dispute between a tenant and a landlord. For renters in Yukon, consent orders offer a faster, less formal path than a contested hearing and can cover rent payments, repairs, move-out dates, or other tenancy obligations. This guide explains how consent orders work, what documentation tenants should gather, how to file the necessary forms, and what to do if a party does not follow the order. It aims to give practical, step-by-step advice that tenants can use to protect their rights, meet deadlines, and pursue enforcement when needed without requiring legal expertise.
What is a consent order at the Yukon LTB?
A consent order is a written agreement between a tenant and a landlord that the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office accepts and records as the resolution of a dispute. Once filed and accepted, a consent order becomes an enforceable decision of the Office and can be used to require compliance or to apply for enforcement if one party breaches the terms.[1]
When tenants use consent orders
- Record of a negotiated agreement that both parties sign and accept as binding.
- Avoids a full contested hearing by documenting the solution agreed on by tenant and landlord.
- Can set payment plans or rent adjustments when tenants owe arrears or need a schedule to catch up.
- Can specify repairs, timelines, and who is responsible for maintenance work.
Common forms and official resources
To request that a consent order be recorded you will usually need to submit a written agreement plus the Office's filing form or application. The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office explains required documents and any available forms on its website. For legislation, look for the territory's tenancy statute, commonly cited as the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon).[2]
How to prepare before asking for a consent order
- Gather evidence: copies of the lease, photos, repair requests, receipts, text messages or emails that support your position.
- Talk with the other party: try to reach a clear written agreement about what will happen and by when.
- File the agreement and any required application with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office following their instructions and deadlines.
- If the Office accepts the consent, the order will be recorded; if enforcement is needed later, use the recorded order as the basis for action.
Practical examples
- A tenant and landlord agree a two-month rent repayment plan; they sign the plan and the Office records it as a consent order so missed payments are tracked under that order.
- A landlord agrees to complete specified repairs by a set date; the consent order lists the repairs, dates, and a remedy if work is not done.
FAQ
- What is a consent order and is it binding?
- A consent order is a written agreement accepted by the Residential Tenancies Office and recorded as a decision; once recorded it is enforceable like other decisions of the Office.
- Can I change or cancel a consent order after it is recorded?
- Changing a recorded consent order usually requires agreement from both parties or an application to the Office asking for a variation; unilateral changes are not allowed.
- What if the landlord does not follow the consent order?
- Keep records and contact the Residential Tenancies Office for enforcement options; you can request the Office enforce the order or provide instructions for next steps.
How-To
- Collect clear evidence and write the proposed agreement with specific deadlines and amounts.
- Share the draft agreement with the other party and confirm terms in writing (email or text is fine).
- Submit the signed agreement to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office with any application or filing form required.
- If accepted, keep a copy of the recorded consent order and follow the steps for enforcement if the other party breaches it.
Key Takeaways
- Consent orders are a practical way to resolve disputes without a contested hearing.
- Keep detailed records and written communications to support any agreement.
- File agreements promptly with the Residential Tenancies Office to make them enforceable.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Office, Government of Yukon
- Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon) — Yukon Consolidated Laws
- Residential Tenancies forms and guides — Government of Yukon
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
