Landlord Entry Rules and Notice Requirements in Yukon

Understanding the rules about landlord entry into your rental home is essential for tenants in Yukon. Yukon’s tenancy laws protect your right to privacy, while also allowing landlords access to maintain or inspect their property in certain situations. Knowing when and how your landlord can enter your home—and what kind of notice they must give—will help you safeguard your rights and address issues if they arise.

When Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit in Yukon?

In Yukon, a landlord cannot enter your rental home whenever they want. The entry rules are set by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)^[1] and are enforced by the Residential Tenancies Office of Yukon.^[2]

• For regular repairs, maintenance, showings to potential tenants or buyers, or when delivering certain notices, landlords must follow strict notice rules.
• Emergency situations (such as fire, flood, or immediate safety concerns) permit landlords to enter without advance notice.

Unless it is an emergency, a landlord cannot enter for arbitrary reasons or without giving proper written notice.

Minimum Notice Requirements for Entry

Yukon law requires landlords to provide tenants with at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering the rental unit for non-emergency reasons.^[1]

• The notice must clearly state the date, approximate time, and reason for the entry.
• Entry must take place between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless another time is agreed with you in writing.

Acceptable Reasons for Landlord Entry

Legitimate reasons for landlords to enter your unit with 24 hours’ notice include:

• To conduct repairs or maintenance
• To complete a periodic inspection as permitted by your tenancy agreement
• To show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers (if you or the landlord has given notice to end tenancy)
• To deliver a legal notice or document required under Yukon’s tenancy legislation

If major maintenance is required, review your agreement and rights: see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

When No Notice Is Required

• Emergencies: Landlords may enter at any time if there is an emergency, such as a fire, flood, or urgent health or safety risk to people or the property.
• Tenant Consent: If you give specific consent (verbal or written) for a particular entry, no minimum notice period applies.

Regular maintenance issues can also affect the health and safety of your rental home. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Respond to Entry Notices

When you receive a valid 24-hour notice, you cannot normally refuse entry unless the notice does not meet legal requirements or the timing is inappropriate. If you believe a notice is invalid, document your concerns in writing and contact the landlord first. If problems persist, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Office to make a formal complaint.

Official Forms and Sample Notices

Currently, Yukon does not require a specific standardized form for “Notice to Enter.” However, notice must always be written and include:

• Date and time of intended entry
• Reason for entry
• Landlord or agent's signature

If needed, you can find guidance or sample templates via the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office website. If you experience repeated entry violations, you may apply to the office for dispute resolution using their complaint process.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

While landlords have a right to maintain their property, tenants are protected from unreasonable or surprise entries. Both parties have legal duties; see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to learn more about shared responsibilities in Yukon rentals.

Stay informed about your rights as a tenant in the territory at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Looking for a new place? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find homes across Yukon or anywhere in Canada.

FAQs About Landlord Entry Rules in Yukon

1. How much notice does my landlord need to give before entering my apartment in Yukon?
   Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice for most non-emergency reasons.
2. Can my landlord enter without notice for an emergency?
   Yes, landlords may enter rental units without notice if there is an emergency such as a fire or urgent repair need.
3. What should I do if my landlord enters without any notice?
   Document the incident, communicate your concerns in writing, and contact Yukon's Residential Tenancies Office to consider dispute resolution.
4. Does a text message count as written notice?
   Yes, electronic communication (such as email or text) generally meets the written notice requirement, as long as you receive it 24 hours in advance and it includes all required details.
5. Can I refuse entry if the notice is not valid?
   If the notice does not meet legal requirements (e.g., less than 24 hours, missing reason or time, or not in writing), you can raise concerns with your landlord and contact the Residential Tenancies Office if the issue is unresolved.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in Yukon must give tenants at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering the unit (except in emergencies).
• Know your rights and keep records of all communications with your landlord about entry.
• If your rights are violated, contact Yukon's Residential Tenancies Office for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (Yukon) — Main government resource for tenancy complaints, dispute resolution, and information.
• Government of Yukon: Landlord and Tenant Information — Laws, guides, and forms for Yukon tenants and landlords.

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