What happens if a tenant causes damage to the rental property?

Tenants are responsible for repairing any damage they cause beyond normal wear and tear. If not repaired, costs may be deducted from the security deposit or recovered through the Residential Tenancies Office.

Who handles pest control in Yukon rental homes?

Landlords must ensure the property is free from pests, but tenants must keep the home clean and report infestations promptly.

Do tenants need to pay for repairs if appliances break down?

Landlords fix appliances that break from fair wear and tear, but tenants may pay if damage is caused by misuse.

How can I request a repair if my landlord is not responding?

Keep records of requests. If no action is taken, file an Application to the Residential Tenancies Office for assistance.

Can my landlord enter my unit to do repairs?

Landlords must give 24 hours' written notice for repairs, except in emergencies.

Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities in Yukon: A Complete Guide

Moving In / Out Yukon published: June 13, 2025

Understanding your duties around maintenance is essential for tenants in Yukon. The territory has unique laws and processes that shape what you must do to keep your rental home in good repair—and what falls to your landlord. Having a clear picture of your responsibilities helps you avoid disputes, stay safe, and make sure you get your deposit back at move-out.

Yukon Tenant Maintenance: What Does the Law Say?

In Yukon, residential tenancies are regulated by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)¹. The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office oversees issues relating to rental agreements, rights, and disputes. You can access their official site here.

The law divides maintenance duties between landlords and tenants. Landlords are responsible for major repairs, building systems, and keeping the property fit for habitation. But tenants also have key obligations—to keep things clean, report problems quickly, and avoid damage beyond regular wear and tear.

Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities in Yukon

General cleanliness: You must keep your rental unit reasonably clean. This means regular sweeping, garbage disposal, and tidiness throughout your stay.
Preventing damage: Avoiding accidental or intentional damage is essential. Damage caused by neglect or carelessness often falls on the tenant to fix.
Minor maintenance: Tenants may be responsible for small tasks, like changing lightbulbs or replacing batteries in smoke alarms, if this is specified in the tenancy agreement.
Prompt reporting: If something breaks or is unsafe (like a leaking pipe or broken lock), you must notify your landlord right away. Failing to report problems could make you responsible for further damage.

For a full summary of tenant and landlord duties—and how to avoid misunderstandings—see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Examples of What Tenants Are (and Aren’t) Responsible For

Cleaning: Routine cleaning of floors, bathrooms, kitchens, windows (if safe to reach).
Preventive care: Avoiding blockages in toilets and drains, keeping appliances clean, and checking for signs of mould or pests.
Not your job: Major repairs (heating failures, structural issues), replacing worn-out fixtures, or fixing things from normal “wear and tear.” These are your landlord’s responsibility.

Review your written rental agreement for any extra tasks you’re expected to perform. If your landlord requests something not in the lease, confirm what’s legally required before agreeing.

Health and Safety: Your Right to a Safe Rental

Your landlord must provide a home that meets health, safety, and building codes. However, a tenant’s cleanliness and maintenance can affect safety—like preventing pest infestations or fire hazards. If you’re concerned about health or safety in your home, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for tips and your legal rights in Yukon.

What to Do If Repairs Are Needed in Your Yukon Rental

If something breaks, take these steps to protect yourself and stay compliant with Yukon law:

Document the problem: Take photos and note the date you noticed an issue.
Notify your landlord: Report problems in writing (email, text, or letter) so you have proof of your request.
Give your landlord time: Allow time for the landlord to fix the problem, unless it’s an emergency. For urgent situations, like loss of heat in winter, landlords are required to respond promptly.
Follow up: If the repair isn’t done and it’s affecting your health or safety, contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. If you need to formally apply for repairs, you can use their Application to the Residential Tenancies Office form.

Sometimes, the division of responsibility for repairs can be confusing. For clarification on who pays for what, check the Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Tip: Always keep all maintenance and repair requests in writing. This record supports your case if there’s a future dispute.

Security Deposit Deductions and Maintenance

At move-out, you’re expected to leave the unit clean and in the same condition as when you moved in (minus reasonable wear and tear). If extra cleaning or repairs are needed due to tenant neglect, your security deposit could be deducted. For rules on move-out inspections and getting your deposit back, see How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

Curious about your wider rights beyond maintenance? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon for a broad legal overview. And to find a new place to live across Canada, consider Canada's best rental listings platform.

FAQ: Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities in Yukon

What happens if a tenant causes damage to the rental property?
Tenants are responsible for repairing any damage they cause (beyond normal wear and tear). If the repair is not made, the landlord may deduct the cost from the security deposit or seek additional compensation through the Residential Tenancies Office.
Who handles pest control in Yukon rental homes?
Landlords are responsible for keeping the property free from pests, but tenants must keep the unit clean to prevent infestations. Report signs of pests to your landlord as soon as possible.
Do tenants need to pay for repairs if appliances break down?
If the appliance fails from normal use, it is usually the landlord's responsibility. However, if a tenant misuses or damages the appliance, they may be required to pay for repairs.
How can I request a repair if my landlord is not responding?
Document the issue and all attempts to contact your landlord. If no action is taken, file an Application to the Residential Tenancies Office for assistance (official form).
Can my landlord enter my unit to do repairs?
Landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering for repairs, except in emergencies (as set out in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).

Key Takeaways

Tenants in Yukon are responsible for keeping their rental home clean, avoiding damage, and reporting issues promptly.
Landlords handle most repairs, but tenants must cooperate and allow reasonable access for repairs.
Use written communication and maintain records to protect your rights.

Knowing these rules protects your security deposit and helps maintain a safe, enjoyable home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Guidance, forms, and dispute resolution.
Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon) — Know your rights and obligations.
Yukon Legal Services Society (Legal Aid Yukon): Free legal information for tenants.
See the full picture of Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.