Is It Legal to Record Your Landlord’s Entry in Yukon?

Having your landlord enter your rental unit can feel stressful—especially if you’re worried about your privacy. Many tenants in Yukon wonder: is it legal to record your landlord’s entry? This article explains your privacy rights, key Yukon tenancy rules, and what to consider if you plan to record your landlord during an entry.

Your Rights to Privacy in Yukon Rental Housing

Yukon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act protects tenants’ privacy. A landlord usually needs to provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering your unit, except in emergencies or if you’ve agreed otherwise in your rental agreement. The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon page covers these basics in detail.

When Can a Landlord Enter?

• Emergencies (no notice required)
• To show the unit to potential renters, buyers, or others (with proper notice)
• To conduct repairs, maintenance, or inspections (with at least 24 hours' notice)
• Other situations, if agreed in writing

Landlords must state the reason, date, and an entry time (between 8am and 8pm, unless you agree otherwise).

Is It Legal to Record Your Landlord Entering Your Unit?

Yukon does not have a specific law against tenants recording (video or audio) inside their own unit when the landlord enters, so long as:

• The recording is for personal protection or documentation, not harassment
• It does not record in areas where privacy is expected (e.g., washrooms or bedrooms when not present)
• You do not publish or share the recording publicly without the landlord’s consent or legal requirement

Canada's Criminal Code allows single-party consent for audio recordings, so if you are present and participating, you can generally record the conversation. However, for video, be mindful of privacy expectations in the home and Yukon’s privacy rules. When in doubt, it’s best to inform your landlord you will be recording for your own records.

Forms and Filing a Complaint: What Happens If Your Privacy Is Violated?

If you believe your landlord entered unlawfully or violated your privacy, you can make a formal complaint or apply for dispute resolution. Yukon’s rental disputes are handled by the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).

Relevant Forms for Yukon Tenants

• Application to the Director (Residential Tenancies): This is the main form to start a dispute about illegal entry or privacy issues. Use it if you want the RTO Director to investigate or issue an order.
  When to use: For example, if your landlord entered without proper notice and you want an official decision or an order for compensation.
  Download Application to the Director (PDF)
• Notice of Entry: While this is usually served by landlords, keep any notices you receive in case of disputes. If your landlord fails to provide notice, this strengthens your case.

Follow these steps to file an application or complaint with the RTO (see "How-To Steps" below).

Best Practices for Recording Your Landlord’s Entry

• Use your phone or camera only during the landlord’s presence and for legitimate reasons
• Try to notify your landlord that you plan to record
• Keep recordings secure and private
• Do not share on social media or with others unless required for a dispute
• Use recordings only to support a dispute or for your own safety

Recording can help document what was said or done, especially if you fear your rights were violated. For more guidance on your general rights and obligations as a tenant or landlord, our Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained guide is a helpful resource.

Finding a Safe and Respectful Home

If you’re searching for a Yukon rental with good privacy, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme. It’s easy to browse listings, see amenities, and find a place where your rights are respected.

FAQ: Recording, Privacy, and Landlord Entry in Yukon

1. Can my landlord object if I record their entry?
   Legally, you can usually record if you are present, but it’s polite to let your landlord know. Check your rental agreement—some leases restrict in-unit recording. If your landlord objects, try to resolve this by discussing your concerns and emphasizing that your intent is to document, not harass.
2. What if my landlord enters without notice?
   This may be a violation of Yukon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. You can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office. Document what happened and keep any relevant evidence, such as texts or your own observations.
3. Can I record using a security camera while I’m not home?
   Be careful with this—if the landlord is unaware, it could be seen as a privacy violation for them or others (such as contractors). Always post a notice if you use surveillance inside your unit, and make sure any recording does not cover shared areas outside your rental.
4. Can my landlord install their own cameras inside or outside my unit?
   In most cases, landlords cannot install cameras inside a tenant’s private space. Cameras in common areas must comply with privacy laws, and tenants should be notified. If you’re concerned, contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• You may record your landlord’s entry in Yukon if you are present and for valid reasons, but inform your landlord if possible.
• Landlords must provide written notice before entering, except in emergencies.
• If you feel your rights are violated, you can apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for help.

For more info about your rights and obligations as a Yukon renter, see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon page.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – Information, dispute forms, and reporting landlord issues.
• Yukon Government Directory – Look up rental housing contacts and tenant advocacy.
• Local legal clinics and the Public Legal Education Association of Yukon can provide additional guidance to tenants.

1. Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: View legislation
2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Official site
3. Criminal Code of Canada, single-party consent rules: Section 184