Tenant Rights When Your Landlord Sells the Rental in Yukon

As a tenant in Yukon, you may wonder what happens if your landlord decides to sell the property you live in. It's natural to feel uncertain, but Yukon’s tenancy laws provide clear protections and steps both tenants and landlords must follow. This guide explains your key rights and obligations when your rented home is sold — and what to expect during the transition.

What Happens When a Landlord Sells a Rental Property in Yukon?

In Yukon, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act[1] governs tenancies. When your landlord sells the home, your lease or rental agreement does not automatically end. Normally, your rights and obligations remain unchanged until proper notice is given and received. The new owner typically takes over as your landlord under the same terms.

Your Lease Still Stands—With Some Exceptions

  • If you have a fixed-term lease (for example, one year), you generally have the right to stay until the lease ends.
  • If you have a month-to-month (periodic) lease, the tenancy continues unless proper notice is legally served.
  • The new owner must honour the existing lease, unless they or an immediate family member want to move in.
Remember: Only specific reasons outlined in Yukon law allow a landlord (or their purchaser) to evict a tenant when a property is sold.

When Can a Tenant Be Asked to Move Out After a Sale?

A new owner can only ask you to move out if they or an immediate family member intend to occupy the property. If this is the case, you must receive an official written notice.

  • The purchaser (or family member) must move in within a "reasonable time," usually within a few months of legal possession.
  • Written notice must be on the "Notice to Terminate Tenancy for Purchaser Occupation" (Form 15), available from the Yukon government. Download official Form 15 here.
  • You must receive at least two months’ notice before the termination date, which must align with your rental payment period (for example, the end of the month).

How Notice Works: An Example

If your landlord sells the property and the new owner will move in, and you receive notice on April 15, the earliest possible termination date is June 30 (assuming month-to-month tenancy and rent due on the first of the month).

What Should Tenants Do When They Receive Notice?

Getting notice doesn’t mean you must move immediately—in fact, you have protected time to plan your next steps. Here’s what to do:

  • Check the notice is on Form 15 and gives at least two full months’ notice.
  • If the notice is not properly served or doesn’t follow the law, you can dispute it with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.
  • If in doubt, get advice or file a dispute as soon as possible.
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Security Deposits and Moving Out

You are entitled to have your Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know respected when the property is sold. The deposit must be transferred to the new landlord or returned to you, minus any lawful deductions for damages or unpaid rent.

  • Always document the unit’s condition with a move-out inspection and photos.
  • The final inspection should take place with the landlord (or their agent) and be recorded officially.
  • If there are issues returning your deposit, you can file a claim with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

Your Rights and Responsibilities During the Sale Process

While the sale is pending, you have the right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home. Here’s what your landlord may—and may not—do:

  • Your landlord or their realtor must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before showing the unit to buyers.
  • They can only show the home between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and not on statutory holidays, unless you agree otherwise.
  • You do not need to leave the home for showings, but it’s courteous to cooperate within reason.
  • Your rent cannot be raised, nor your lease ended early, simply because of a sale, unless all legal procedures are followed.

For a deeper look at ongoing rights and obligations while renting, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Relevant Yukon Forms and What They Do

When using these forms, always read the instructions carefully and act quickly to protect your rights.

Who Oversees Tenant and Landlord Rights in Yukon?

The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office regulates rental disputes, notices, deposit claims, and more. For detailed legal rules, refer to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon).

For an overview of your territorial rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Looking for a New Rental?

If you need to find a new place to live, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to quickly browse available homes in Yukon and across Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does the sale of a rental property automatically end my lease in Yukon?
    No. Your lease continues under the same terms until the proper notice is given and the notice period ends under Yukon law.
  2. Can the new landlord require a new security deposit if ownership changes?
    No. The original deposit must transfer to the new landlord or be returned to you at the end of your tenancy.
  3. How much notice does a purchaser need to give if they want to move in?
    At least two months’ written notice using Form 15 is required.
  4. Who do I contact if I think the notice or sale process wasn't done correctly?
    You can dispute it through the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office by filing a Dispute Application Form.
  5. Do I have to allow showings of my rental while it's for sale?
    Yes, but you must be given proper notice (at least 24 hours in writing) and showings must take place at reasonable hours.

Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

  • Your lease remains valid when your rental is sold—notice is always required for you to move out.
  • The Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act protects your rights and sets out the rules for selling a rental property.
  • Use official forms and seek help quickly if you receive notice or have deposit concerns.

Staying informed helps ensure a smoother transition, whether you stay or move to a new home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Read Yukon tenancy legislation
  2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Official Yukon RTO website
  3. Official Yukon tenancy forms: Download Yukon rental forms

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