Reporting an Illegal Eviction in Yukon: Tenant Rights & Steps

If you're a tenant in Yukon facing an illegal eviction, it's important to know your rights and the steps you can take to get help. In Yukon, tenancy laws provide protection against unlawful eviction practices, but prompt action is crucial. This guide explains what counts as an illegal eviction, which forms to use, how to report it, and who to contact for support—all in clear, practical terms.

Eviction Laws and What Makes an Eviction Illegal in Yukon

In Yukon, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs evictions and the rental relationship between tenants and landlords¹. An eviction is considered illegal if a landlord:

• Forces you out without giving proper notice, or no notice at all
• Does not follow the notice periods or reasons set out in the Act
• Tries to physically remove you, change locks, or shut off utilities ("self-help" removal is not legal)

Generally, a landlord must serve you with a written notice for a valid legal reason and allow you the proper amount of time to respond or move out.

Your Rights as a Tenant: Immediate Steps

If you believe you have been or are being illegally evicted:

• Do not leave the unit unless you feel unsafe. Get help immediately if you feel threatened.
• Gather evidence: take photos of notices, locks, utility shutoffs, or any communications.
• Contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO), which handles tenancy disputes and illegal evictions.
• File a formal complaint using the correct forms (see below).

How to Report an Illegal Eviction: Forms and Where to File

The Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) is the official Yukon body that handles illegal eviction complaints.

Key Forms for Tenants

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) (No. RTO-001):
  Use this form to start a formal complaint if your landlord has attempted or completed an illegal eviction. You can download the RTO-001 Application here.
  Example: If your landlord locks you out without a court order or written notice, complete this form and submit it to the RTO as soon as possible.

How to use the form:

• Fill in your contact details and a detailed account of what happened.
• Attach copies of all evidence (notices, emails, photos).
• Submit it by email, mail, or in person to the RTO office. Find contact options below.

What Happens After Filing?

Once your complaint is received, the Residential Tenancies Office may:

• Review your case and contact your landlord for further information
• Schedule a dispute resolution meeting or hearing
• Order your landlord to allow you back into the rental if the eviction was unlawful
• Award compensation for losses, depending on the details

Keep detailed notes on everything related to the eviction—including calls, emails, and in-person discussions. This record will help your case.

Prevention: Know the Legal Reasons for Eviction in Yukon

Understanding when an eviction is legal protects you from wrongful removal. In Yukon, the law sets strict rules for reasons, notice periods, and tenant rights.

• Non-payment of rent (landlord must give written notice)
• Major lease violations (e.g., property damage or illegal activity)
• Landlord's personal use (must follow legal process)

To learn more about what your landlord can and cannot do, see the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained page.

For a full overview of Yukon housing rules, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Protecting Yourself: Gather Documentation

When reporting an illegal eviction, the more documentation you have, the stronger your position. Keep copies of:

• Any notice received (or lack thereof)
• Communications with your landlord
• Photos of locked doors, posted notices, or property issues

Also, familiarize yourself with your rights after signing a lease by visiting What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Looking for a New Home?

If you need to find a new rental due to eviction, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a variety of housing options and search tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my eviction is illegal in Yukon?
   If your landlord has not provided proper written notice, has locked you out, or tried to evict you for a reason not allowed by Yukon's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, it is likely illegal.
2. What official form do I use to report an illegal eviction?
   You should use the RTO-001 Application to the Residential Tenancies Office. Submit it with evidence to the RTO.
3. Can I get back into my rental unit after an illegal eviction?
   Yes, the Residential Tenancies Office can order your landlord to let you back in if they've found the eviction was unlawful.
4. What evidence should I gather to support my complaint?
   Collect any notices, written communication, photos of damage or locked doors, and details of what happened, including dates.

Key Takeaways

• Illegal eviction in Yukon is forbidden by law. Know your rights and act quickly.
• File your complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office using form RTO-001 and provide as much evidence as possible.
• Help is available from the RTO and tenant advocacy groups.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (Yukon): Tenant issues and eviction in Yukon (rto@gov.yk.ca | 867-667-5944 | Toll-free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408 ext. 5944)
• Application to RTO (Complaint Form): RTO-001 Application
• Legal Help: Yukon Legal Services Society (Legal Aid)
• For a full guide to rights in Yukon: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon

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1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon). Accessible at: Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. Official tenant information: Tenant issues and eviction in Yukon
3. Application Form RTO-001: Residential Tenancies Office Complaint Form

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