Maintenance Responsibilities for Yukon Tenants: A Practical Guide

Understanding your rights and options around maintenance and repairs is crucial for any new tenant in Yukon. When you rent a home, ensuring everything is safe and functional is not just about comfort—it's also the law. This guide explains how maintenance and repairs work in Yukon rental properties, what landlords and tenants are each responsible for, and what to do if problems arise.

Maintenance Responsibilities: Who Does What?

In Yukon, landlords must keep rental units in a good state of repair and comply with health and safety standards. Tenants are generally responsible for keeping their unit reasonably clean and not causing damages beyond normal wear and tear.

• Landlords must handle structural repairs, heating, plumbing, locks, and routine upkeep.
• Tenants must report problems promptly and are responsible for repairing damage they or their guests cause.

More details on overall obligations can be found in the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained guide. Always review your written tenancy agreement for any special arrangements.

Common Examples of Repair and Maintenance Issues

• Leaky faucets or pipes
• Broken appliances provided by the landlord
• Heating or hot water problems
• Windows that won’t close or are broken

Health, Safety, and Habitability

Rental homes must be safe and meet local health standards. This includes working smoke alarms, secure doors and windows, and functioning heating. If you notice hazardous or unsanitary conditions (like mold, pests, or broken locks), your landlord must address them promptly. Read more on these standards in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What If Your Landlord Does Not Act?

If you report a problem and your landlord does not make repairs in reasonable time, you have options:

• Write a dated letter or email describing the issue and keep a copy for your records.
• If it’s an urgent or emergency repair (like loss of heat in winter), act as soon as possible.
• If the landlord continues to ignore requests, you can apply for dispute resolution.

Emergency and Routine Repairs

Emergency repairs (such as no heat in winter or serious plumbing leaks) must be addressed immediately. For other repairs, landlords are expected to act within a reasonable timeframe (usually a few days or weeks, depending on the problem's severity).

A helpful resource on expectations for non-urgent repairs can be found in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Important Yukon Forms

• Notice of Request for Repairs (Yukon Form TR-9): If your landlord isn’t responding to urgent repair requests, you may need to formally notify them. This form should be completed and sent to your landlord, making sure to retain proof of delivery. Official form: Notice of Request for Repairs (TR-9)
• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form TR-12): If there is no response or the repair issue leads to a dispute, tenants can apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. Example: If your landlord ignores your written requests for weeks and you’re left without hot water, you could fill out Form TR-12 and submit it to start a dispute process. Download from the official Yukon government: Application for Dispute Resolution (TR-12)

Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office and Legislation

Rental issues—including maintenance disputes—are handled by the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. Yukon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets the standards for both landlords and tenants.¹

For a full summary of your rights as a renter in Yukon, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

FAQ: Maintenance & Repairs in Yukon Rentals

1. Who is responsible for fixing appliances provided by the landlord? Appliances that are included in your rental agreement (for example, fridge, stove, or washer) must be kept in working order by the landlord, unless you or your guests break them through misuse.
2. What should I do if my heat stops working in winter? Report the problem to your landlord immediately in writing. If there’s no quick response, you may send a Notice of Request for Repairs (TR-9) and, if necessary, file for dispute resolution.
3. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren't made? No, you must not withhold rent without an order from the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. Instead, use official forms and dispute resolution if needed.
4. What is considered "normal wear and tear"? Normal wear and tear refers to gradual deterioration from everyday use (like faded paint or worn carpets) and is not considered tenant damage.
5. How do I prove the state of the rental at move-in and move-out? Thoroughly document the property’s condition using photos and notes. This protects you if there is a disagreement about responsibility for repairs.

How To: Handling Maintenance Issues as a Tenant in Yukon

1. How do I request repairs from my landlord? Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Use clear descriptions and, where appropriate, Yukon’s Notice of Request for Repairs (TR-9).
2. What steps should I take if my landlord ignores requests? Send a second written notice, then submit a formal dispute to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office using Form TR-12.
3. How do I handle emergency repairs? Report the issue immediately—preferably by phone and followed up in writing. If urgent health or safety is at risk, you may seek repairs yourself and claim reimbursement, but always check Yukon law first.
4. Can I apply for dispute resolution myself? Yes, complete Form TR-12 and submit with evidence (such as copies of communication and photos). The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office will review your case.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords are responsible for keeping the rental unit safe and ready for living; tenants should report issues in writing and take care of day-to-day cleanliness.
• Always document repairs and requests in writing; use the correct forms if a dispute arises.
• Know your resources: The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office is your primary help point.
• Need to find a new place to live? Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily online.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office — Information, forms, and dispute resolution (Phone: 867-667-5944; Email: residential.tenancies@gov.yk.ca)
• Find legislation: Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• Tenant help organizations: contact the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition or local legal aid for advice

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1. Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office
3. Official Yukon Forms for Tenants and Landlords

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