Who is responsible for emergency repairs in Yukon rental housing?

The landlord is responsible for emergency repairs such as heat or flooding. If they do not respond, tenants should notify the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

Can a tenant make repairs and deduct the cost from their rent?

Only in rare cases and with landlord written agreement or RTO approval. Never deduct rent without clear authorization.

What steps should I take if my landlord won’t fix something?

Document the issue, send written requests, and, if unresolved, file Form 15 with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution.

Does my landlord need to notify me before showings or repairs?

Yes, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice for non-emergency entry.

Can my landlord withhold my deposit for repairs?

Only for damages you caused, not for normal wear and tear. Disputes can be addressed at the RTO.

Yukon Tenant Maintenance & Repair Rights: 10 Key Facts

Maintenance & Repairs Yukon published July 01, 2025

Maintenance and repair issues are some of the most common concerns for tenants in Yukon. Understanding your rights and responsibilities ensures your home stays safe, comfortable, and up to legal standards. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, an unsafe heater, or emergency repairs, knowing the Yukon rules helps you protect your interests and avoid misunderstandings with your landlord.

Maintenance and Repairs in Yukon Rentals: What Every Tenant Should Know

Below are ten essential facts Yukon tenants should know about maintenance and repairs in rental housing. Each point highlights your rights and practical action steps under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)^[1]. For full legal protections, always read your rental agreement and stay updated through the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

1. Landlords Must Provide Safe and Healthy Housing

Your landlord must maintain the rental property in good repair, keeping it fit for habitation and following all health, safety, and housing standards.
If heating, plumbing, or locks break, the landlord must fix them, unless you caused the damage through misuse.
For more on safety and compliance, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

2. Tenants Should Report Issues Promptly

Identify the issue and report it to your landlord in writing as soon as possible.
Written records are important if disputes arise later.

3. Not All Repairs Are the Landlord’s Responsibility

Tenants are responsible for damage they or their guests cause.
Routine cleaning, changing lightbulbs, or replacing smoke alarm batteries are usually up to the tenant.
For a breakdown of typical repair duties, visit Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

4. Emergency Repairs: Act Quickly and Know Your Options

Emergency repairs cover urgent problems like no heat, major leaks, or unsafe conditions.
You must contact your landlord or property manager immediately.
If they do not respond or act within a reasonable time, tenants may be able to arrange repairs and seek reimbursement or apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO)^[2].
Learn more in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

5. Routine Repairs: What to Expect

Examples include leaky taps, malfunctioning appliances, or broken windows (when not caused by the tenant).
Landlords should make repairs within a reasonable timeframe, depending on the problem’s severity.

6. How to File a Repair Complaint

If the landlord ignores repairs, gather evidence (photos, written requests).
Contact the RTO for dispute resolution—see steps below.

7. Required Official Forms in Yukon

Application to terminate a tenancy or resolve a dispute (Form 15): Use this if you and your landlord disagree about repairs or who is responsible. Apply to the RTO and include your evidence. Download the official Form 15 and submit according to RTO instructions.
Notice to Repair (no formal template): If you need to give your landlord written notice to repair, simply date and sign a letter describing the issue and your request.

8. Dealing With Health & Safety Hazards

Unsafe housing situations—like mold, asbestos, or exposed wiring—must be addressed immediately by the landlord.
Contact Yukon Environmental Health or the RTO if unresolved. Document your concerns clearly.

9. Entry Rules for Repairs

Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering for non-emergency repairs.
Entry must occur between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless you agree to another time.

10. Repairs and Your Security Deposit

If you move out and the landlord claims you damaged the unit, they may deduct repair costs from your security deposit.
Keep detailed records, before-and-after photos, and receipts to contest unfair deductions.
See Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for more on deposit rules.

If you move frequently or need to change locations, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a seamless search experience.

For full territorial protections and a summary of key rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

FAQ: Maintenance & Repairs for Yukon Renters

Who is responsible for emergency repairs in Yukon rental housing? The landlord is responsible for emergency repairs (like heating failures or major leaks). If they don’t act quickly, tenants should notify the RTO and may pursue their own repairs for reimbursement.
Can a tenant make repairs and deduct the cost from their rent? Only in rare cases and never without written acknowledgement or RTO approval. Always document repair needs and notify your landlord first.
What steps should I take if my landlord won’t fix something? Document the issue, send written requests, and if needed, file Form 15 with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution.
Does my landlord need to notify me before showings or repairs? Yes—landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice unless it’s an emergency.
Can my landlord withhold my deposit for repairs? They may only withhold for damages you caused, not normal wear and tear. Disputes can be resolved through the RTO.

How To: Request Repairs or File a Dispute in Yukon

How do I request repairs from my landlord? Identify the problem, write a clear request (by email or letter), and keep a dated copy. Include photos if possible.
How do I escalate a repair issue if my landlord doesn’t respond? Allow your landlord reasonable time to respond. If unresolved, gather your documentation and submit an Application to Terminate a Tenancy or Resolve a Dispute (Form 15) to the RTO.
How can I prepare evidence for a maintenance dispute? Take photos, save all correspondence, and keep a timeline of events for use in your application to the RTO.
How do I know if a problem is the landlord’s or tenant’s responsibility? Check your lease, review the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon), or seek guidance from the RTO.

Key Takeaways

Yukon landlords must maintain rental properties according to the law, and tenants should report all issues in writing.
For unresolved repairs, use Form 15 to request RTO support and keep thorough documentation.
Tenants and landlords each have clear rights—know them and seek early resolution to avoid conflict.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – Submit disputes, get information, download official forms
Environmental Health Services – Call 867-667-8391 for urgent health and safety issues
Community Legal Support Line – Advice for low-income renters: 867-667-3083
Read more: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon