How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Yukon?

Dealing with rent increases can be stressful for tenants, especially in Yukon, where housing is often limited. Understanding your rights regarding how often rent can be increased and what notice your landlord is required to give is essential for managing your housing costs and planning ahead.

Understanding Rent Increase Rules in Yukon

In Yukon, residential tenancy rules—including rent increases—are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon).^[1] Both tenants and landlords have specific rights and obligations when it comes to rent adjustments.

How Often Can Rent Be Increased?

As a tenant in Yukon, your landlord is allowed to increase your rent, but there are strict rules:

• Frequency: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months for the same tenant in the same rental unit.
• Notice Requirement: Landlords must provide written notice of any rent increase at least three months (90 days) before the new amount takes effect.
• Allowed Amount: There is currently no cap on the amount of the rent increase in Yukon, but increases must not be retaliatory or discriminatory.

This means if your rent was raised on June 1, 2023, your landlord cannot raise it again until after June 1, 2024, and only after providing you the required 90 days’ written notice.

How Landlords Must Give Notice

Landlords in Yukon must use a proper written notice to inform tenants about rent increases. While there is no government-standard form number, the notice must include the following:

• The address of the rental unit
• The current amount of rent
• The new proposed rent amount
• The date the new rent will start
• Signature of the landlord

Written notice can be given personally, by mail, or by posting it in a prominent place on the property if personal service is not possible. Keep your copy for your records in case you need to dispute the increase.

Key Steps if You Receive a Rent Increase Notice

When you get a notice, it's important to:

• Verify the notice gives at least 90 days before increase starts.
• Check the date, rent amounts, and that your name and address are correct.
• Confirm the last time your rent was increased—it must be at least 12 months ago.
• Contact your landlord for clarification if any information is unclear.
• Contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office if you believe the notice is not valid or if you want to dispute it.

Disputing a Rent Increase

If you think your landlord did not follow the rules, or the notice is incorrect, you can file a dispute with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). To do so, you’ll need to file an Application to Resolve a Disagreement (Form 19).

• Application to Resolve a Disagreement (Form 19): Used by tenants who wish to challenge the validity of a rent increase notice or resolve another dispute. Download the form.

Example: If your landlord sends a notice to increase rent with only 45 days' notice, you can use this form to have the RTO review the situation.

Related Rights and Tenant Resources

Understanding your rights around rent increases is one part of a healthy tenancy. For more information about tenant rights in your province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon. If you have additional questions about your rights after signing a lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

For those looking for a new place to rent or exploring options in other provinces, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for verified, up-to-date listings.

FAQ: Yukon Rent Increase Rules

1. How much can my rent be increased in Yukon per year?
   There is currently no government-set cap on the amount, but the increase can only happen once every 12 months with 90 days’ written notice.
2. Do I have to accept a rent increase?
   If a lawful 90-day notice is served and all other rules are met, you must pay the higher rent once it begins. If you believe the notice was not valid, you may dispute it.
3. What should I do if my landlord raises the rent twice in a year?
   You have the right to file a dispute with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office, since only one increase is allowed in 12 months for the same rental unit.
4. Is there a set form for Yukon rent increase notices?
   No, but the notice must be written, with details about the unit, rent amount, increase, and effective date.
5. Where do I go for more help?
   Contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for advice and dispute resolution, or see the resources section below.

Conclusion: What Yukon Tenants Should Remember

• Rent in Yukon can only be increased once in 12 months in the same unit.
• Landlords must give at least 90 days’ written notice with correct details.
• Tenants can dispute improper rent increases through the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

Being aware of these rules will help you avoid rent increase surprises and protect your rights as a Yukon tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Government – Renting in Yukon overview
• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): dispute resolution and inquiries
  Phone: 867-667-5944 | Email: rto@gov.yk.ca
• Download Application to Resolve a Disagreement (Form 19)

1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)