Tenant Rights During Building Renovations in Yukon

Living in a rental unit in Yukon and being faced with building renovations can be stressful. It's important for tenants to know what protections, responsibilities, and options they have under Yukon's laws when their home is being renovated or repaired. This guide explains your rights, what landlords can and cannot do during renovations, how to handle disruptions, and where to seek help if you feel your rights are not respected.

Your Right to Quiet Enjoyment

Every Yukon tenant is entitled to peaceful enjoyment of their rental unit. This means landlords must minimize disruption from renovations and provide advance notice for entering your suite unless it’s an emergency.

Notice Requirements for Renovations

Under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)^[1], landlords must give tenants at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering to conduct non-urgent repairs or renovations. For larger renovation projects, longer notice and consultation may be needed—especially if your ability to live on the property will be affected.

• Notice must state the reason for entry and the time (between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm).
• For major renovations that require temporary relocation or could affect your health and safety, landlords must discuss solutions with you before proceeding.

Eviction for Major Renovations (Renoviction)

In Yukon, landlords may issue written notice if the renovations are so significant that the unit cannot safely be lived in during the work—a practice sometimes known as “renoviction.” This action must follow strict legal procedures, and landlords must provide a valid reason and proper notice. You may be entitled to compensation, depending on circumstances. If you feel a notice is unfair, you can dispute it through the Residential Tenancies Office (Yukon)—the authority handling disputes between landlords and tenants in Yukon.

Your Health and Safety During Renovations

All maintenance and renovation work must meet local health and building standards. If you believe renovations create unsafe conditions—such as dust, mold, or blocked exits—report the issues immediately.

• First, document the problem (photos or written notes).
• Contact your landlord in writing, stating your concern and requesting a prompt solution.
• If the issue isn’t resolved quickly, you can reach out to the Residential Tenancies Office or Yukon’s Environmental Health Services.

For more on your right to a safe rental environment, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Paying Rent and Compensation During Renovations

Even during renovations, tenants are expected to continue paying rent unless the unit is uninhabitable or there’s an official agreement with your landlord. If noise, dust, or other disruptions make your home unlivable, you may want to negotiate a reduction in rent for the affected period.

• If you must vacate the unit for a period, discuss compensation or alternate accommodation with your landlord.
• Always get agreements in writing.
• If you can’t reach an agreement, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office to resolve the dispute.

Common Renovation Scenarios

• Short-term repairs: Minor renovations (like painting or appliance repair) typically allow you to remain in the unit with minimal disruption.
• Major renovations: If work requires you to move out, you may be entitled to compensation, appropriate notice, and sometimes first right of refusal to move back in once renovations are complete.

Key Official Forms for Yukon Tenants

• Notice of Entry (Form 10): Landlords must provide this official form (or equivalent written notice) to give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering for renovations or repairs. Download Notice of Entry (Form 10) from Yukon.ca. Use this if you're unsure whether proper notice was given.
• Application to Resolve a Dispute: Use this form if you wish to dispute a notice to end tenancy or request an order about rent reductions due to renovations. Download Application to Resolve a Dispute from Yukon.ca. For example, if your landlord won’t address unsafe conditions during renovation, you can submit this form.

Landlord and Tenant Obligations

Both parties have important roles during a renovation. Tenants should allow reasonable access and report any risks immediately. Landlords are expected to minimize inconvenience, comply with all notice rules, and maintain safe conditions. Learn more about these shared responsibilities in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Where to Learn More

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

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you’re considering relocating before or after a renovation, or simply want to explore your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I refuse entry to my landlord for renovations?
   Generally, no. If the landlord provides at least 24 hours’ written notice and the work is reasonable, tenants must allow access. If the notice is invalid or work seems excessive, contact the Residential Tenancies Office for advice.
2. Do I have to keep paying rent if renovations make my unit uninhabitable?
   You are usually expected to pay rent unless the unit is unsafe or cannot be occupied due to the renovations. If this happens, discuss a rent reduction or seek a decision from the Residential Tenancies Office.
3. What if renovations threaten my health or safety?
   Immediately notify your landlord in writing. If there's no prompt response, contact the Environmental Health Services or the Residential Tenancies Office.
4. Can my landlord evict me just to renovate?
   Landlords must have a serious, valid reason and must follow Yukon’s legal process. You have the right to dispute a notice if you believe it is unjustified or retaliatory.

Summary: What Tenants Should Remember

• Landlords must give proper notice and keep your home safe during renovations.
• You may be entitled to rent reductions, compensation, or be able to dispute eviction for renovations.
• Know your rights, and don’t hesitate to use official resources if you need help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – For all tenancy applications, disputes, forms, and legislation information.
• Tenant Support Services Yukon – Advocacy and general support.
• Yukon Environmental Health Services – Health complaints, living conditions.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon – In-depth facts about legal protections in Yukon.

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1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
2. Residential Tenancies Office – Government of Yukon

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