Tenant Rights When a Landlord Sells the Property in Yukon

If your landlord decides to sell the property you are renting in Yukon, you may feel anxious about your future. Understanding your rights and the laws that protect tenants during a sale can reduce stress and help you plan your next steps with confidence. This guide explains what happens when a landlord sells a rental property in Yukon, including notice periods, continuing tenancies, and key forms.

What Happens When Your Rental Is Sold in Yukon?

When a landlord sells a property in Yukon, the existing tenancy agreement does not automatically end. The new owner generally becomes your new landlord, and your rights and obligations—as well as the terms of your rental agreement—continue.

  • Your tenancy continues: The sale of a property does not end a fixed-term or month-to-month tenancy. You cannot be forced to move out just because the ownership has changed.
  • Notice requirements apply: If the new owner, or a close family member, intends to move in, they must provide you with proper notice as required by law.
  • Security deposits: Your security deposit should be transferred from the seller to the new landlord. Be sure to obtain written confirmation and keep your receipts safe.

Your Rights and Responsibilities During the Sale

Yukon tenants are protected under the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act[1]. Here’s what you should know:

  • Your rental agreement stays in effect, and you keep the same rights and obligations after the sale.
  • The new landlord must respect the lease terms, including rent amount and duration, unless a valid notice is given for changes.
  • If you pay a security deposit, make sure it is transferred correctly when the property changes hands. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
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Both the previous and new property owners may need your help to schedule property showings for potential buyers. The landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering the unit to show the property to a buyer or real estate agent.

If you receive any notice that seems unclear or that you don’t agree with, contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for guidance.

Proper Notice to End Tenancy Due to Sale

The new owner can only ask you to move out for specific reasons, such as wanting to move in themselves or for a close family member. If that’s the case, Yukon law requires:

  • 60 days’ written notice to end your tenancy, dated to coincide with the end of a rental period (for example, the last day of the month if you pay monthly)
  • The correct form must be used (see below)

Note: If you have a fixed-term lease, the new landlord generally must honour the lease until it expires, unless both parties agree otherwise.

Key Forms for Yukon Tenants When a Property Is Sold

All tenancy forms in Yukon are provided by the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). The most important forms are:

  • Notice to End Tenancy (Form 1): Used by landlords to end a tenancy for approved reasons, such as a buyer’s possession. You should receive this form at least 60 days before the move-out date.
    Access the form and instructions here: Notice to End Tenancy (Form 1) – Yukon
  • Application to RTO (Form 5): If you believe you received an improper notice or want to dispute it, use this to apply for a review by the Residential Tenancies Office.
    Find the form here: Application to RTO (Form 5) – Yukon

For tenants, understanding and responding promptly to these forms helps protect your rights.

What If You Need to Move Out?

If you choose to end your tenancy after receiving notice, you may have additional questions about move-out processes—including inspections, returning keys, and getting your deposit back. For guidance, see How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.

Staying Informed About Your Rights

Your protections and obligations during the sale of your rental are clearly set out in the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and enforced by the Residential Tenancies Office. For more information on tenancy laws specific to your region, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can the new owner make me leave immediately after the property is sold?
    No, you cannot be forced to move out immediately. The new owner must follow Yukon’s notice requirements and use the proper forms. Typically, you have at least 60 days’ notice if they require you to leave so they or their close family may move in.
  2. What happens to my security deposit when the property is sold?
    Your security deposit should be transferred from the selling landlord to the new landlord. Always get written confirmation of this transfer for your records.
  3. Do I have to allow showings for potential buyers?
    Yes, but your landlord must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice for each showing, and showings must be at reasonable times.
  4. How do I dispute a notice to end tenancy that I believe is unfair?
    You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 5: Application to RTO. Include reasons and any supporting documents.
  5. If I have a fixed-term lease, can the new landlord end it early?
    Generally, your lease continues until the end of its term unless you agree otherwise. Fixed-term leases offer you extra protection in these situations.

Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

  • Your tenancy agreement continues even if your landlord sells the property.
  • Move-out is only required with proper notice (usually 60 days) and an approved reason.
  • Security deposits should be properly transferred to the new owner—always request a written record.

Stay informed and take proactive steps if you receive a notice or have questions about your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, available at official Yukon government website.
  2. Residential Tenancies Office – Yukon government, forms and guides at yukon.ca.

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