Roommate and Shared Housing FAQs for Yukon Tenants

Sharing a rental in Yukon can be a great way to save money and enjoy a sense of community. However, tenants have many questions about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to roommates and shared housing situations. This guide offers clear answers to frequently asked questions, focusing on tenant rights under Yukon's laws.

Who Is Covered by Yukon's Residential Tenancies Act?

In Yukon, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)^[1] regulates most rental relationships. If your name is on the lease, you are considered a tenant and are protected by this legislation. Roommates or others who share a unit but are not named on the lease may not have the same legal protections.

Roommate Agreements: Why Are They Important?

While the main tenancy agreement covers your legal relationship with the landlord, a roommate agreement sets ground rules between you and your roommates. Having an agreement in writing helps clarify:

• How rent and bills are divided
• Cleaning responsibilities
• Rules about guests, noise, or pets
• How to handle disputes and how someone can move out

Roommate agreements are not legally required, but they can help prevent misunderstandings. Remember: Only tenants (whose names appear on the official lease) are recognized by the law for issues like eviction, rent, or security deposit returns.

Security Deposits in Shared Rentals

In Yukon, landlords can collect a security deposit. It's important tenants understand how this works in shared housing:

• The deposit is usually assigned to all tenants collectively. If your name is on the lease, you share responsibility for damages and cleaning.
• If a roommate moves out before the end of the tenancy, the landlord is not required to return any portion of the deposit until all tenants move out and the tenancy ends.

For more on this process, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Happens if a Roommate Leaves?

If one roommate wants to move out:

• If they are on the lease, all tenants should inform the landlord and follow the legal process.
• Tenants may need to agree on how to cover the departing roommate's share of rent or find a replacement.
• The landlord will not return part of the deposit until the whole unit is vacated and the tenancy ends.

If the remaining tenants want to continue, the lease may need to be updated. It is best to discuss this with your landlord in advance.

Handling Disputes Between Roommates

Yukon's rental law covers the tenant-landlord relationship—not disputes between roommates. For roommate disputes (e.g., noise, chores, missed payments), you must resolve issues privately or refer to your roommate agreement. The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office does not mediate roommate disputes.

Paying Rent and Shared Responsibilities

Every tenant named on the lease is responsible for the full rent—even if one roommate fails to pay. The landlord can require payment from any or all tenants if the full rent isn't received. Read more in Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

What If Only My Name Is on the Lease?

If you sublet to roommates and collect rent from them, you may be seen as a “landlord” to those roommates. Know your legal obligations under Yukon law and consider putting informal agreements in writing to avoid confusion.

Yukon Rental Tribunal: Where Should I Go for Help?

The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office is the main government resource for information, forms, and dispute resolution for tenants and landlords. They manage rental complaints, return of security deposits, and issues covered under Yukon’s rental laws.

• Visit the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for forms and support.

Common Forms in Shared Housing Situations

• Notice to Vacate Form: Tenants use this to give notice to end their lease. In shared rentals, all tenants should sign.
• Form: Notice to Terminate a Tenancy
• When to Use: When you and your roommates plan to move out, give proper notice in writing using this form.
• Application for Dispute Resolution: If you have a problem with your landlord (e.g., deposit not returned), you may apply for dispute resolution.
• Form: Application for Dispute Resolution
• When to Use: If you and your roommates disagree with your landlord about issues like repairs or deposit, apply to the Residential Tenancies Office.

For an overview of all tenant and landlord rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Looking for a new place with roommates, or want to view rental options across Canada? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roommates & Shared Housing

1. Can a landlord evict just one roommate in Yukon?
   Generally, if all tenants are on the lease, the landlord must follow the legal eviction process for the whole tenancy. Individual roommate problems should be addressed between roommates.
2. What should I do if my roommate refuses to pay their share of rent?
   If both names are on the lease, you are both responsible for the whole rent. Pay the full amount to avoid landlord action, and resolve payment issues with your roommate separately.
3. Does a roommate agreement override the official tenancy agreement?
   No—roommate agreements help with shared living, but the landlord-tenant agreement always comes first legally.
4. How is the security deposit returned in a shared rental?
   The deposit is typically returned to all tenants at the end of the tenancy, not to individuals when they move out.
5. What if I want to bring in a new roommate after someone moves out?
   Always get landlord approval and update the lease as needed to prevent issues with rent or deposit returns.

How To: Resolve Issues with Roommates in Yukon Shared Housing

1. How do I change roommates on a lease in Yukon?
   Speak to your landlord and request a lease amendment. All parties may need to sign the updated agreement.
2. How do I leave a shared rental before the lease ends?
   Check your lease and provide written notice using the Notice to Terminate a Tenancy form. The remaining tenants may need to sign a new lease.
3. How can I respond if a roommate breaks house rules?
   Refer to your roommate agreement. If needed, have a mediated conversation and try to find solutions in writing.
4. How do I get my share of the deposit back?
   Discuss with co-tenants at the end of the tenancy. The landlord returns the deposit to all tenants, and you must divide it among yourselves.
5. How can I start a formal dispute with my landlord (not roommates)?
   File the Application for Dispute Resolution form with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants covered under Yukon's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act have legal protections if named on the lease.
• Roommate agreements help prevent disputes but do not override tenancy law.
• Always put important changes and communications in writing and use official forms for notices or disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office — Information, forms, and dispute resolution
• Yukon Government Housing and Property Portal
• Yukon Legal Services Society Legal Aid Yukon — Legal help for eligible tenants

---

1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (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