Elevator Outages and Tenant Safety Standards in Yukon

Safety & Security Yukon published June 14, 2025 Flag of Yukon

Living in a high-rise building in Yukon can offer views and conveniences, but elevator reliability is essential for your safety and well-being. When elevator outages happen, tenants need to understand their rights, landlord obligations, and safety standards set by Yukon’s housing laws. This guide explains what you can expect if your building's elevator breaks down and what steps to take if repairs are delayed.

Why Elevator Safety Matters in High-Rise Living

Functioning elevators are critical for mobility, accessibility, and emergency evacuation in multi-storey buildings. Prolonged outages pose risks—especially to seniors, parents with young children, or tenants with mobility challenges. Maintaining elevators is a crucial part of landlord responsibilities concerning health and safety.

Yukon Law: Safety Standards and Landlord Duties

In Yukon, the health and safety of rental units are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)1. Landlords must keep common areas and vital services—like elevators—in good and safe working order.

  • Landlords must ensure rental properties meet safety standards set out in the Act and relevant building codes.
  • Routine elevator maintenance is required; significant faults must be repaired as soon as possible.
  • Tenants should be informed promptly about outages and expected repair timelines.

Failure to maintain elevators may be considered a breach of landlord responsibility. For detailed information on related issues, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Reporting Elevator Issues

If your building’s elevator is out of service, notify your landlord or property manager right away. Clearly describe:

  • When the outage began
  • Any ongoing safety concerns (such as inaccessible exits)
  • If anyone in your unit needs the elevator for medical reasons
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What to Do if Elevator Repairs Are Delayed

When an elevator outage lasts more than a few days or creates safety hazards, Yukon tenants can take formal action to protect their rights. In urgent cases, an Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities guide may help clarify your immediate steps.

  • Consider submitting a written maintenance request to your landlord.
  • Keep records of all communications and responses.
  • If the issue is not resolved, you can apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) for dispute resolution.

For a comprehensive outline of your legal rights and responsibilities in Yukon tenancy law, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Tenants may need to submit complaints or request repairs using official forms. Here are the key ones for elevator safety or maintenance disputes:

  • Tenant Request for Repairs or Maintenance Form
    When to use: If you have verbally notified your landlord about an elevator outage and no action has been taken, complete this form.
    Where to find: Yukon Government: Forms for Tenants
    How to use: Fill in your details, describe the elevator issue clearly, and submit it to your landlord. Keep a copy for your records.
  • Application to Director (Form 9)
    When to use: If elevator repairs are not completed after repeated requests, use this form to submit a formal dispute to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.
    Where to find: Application to the Director (Form 9)
    How to use: Provide evidence of the outage and previous requests. The Director will review the matter and may issue an order for the landlord to perform repairs.

Where to Get Legal Help

The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) is the government body that handles rental disputes—including elevator maintenance issues.2 They offer information and can mediate disputes between tenants and landlords.

Keep written records of all repair requests and communications with your landlord. This can help your case if you need to file a formal complaint later.

FAQ: Elevator Safety and Tenant Rights in Yukon

  1. What should I do immediately if the elevator in my building stops working?
    Report the outage to your landlord in writing (email or letter) right away. Explain if anyone affected is at risk due to lack of access.
  2. Can my rent be reduced if the elevator is out?
    Possibly, if the outage makes your home less livable or unsafe. The Yukon RTO can make a decision on rent reductions in some cases.
  3. Who do I call if the landlord won’t fix the elevator?
    After trying direct communication, you can submit a formal complaint to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.
  4. What happens if I need the elevator for a medical issue?
    Tell your landlord and provide written medical confirmation if needed. Landlords are required to take reasonable steps to accommodate accessibility needs.
  5. How long can a landlord take to fix an elevator?
    Repairs must be made as soon as reasonably possible. Extended delays could be considered a breach of duty under the Yukon tenancy law.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

  • Elevator maintenance is a landlord obligation under Yukon law.
  • Report outages in writing and keep records of all communications.
  • Use official forms and contact the Residential Tenancies Office for unresolved issues.

Remember, you have the right to a safe and habitable home. For more guidance on related topics, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Looking for accessible housing or want to explore alternatives? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme today for listings and resources.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants


  1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
  2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office
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 tenants everywhere.