How to Split Rent and Deposits Fairly With Roommates in Yukon

Rent & Deposits Yukon published June 25, 2025 Flag of Yukon

Sharing a rental home in Yukon with roommates is common, but splitting rent and deposits can raise questions and potential conflicts. Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and the proper legal steps for joint tenancies helps you avoid disputes and keep your rental record secure. This guide explains what Yukon tenants need to know about splitting costs, security deposits, and dealing with common scenarios when renting with others.

Understanding Joint and Individual Rental Agreements

In Yukon, roommates may either all sign the same rental agreement ("joint tenancy") or have separate individual agreements with the landlord. The type of agreement affects how rent is split and how deposits are handled.

  • Joint tenancy: All roommates sign one lease and share responsibility for rent and damages.
  • Individual tenancy: Each tenant has a separate agreement with the landlord and pays rent/deposit amounts individually.

Always clarify your tenancy structure before anything is signed. If your situation is unclear, refer to the official guidance from the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).

Splitting Rent With Roommates: Rules and Best Practices

For a joint lease, Yukon landlords can collect the full rent as one payment. This means if a roommate doesn't pay, the rest must cover their share. Discuss and document:

  • How rent will be divided (equally, or based on room size or other factors)
  • Payment logistics (who sends the full payment, how to track transfers)
  • What happens if someone pays late or doesn't pay at all
Establish a written roommate agreement outlining how you will split costs, resolve disputes, and handle departures. This is separate from your lease but can help prevent conflicts.

For more information about your payment obligations, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Managing Security (Damage) Deposits

Yukon law allows landlords to collect a security deposit—sometimes called a damage deposit. All tenants are equally responsible for returning the property in good condition, and the deposit will usually be returned as a single payment at the end of the tenancy.

  • The landlord can only request a maximum security deposit of one month's rent.
  • It must be held in trust for all tenants.
  • At move-out, all roommates must usually agree on how the deposit should be returned and divided.

For a detailed overview of deposit rules in Canada, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

If one roommate moves out before the others, it's up to the group to sort out how to reimburse that person's share. Landlords are not legally required to return a partial deposit while the lease continues.

Initial and Final Inspections

It's a good idea for all roommates to be present during the move-in and move-out inspections, ensuring everyone agrees on the property's condition. Always document any damages found together to avoid disputes.

Relevant Yukon Tenancy Law and Official Forms

Yukon tenancies are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)[1]. The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office administers disputes and keeps official forms.

  • Form: Tenancy Agreement (Form 1) – Use when starting a shared tenancy. Download from the RTO. All roommates should sign.
  • Form: Change in Tenants (Form 7) – Use if a roommate leaves and another moves in. Download here. Submit to your landlord promptly.
  • Form: Security Deposit Refund (included at end of tenancy) – Request your deposit back after everyone moves out.

Always supply complete and accurate paperwork to prevent delays or disputes. If you have disagreements, you can apply for dispute resolution with the RTO using their Application to RTO Form.

What Happens If a Roommate Leaves Early?

When one tenant leaves before the lease ends, the group (and remaining tenants) remain responsible for the full rent. It’s best to:

  • Notify your landlord of the change using Form 7 (see above)
  • Review your roommate agreement for protocols
  • Find a replacement roommate together, if permitted by the landlord

Only after all tenants move out does the landlord typically return the full security deposit. If you’re unsure about your rights, check Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon for a comprehensive overview.

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Tips for Smoothly Splitting Rent and Deposits

  • Create a shared spreadsheet or payment app use to track rent and deposit shares
  • Decide how to return the deposit: agree in writing how to handle deductions or payments
  • Keep copies of all receipts and important correspondence
  • If you ever have issues, consult RTO guidelines or seek tenant advocacy support

Finding your next rental or the right roommates doesn’t have to be hard. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQ: Tenants Sharing Rent and Deposits in Yukon

  1. Are all roommates equally responsible for paying rent in Yukon?
    Yes. In most joint tenancies, all tenants are jointly and individually responsible for the full rent. If one person fails to pay, others must cover the shortfall to avoid jeopardizing the tenancy.
  2. Can the landlord return a security deposit to just one roommate?
    No. By law, deposits are typically returned as a lump sum to all tenants at the end of the tenancy. Roommates must agree internally on how to split it.
  3. What happens if a roommate moves out early?
    The remaining tenants are still required to cover the full rent. Use the official Change in Tenants (Form 7) to notify your landlord and discuss deposit arrangements within the group.
  4. How do I get my share of the deposit back if I leave first?
    You must negotiate this with your roommates. The landlord is not obligated to return a partial deposit until the entire tenancy ends.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

  • Know if you’re on a joint or individual lease—your responsibilities depend on it.
  • Discuss rent and deposit splits with your roommates and document agreements.
  • Always use official Yukon forms for changes or disputes and consult the RTO for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants


  1. [1] Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: https://www.canlii.org/en/yk/laws/stat/rsy-2002-c-210/latest/rsy-2002-c-210.html
  2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) Official Forms: https://yukon.ca/en/housing-and-property/residential-landlord-and-tenant-responsibilities
  3. Government of Yukon Renting Information: https://yukon.ca/en/housing-and-property/renting-tenant-rights
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.