LTB Orders and Tenant Compliance in Yukon: A Guide

If you're renting in Yukon and facing issues such as eviction, rent increases, or maintenance disputes, it's important to know how legal orders from the residential tenancies board affect your rights and obligations. This article explains how Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) makes binding decisions (orders), what compliance means for tenants, and the steps you should take if you receive or need to enforce an order.

Who Handles Disputes and Issues Orders in Yukon?

In Yukon, the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) is the official body that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants. When you file a dispute, the RTO can conduct a hearing and issue an official "order" that sets out what both parties must do under territorial tenancy laws.

What Is an LTB Order and Why Does it Matter?

Although Yukon calls its board the "Residential Tenancies Office" (not LTB like Ontario), the concept is similar: after a hearing, the RTO issues a legally binding order. This document clearly states what actions the tenant or landlord must take, such as paying owed rent, making repairs, or vacating the unit. LTB orders, or "orders of the RTO," are enforceable by law.

  • For tenants: Orders might require you to pay outstanding rent by a deadline, repair damage, or allow landlord access at a specific time.
  • For landlords: Orders can require repairs, returning deposits, or lifting an eviction notice.
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If either party does not follow the order, the other may return to the RTO for enforcement or further legal action.

How Do RTO Orders Work?

After a dispute hearing, both parties receive a written order from the RTO. Orders will include:

  • What must be done (e.g., pay rent, repair, allow access, etc.)
  • A deadline to comply
  • Legal consequences for failing to follow the order

Orders are based on the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)[1]. Tenants must comply with orders even if they disagree, unless they file an appeal.

Filing or Responding to an Application

To resolve a dispute or respond to a landlord’s claim, you’ll need to use official forms:

  • Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 1): Used by tenants or landlords to request a hearing when there’s a disagreement. For example, use this form if your landlord refuses essential repairs. Access it directly from the official RTO website.
  • Notice of Hearing: Sent by the RTO after your application is processed, letting you know the hearing date and what to prepare.

If you receive a notice of application from your landlord, be sure to respond by the deadline. Failure to participate can result in an order being issued against you by default.

Practical Example

If your landlord gives you an illegal rent increase, you can apply for dispute resolution. If the board finds the increase is not allowed, they will issue an order requiring the landlord to correct it. For more info on Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know, see our detailed guide.

What If the Other Side Doesn’t Follow the Order?

If your landlord or another tenant is not complying with the RTO’s order, you can take further action, such as:

  • Contacting the Residential Tenancies Office to request enforcement
  • Applying to the Yukon Supreme Court to enforce the order in egregious cases

Be sure to keep accurate records and any communication regarding compliance.

If you're unsure about any part of your order—or what steps to take—consider reaching out to the RTO for guidance before missing a deadline.

Appealing an RTO Order

Tenants generally have a limited time (usually 30 days) to appeal an order if they believe it was made in error. This is done by applying to the Yukon Supreme Court, not back to the RTO. For the process, review the instructions and forms available with your order or consult the RTO’s official website.

Your Rights and Responsibilities After an Order

Complying with an RTO order is a legal requirement. For more general information on tenant obligations and best practices, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For a province-wide overview, see our comprehensive Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon resource.

Remember, if you're just starting to look for your next place, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a complete view of current listings and rental options.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is an RTO order in Yukon?
    An RTO order is a binding legal decision issued by the Residential Tenancies Office after resolving a landlord-tenant dispute. Both parties must comply with its instructions.
  2. How do I enforce an RTO order if my landlord doesn't comply?
    Contact the RTO for follow-up support or instructions on how to apply to court to enforce the order.
  3. What happens if I don't comply with an RTO order as a tenant?
    If you ignore an order, your landlord can apply for further legal action or enforcement through the courts, which may lead to eviction or other consequences.
  4. Can I appeal an RTO order?
    Yes, but you must do so within the set time limit by applying to the Yukon Supreme Court. Details will be provided with the order you receive.
  5. Who can I contact for help understanding my order?
    The Residential Tenancies Office is the best first point of contact. You can also seek assistance from local tenant advocacy services in Yukon.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

  • Orders from Yukon’s RTO are legally binding—be sure to read and follow them promptly.
  • If you disagree, act quickly to appeal within the provided deadline.
  • Always communicate clearly and keep written records for your protection.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Yukon Government. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Current to 2024.
  2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – Dispute Resolution Forms. Accessed June 2024.

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