Roommate Abandoned the Unit in Yukon? Steps Every Tenant Should Take

If you’re a tenant in Yukon and your roommate suddenly abandons your shared rental, it can be confusing and stressful. Understanding what you need to do—and what your rights are—can help you avoid unexpected costs or legal issues. This guide explains what happens when a roommate abandons the unit, which actions you should take, and what resources are available for tenants in Yukon.

Understanding Abandonment in Shared Rentals

Abandonment occurs when a tenant leaves the rental unit without giving proper notice or communicating with the landlord or remaining tenants. In shared housing, this could leave you responsible for the entire rent or other lease obligations, even if it wasn't your choice.

Legal Definition and Consequences

Under Yukon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, abandonment can disrupt the rental agreement. If your roommate leaves, it does not automatically end the tenancy or relieve either of you from your contractual responsibilities. If your names are both on the lease, you are likely still responsible for the full rent until the tenancy is lawfully ended or reassigned. For more on your ongoing obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Tenants Should Do If a Roommate Abandons the Unit

Here are practical steps to protect yourself and avoid unnecessary liability if your roommate leaves without notice:

• Confirm abandonment: Try contacting your roommate to be sure they don’t intend to return.
• Inform the landlord: Notify your landlord in writing as soon as you suspect or confirm abandonment.
• Document everything: Keep a record of communications, your roommate’s personal property left behind, and anything unusual at the property.
• Review your lease agreement: Take note of clauses about joint liability for rent and what happens in the event one tenant leaves.
• Paying rent: If you’re still on the lease, you must continue paying the full rent even if your roommate is gone. Discuss arrangements with your landlord about finding a new roommate if necessary. For more details, consult the Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.
• Start looking for a replacement: With your landlord’s permission, seek a new roommate or discuss subletting options as per your lease and Yukon’s tenancy laws.

Your landlord may be able to help with the process, but they are not obliged to find a replacement unless specified in your agreement. Remember, as a joint tenant, you remain responsible for the rent until the term ends or the lease is legally updated.

Official Yukon Forms and Procedures

If your roommate has abandoned the unit, here are the key forms and steps you may need:

• Notice of Abandonment (Form 16): This form is used by a landlord to formally declare the unit abandoned if a tenant's absence is confirmed. If appropriate, your landlord may request your input when completing this form. Find Form 16 and instructions on the Government of Yukon – Abandonment of Rental Units page.
  When used: For instance, if your roommate hasn’t been seen, hasn’t paid rent, and their belongings remain, your landlord can use Form 16 to start the abandonment process.
• Application to the Residential Tenancies Office (Form 1): If a dispute arises—for example, if you disagree with your landlord about your obligations—you have the option to file this application for dispute resolution. Learn more and download forms directly from Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office Forms page.
  When used: If you believe you should not be liable for the rent left unpaid by your roommate, or need clarity on your obligations.

The Residential Tenancies Office (Yukon) is the authority dealing with tenancy disputes, forms, and information.

Finding a Replacement Roommate Legally

If your lease allows, you may be able to add a new tenant or sublet your roommate’s space. Always receive your landlord's written approval before making changes. Consider doing a walk-through or inspection with the new roommate to ensure the condition of the premises—see the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for best practices.

If your lease is joint, you and your departing roommate can both be held responsible for unpaid rent and damages, even after they've left. Always check the lease terms and confirm any updates in writing with your landlord.

Who Is Responsible for the Abandoned Roommate's Belongings?

The landlord typically follows procedures outlined in Yukon’s residential tenancy laws regarding personal belongings left behind. These steps may involve inventorying, storing, or disposing of the property. As a remaining tenant, avoid moving or claiming any abandoned items without clear instruction from your landlord.

Quick Summary

If your roommate abandons your Yukon rental unit, you must notify your landlord, keep paying rent, and review legal options. There are official forms to help resolve disputes or clarify obligations. Staying proactive ensures your rights and finances are protected.

For broader guidance on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or joint tenant in Yukon, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon. If you’re seeking new housing or need to start over, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme quickly and safely.

FAQs: Roommate Abandoned Your Rental in Yukon

1. Who is responsible for the rent when a roommate leaves without notice?
   If both tenants are on the lease, each is typically jointly responsible for the full rent. You must continue paying the entire rent unless the landlord agrees to update or terminate the lease.
2. What should I do if I can't contact my roommate?
   Notify your landlord immediately, document your attempts to reach your roommate, and follow the guidance of Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office if needed.
3. Can I change the locks after my roommate abandons the property?
   Never change locks without landlord permission in Yukon. Landlords must follow proper legal procedure when abandonment is suspected.
4. How long does the landlord have to keep my roommate’s belongings?
   The landlord must store abandoned property as set out by Yukon tenancy law, typically until proper notice is served and/or a prescribed storage period passes.
5. Can I get a new roommate or sublet part of the unit?
   Usually yes, with the landlord’s written approval, and the new roommate may be required to sign the tenancy agreement or a roommate addendum.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• If your roommate abandons your Yukon rental, act quickly: communicate with your landlord, document everything, and learn your rights.
• You remain responsible for rent and damages unless your lease is officially changed.
• Use Yukon’s official forms and seek tribunal help if a dispute arises.

Knowing the correct process can help you avoid financial or legal trouble and protect your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Government of Yukon – Landlord and Tenant Resources: Guidance, forms, and contact information
• Residential Tenancies Office (Yukon): Dispute resolution, forms, and information (Phone: 867-667-5944, Email: rto@gov.yk.ca)
• Legal information about shared housing in Yukon
• For rental listings across the country, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme

---

1. Yukon. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Residential Tenancies Office (Yukon): Official resources and forms
3. Government of Yukon – Abandonment of Rental Units
4. See also: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy