Reporting a Landlord to Public Health in Yukon: Tenant Guide

Landlord Compliance & Penalties Yukon published: June 20, 2025 Flag of Yukon

If you are a tenant in Yukon facing unresolved health or safety concerns in your rental unit, it's important to understand your rights and the process for reporting your landlord to Public Health. Unsafe living conditions, unresolved maintenance, or hazards like mold or pests deserve prompt attention. This guide breaks down the steps you can take to advocate for a safe rental home in Yukon, supported by current legislation and official procedures.

Understanding Health and Safety Standards in Yukon Rentals

In Yukon, landlords have a legal obligation to provide and maintain safe living environments for tenants as outlined in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)[1]. Common health and safety issues include lack of heat, water, structural damage, mold, and pest infestations.

  • Landlords must ensure the property meets minimum health and safety standards
  • Tenants have the right to peaceful enjoyment and safe-use of their rental
  • If an issue poses a health risk and isn’t resolved after you notify your landlord, Yukon’s Environmental Health Services can step in

For details on your protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon and Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

When Should You Report Your Landlord to Public Health?

Contacting Public Health is appropriate when your landlord fails to act after you have reported serious health or safety violations. Examples include:

  • Raw sewage or plumbing failures
  • Mold growth
  • Unsafe heating or electrical systems
  • Pest infestations

Try to resolve issues directly and in writing first. Keep copies of all communications.

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Steps to Report a Health or Safety Issue in Yukon

Take these practical steps to protect your rights and safety:

  • Document the Problem: Take photos, keep repair requests, and note any communications with your landlord.
  • Contact Your Landlord First: Give written notice describing the issue and requesting repairs. Allow reasonable time for a response (usually a few days for urgent problems).
  • If Unresolved, Contact Environmental Health Services: Reach out to Yukon Environmental Health Services, part of the Yukon government’s Department of Health and Social Services, to file a complaint.

How to File a Complaint with Yukon Environmental Health Services

To report unsafe rental housing:

The Department will investigate and may order the landlord to make necessary repairs or corrections if a violation is found. All complaints are handled confidentially.

Consider checking if your issue falls under emergency situations, like no heat in winter or unsafe electrical wiring. For urgent health concerns, also see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant, you are required to:

  • Allow landlords or inspectors reasonable access for repairs and assessments when given proper notice
  • Maintain reasonable cleanliness
  • Report problems promptly and keep records

If a landlord does not fix a major health or safety issue, Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office can provide guidance and accept applications for dispute resolution under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Forms and Official Tribunals

  • Environmental Health Complaint Form (Yukon): Used to formally report health hazards in rental properties. Access or download it from here.
  • Residential Tenancies Office Application: For unresolved disputes or if repairs are not made following a health order. Find guides and applications at the Residential Tenancies Office.

Tip: If a health/safety hazard requires costly repairs, your landlord cannot increase rent or retaliate for making a complaint. Know your protections by reviewing Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Additional Considerations

  • Keep written records and photos of issues and communication history
  • Do not stop paying rent unless you have written approval from a tribunal
  • Involve tenant advocacy organizations if you need further help
  • Remember you can always Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if conditions do not improve
  1. Can my landlord evict me for reporting a health or safety violation?
    No. Yukon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants for exercising their legal rights, including reporting health or safety issues.
  2. What if my landlord doesn’t make the repairs after Public Health intervenes?
    If the landlord fails to comply with an order from Public Health, you can seek further action through Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office. They can enforce repairs and penalties.
  3. Does it cost money to file a health complaint in Yukon?
    No, there is no fee to submit a complaint to Environmental Health Services in Yukon.
  4. Do I need to give the landlord notice before reporting to Public Health?
    Yes. Always notify your landlord in writing first with a clear description and request for repairs. Keep copies for your records.
  5. What if I need to move out due to safety issues?
    If the rental is uninhabitable and no prompt repairs are made, contact the Residential Tenancies Office. You may be able to legally end your lease and recover your deposit if proper procedures are followed.

Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

  • Always document and report health or safety hazards in writing
  • File an Environmental Health Complaint if the landlord does not act
  • Support and further remedies are available through the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office

Dealing with unresolved health or safety issues in your rental can be stressful—but understanding your rights and options helps you take confident, effective action.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. [1] See the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (current as of 2024).
  2. [2] Complaint process and forms: Yukon Public Health – Environmental Health Services
  3. [3] Dispute resolution and tenant rights: Yukon Residential Tenancies Office

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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