If my landlord renovates my unit, can they raise my rent right away?

No. In Yukon, rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and landlords must provide at least three months' written notice, even after renovations.

Can I refuse to leave for renovations?

You must leave if the renovation makes your unit uninhabitable and proper notice is given, but you can dispute the notice if the reason is not valid.

What should I do if my landlord gives me a notice to move out for renovations?

Review the notice, ensure it is valid and in writing, and file a dispute with the Yukon Residential Tenancy Office within 5 days if you believe it is unfair.

Does my landlord have to compensate me if I have to move out for renovations?

Compensation is not automatic under Yukon law, but you may be able to negotiate moving costs or other support with your landlord.

What if the renovations make my home unsafe?

Report safety concerns to your landlord immediately; they must maintain safe living conditions. If unresolved, contact the Yukon Residential Tenancy Office.

How Renovations Affect Rent in Yukon: Tenant Rights & Protections

Renovations are a common part of rental housing, but they can raise questions for tenants—especially in Yukon, where housing is limited and affordability is crucial. If you’re renting in Yukon and your landlord is planning to upgrade your unit or building, it’s important to understand how this might affect your rent, tenancy, and your rights under territorial law. This article explains the rules, the process, and what steps tenants should consider before, during, and after renovations.

How Do Renovations Impact Rent in Yukon?

In Yukon, landlords have the right to renovate rental properties, but there are clear rules about how these upgrades can affect tenants, particularly when it comes to rent increases or ending a tenancy for renovations.

Rent increases due to renovations are not automatic or unlimited. Landlords must follow the rules under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon).
Evicting tenants for major renovations (called "renovictions") is only allowed if the work requires your unit to be vacant.
Tenants have rights to notice and may be entitled to return to the unit when renovations are finished, in some cases.

Legal Notice Requirements for Renovations

If your landlord needs you to move out for renovations, they must give you written notice. The required notice depends on the type of renovation and whether your tenancy will continue or end as a result.

For major renovations (demolishing or substantially repairing your unit), your landlord must provide you with at least 3 months written notice before ending your tenancy.
The notice must explain the reason (e.g., renovation, demolition) and specify the date you need to move out.
Landlords cannot end your tenancy just to raise the rent or avoid the rules—they must have a valid reason tied to the renovation work.

Required Official Forms for Renovation-Related Eviction

Notice to Terminate a Tenancy (Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act Form): Used when a landlord needs to end a tenancy for a permitted reason, such as major renovations. For example, if the landlord must gut your unit to make it habitable, they use this form to give official notice.
Download: Notice to Terminate a Tenancy (Yukon Government)

After receiving a notice, tenants have the right to dispute it if they believe the reason is not genuine or the notice is incorrect.

Rent Increases After Renovations: The Rules

Landlords may apply for a rent increase after renovating a unit, but they must follow specific steps and limits. Yukon’s rules protect tenants from sudden or excessive increases.

Landlords can only raise the rent once every 12 months, and they must give tenants at least three months’ written notice of the new rent.
If renovations involve substantial upgrades that improve the unit's value, landlords can apply for a larger rent increase—but this increase must be approved by the Yukon Residential Tenancy Office.
If you disagree with a rent increase after renovations, you can file a dispute with the tribunal before the new rent takes effect.

For more details on your rights around rent hikes, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Tenant Rights During and After Renovations

While your unit is being renovated, your landlord is responsible for ensuring your health and safety. If the work poses a risk (dust, noise, loss of utilities), they may need to provide alternate arrangements or compensation.

If the work is minor, your tenancy continues and you do not have to move.
If you must move out for major work, ask if you have a right of first refusal to return once renovations are complete.
Protect your deposit:
Take photos and complete a move-out inspection if you need to temporarily leave your unit. This can help avoid disputes later. For more on inspections and deposits, visit Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Disputing Renovation-Related Issues

If you believe your landlord is trying to evict you unfairly or is using renovations as an excuse, you can dispute the notice with the Yukon Residential Tenancy Office.

Tenants have 5 days from receiving an eviction notice to apply to the tribunal if they wish to challenge it.

Access the Yukon Residential Tenancy Office for forms, guidance, and legal support. Their decisions are guided by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon).

Staying Informed About Your Rights

It’s crucial to understand the local laws and your protections. The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon page has a helpful summary of your legal framework.

You can also Browse apartments for rent in Canada if you decide to look for a new home during major renovations.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my landlord renovates my unit, can they raise my rent right away?
No. In Yukon, rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and landlords must give at least three months’ written notice regardless of renovations.
Can I refuse to leave for renovations?
If the renovation is so extensive that you cannot safely live there, your landlord may end your tenancy with proper notice. However, you can dispute the notice if you think the reason is not valid.
What should I do if my landlord gives me a notice to move out for renovations?
Review the notice carefully, confirm it's in writing, and check the reason stated. Consider disputing it at the Yukon Residential Tenancy Office within 5 days if you believe it is unfair.
Does my landlord have to compensate me if I have to move out?
Yukon law doesn’t automatically require compensation, but your landlord must follow proper procedures, and you may be able to negotiate moving costs or other arrangements.
What if the renovations make my home unsafe?
Report any unsafe conditions immediately. Your landlord has a duty to maintain safe living conditions. See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for tips on responding to safety hazards.

Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

Your landlord must give proper written notice for major renovations affecting your tenancy.
Rent increases after renovations follow strict rules and must be properly documented.
You can dispute eviction or rent increases through the Yukon Residential Tenancy Office.

Stay aware of deadlines and safeguard your financial and legal interests when facing renovations in your building.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Yukon Residential Tenancy Office: For tenant complaints, dispute resolution, and guidance on notices and renovations.
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon: Overview of key tenant protections and links to government resources.
Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon): Full text of the law governing your tenancy.

Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Official Yukon Government Act and Regulations
Yukon Residential Tenancy Office: Dispute Resolution and Forms
Notice to Terminate a Tenancy: Download Form (Yukon)