Roommates and Shared Housing in Yukon: Tenant Guide

Sharing a home with roommates can help make housing more affordable and social, especially in Yukon’s tight rental market. But whether you’re signing a lease together or moving into an established share house, it’s essential to understand your legal and practical responsibilities as a tenant in shared accommodation. This guide explains what new and current Yukon tenants need to know about roommates, room rentals, and shared housing.

Types of Roommate Arrangements in Yukon

Roommate and shared housing setups in Yukon typically fall into two main categories:

• Co-tenancy: All roommates sign the same lease with the landlord and share legal responsibility for the full rent and any damages.
• Subletting or Room Rentals: One tenant rents out a room to another person (subtenant), usually after getting landlord approval. Only the person on the lease has a direct relationship with the landlord.

It’s important to know which arrangement you’re in, as this affects your rights and how you can resolve disputes.

Leases, Deposits, and Agreements

Before moving in, clarify who is on the lease and who holds responsibility for rent and property damage. In Yukon, both individual and group leases are common for shared housing. Discuss the following with your roommates before signing an agreement:

• How rent and utilities are paid and split
• How to handle the security deposit and its return
• Rules for guests, cleaning, and shared spaces

For more information on paying and recovering your deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Security Deposits

Security or damage deposits in Yukon are typically equal to one month’s rent. If all roommates pay into a single deposit, agree in writing on how it will be divided when someone moves out. Only the primary leaseholder(s) can normally request the return of the deposit from the landlord at the end of the tenancy.

Roommate/Shared Housing Agreements

While not legally required, you should make a written roommate agreement covering things like rent, chores, and how to resolve house disputes. This can help prevent misunderstandings later—especially for issues not covered by the official lease.

Rights and Responsibilities for Roommates

Under Yukon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1], tenants on the lease have certain rights and duties. If you’re a co-tenant, all are equally responsible for:

• Paying the total rent on time (not just your share)
• Property care and any damages (including those caused by a roommate or their guests)
• Notifying the landlord of any major issues or repairs needed

If a roommate moves out, the remaining tenants may still owe the full rent, unless the landlord agrees otherwise. Always give proper notice if you plan to leave and check your agreement for any requirements.

Learn more in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Health, Safety & Conflicts With Roommates

All tenants in Yukon have the right to a livable rental—meaning heat, running water, and safety features as set by law. If you spot a serious health or safety problem in your shared home, try resolving it with roommates first. If necessary, notify your landlord. More details on tenant safety can be found in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Moving In, Moving Out, and Changing Roommates

When moving in, take dated photos of the property and agree who is responsible for any issues noted. Yukon does not have a standard “Roommate Change” form, so written agreements or emails are best for documenting responsibilities.

When a roommate leaves, ensure you update the lease with your landlord (if required) and re-visit the deposit agreement. If everyone is leaving, follow the correct notice rules for shared tenancies. For step-by-step tips, check Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

For more information on your specific rights and landlord obligations, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office and Resolving Disputes

The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office is the government body that handles tenant and landlord disputes, eviction applications, and complaints about rental housing. If you and your roommates can’t resolve an issue, you can apply for dispute resolution here.

Relevant Yukon Forms for Tenants

• Yukon Landlord and Tenant Application Form: Use this to resolve disputes about security deposits, unpaid rent, repairs, or notices to end tenancy.
  Example: If your roommate leaves without paying their share and you want to resolve the deposit refund, submit this form to the Residential Tenancies Office.
  Access the form: Yukon Landlord and Tenant Application Form (PDF)
• Notice to End a Tenancy Form: Required if you are ending the tenancy as a group or as individuals with the landlord’s approval.
  Find the form: Yukon Notice to End a Tenancy (PDF)

All tenancy issues and procedures use the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act of Yukon^[1].

To explore more rental listings or find your next share house, Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roommates & Shared Housing in Yukon

1. Can my landlord evict just one roommate in Yukon, or does the whole group have to leave?
   Usually, if all roommates are on the lease, the landlord must evict everyone unless there is a separate agreement. Roommate disputes are best handled internally or by the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office if needed.
2. Who gets the security deposit back if one roommate moves out?
   Only the leaseholder(s) can claim the returned deposit from the landlord. Roommates should have a written agreement on how to split it internally if someone leaves early.
3. Can I add a new roommate without telling my landlord?
   No, Yukon law typically requires written landlord approval to add renters to the lease or sublet a room. Unauthorized roommates could lead to tenancy problems.
4. What steps should I take if my roommate damages the property?
   All co-tenants can be held responsible for damages. Document the issue, try to resolve payment internally, and if needed, use the Yukon Landlord and Tenant Application Form for dispute resolution.

How to Handle Common Roommate Issues in Yukon

1. How do I formally end my part of the tenancy in a shared housing situation?
   Use the Yukon Notice to End a Tenancy Form, provide written notice to your landlord (and roommates, if appropriate), and coordinate move-out terms.
2. How can I reclaim my share of the security deposit?
   Document agreement with your roommates, and request the leaseholder submit the claim to the landlord after everyone moves out.
3. How to resolve ongoing disputes with a roommate?
   Start with open discussion, follow your roommate agreement, and contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office if you need mediation.

Key Takeaways

• Know the difference between co-tenancy and subletting: it affects your legal responsibilities.
• Have a written roommate agreement to avoid future disputes.
• Use Yukon’s official forms for ending tenancies or handling disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Questions, disputes, and forms
• Residential Landlord and Tenant Act of Yukon: Full legislation text
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon: Overview of key facts and contacts

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1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act of Yukon

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