Legal Rent Increases in Yukon: Tenant Rights Explained

If you're renting in Yukon, understanding when a rent increase is legal is crucial for protecting your rights and planning your finances. Whether you're in Whitehorse or a smaller Yukon community, there are strict rules landlords must follow before raising rent. This article explains those rules, how much notice you must receive, key forms to watch for, and where to get more help if you think your rent increase isn't legal.

Who Sets Yukon’s Rent Increase Rules?

In Yukon, rent increases are regulated by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RLTA)¹. The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office oversees disputes and provides official guidance.

When Can a Landlord Legally Increase Rent?

• Frequency: Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months.
• Notice Period: You must receive at least 90 days written notice before any rent increase takes effect.
• Not Before 12 Months: The first rent increase cannot happen within the first 12 months of your tenancy—even if you signed a fixed-term or month-to-month agreement.

If your landlord attempts to raise the rent before these timeframes, the increase is not valid under Yukon law.

How Must a Rent Increase Notice Be Given?

The landlord must serve you in writing, either by delivering it to you personally or by leaving it at your home. Email and text aren't valid unless you specifically agreed to receive notices this way. Only written notice is legally recognized.

Notice Form Required: Notice of Rent Increase

Landlords must use the official form: Notice of Rent Increase (Form 7). You can download Form 7 here. This form includes the new rent amount, the date it takes effect, and the signature of the landlord.

• When is it used? Before raising your rent, your landlord must serve this form at least 90 days in advance.
• Example: If your lease started September 1, 2023, the landlord can give you a rent increase notice no earlier than September 1, 2024, for a January 1, 2025 increase (at the earliest).

If you do not receive an official “Notice of Rent Increase” or are given less than 90 days’ notice, you are not required to pay the higher rent. Contact the Residential Tenancies Office if in doubt.

Is There a Maximum Cap on Rent Increases?

Currently, there is no fixed percentage cap on how much rent can be increased in Yukon. However, frequency and notice rules still apply. If you feel your landlord is acting unfairly, you can challenge the increase through the Residential Tenancies Office.

Lease Renewals and Rent Increases

If your lease is up for renewal, your landlord can propose a rent increase—but must still follow Yukon’s 12-month rule and provide proper notice. For more insights on renewing leases, visit Lease Renewals: What Tenants Should Know About Their Rights.

Your Rights: Disputing an Illegal Rent Increase

• If you receive an invalid rent increase, you can refuse to pay the higher rent.
• Contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office if you think your landlord is not following the RLTA.
• You may also apply for dispute resolution to formally challenge the increase.

To learn about the broader rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords in Yukon, check out Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Other Rent-Related Responsibilities

Even as you watch for legal rent increases, remember you must continue paying rent as agreed until the notice period is up. Failure to pay may result in late fees or eviction proceedings.

For help managing rent payments and understanding your ongoing obligations, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Finding it tough to budget for possible rent changes? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings, including affordable homes listed across Yukon and the rest of Canada.

FAQ: Yukon Rent Increase Rules

1. How often can my landlord increase the rent in Yukon?
   Once every 12 months, with at least 90 days’ notice using the official form.
2. Is there a limit to how much my rent can go up?
   There is no legislated percentage cap in Yukon as of 2024. The increase amount is at the landlord's discretion, but rules about notice and timing always apply.
3. What form must my landlord use to give notice of a rent increase?
   The official Notice of Rent Increase (Form 7), delivered to you at least 90 days before the new rate starts.
4. What can I do if I think my rent increase is illegal?
   Contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. You can also file for dispute resolution if your landlord does not follow the law.
5. Do these rules apply if I’m on a fixed-term lease?
   Yes. The law applies to both month-to-month and fixed-term leases. No rent increase is permitted within the first 12 months of the tenancy.

Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

• Your rent can only be increased once every 12 months, with 90 days' written notice using the official form.
• No maximum rent increase limit exists, but procedural rules must be followed.
• Always keep documentation and contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office if you have concerns.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (inquiries, complaints, dispute resolution)
• Phone: 867-667-5944 | Email: rto@yukon.ca
• Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (read the full legislation)
• Official Yukon Housing and Property - Residential Tenancies

1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RLTA), Yukon
2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office
3. Notice of Rent Increase (Form 7)