Tenant Steps for Addressing Unsafe Employer Housing in Yukon

Unsafe or unhealthy conditions in employer-provided housing can put Yukon tenants at risk. If you are living in accommodations supplied by your employer and believe your home does not meet required safety or health standards, it's crucial to know your rights, the responsibilities of the landlord (your employer), and the exact steps to take for a safe outcome.

Recognizing Unsafe Conditions in Employer Housing

Employer housing in Yukon must meet the same basic standards as any rental home. Issues such as mold, faulty wiring, pest infestations, unreliable heat, or lack of running water may mean the property is unsafe or unfit for habitation. Under the Yukon's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords—including employers—are obligated to provide and maintain rental housing in a good state of repair, fit for living, and compliant with health, safety, and housing standards.^[1]

Common Signs of Unsafe Living Conditions

• Persistent mold or moisture issues
• Lack of heat, especially in winter months
• Unsafe electrical wiring or exposed outlets
• Structural damage (collapsing stairs, broken windows)
• Pest infestations (rats, bedbugs, cockroaches)
• No access to potable water or functioning toilets

If you notice any of these hazards, it is important to act quickly to protect your health and safety.

What Are Your Rights as a Tenant in Employer-Provided Housing?

Even when your landlord is your employer, you are protected under Yukon’s residential tenancy laws. Your landlord must:

• Ensure your home meets health and safety requirements
• Complete necessary repairs in a timely manner
• Not retaliate against you for raising legitimate safety concerns

If you need a detailed overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Immediate Steps If Your Employer Housing is Unsafe

If you believe your accommodation is unsafe, here are key steps to follow:

1. Document the Unsafe Conditions

• Take clear photos of the hazards
• Record dates, details, and any communications
• Keep copies of all correspondence (emails, texts, letters)

2. Notify the Landlord (Employer) in Writing

• Describe the problems and request timely repairs
• Be specific and keep a copy of your request

3. If No Action is Taken: Filing a Formal Complaint

If your employer does not resolve the issue promptly, you may file a complaint with Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). The RTO administers the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and can address landlord-tenant disputes, including unsafe housing.^[2]

4. Forms to Use

• Application to the Director (Form 1): You may use this official RTO form to ask the Director to address issues such as repairs, rent reductions due to loss of services, or health and safety complaints.
  Download the Application to the Director (Form 1).
  Example: If your employer has not fixed broken heating after you've asked in writing, submit this application to the RTO.
• Inspection Form: Tenants may request an inspection by the RTO to formally document poor conditions.
  Request an inspection online.
  Example: If you suspect mold or electrical hazards, an RTO inspector can assess and report findings.

How Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office Helps

The RTO is the official government office handling disputes about unsafe conditions. If an inspection finds the rental is unfit, the RTO can order the landlord to complete repairs or allow tenants to end their tenancy early without penalty. Detailed steps for complaints and solutions are available on their tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities page.

If you’re dealing with ongoing dangers to health or safety and aren’t getting timely help, you don’t have to manage this alone. Professional tenant advocates or the RTO can support you in resolving the situation.

Health and Safety Standards

For a closer look at the types of issues that may compromise safety—such as exposure to mold, pests, or unsafe utilities—see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. Knowing what qualifies as a health hazard can help you prepare your complaint more effectively.

Your Next Move: Alternatives and Support

• Consider mediation services through the RTO if communication breaks down
• Know that you may have the right to end your tenancy early if unsafe conditions are not corrected
• Start looking for new, safe accommodation if your employer does not remedy the problems
• Houseme - your rental solution in Canada makes it easy to explore and transition to safer rental options

Many tenants find that documenting everything and following the official process ensures the best outcome and protects their legal rights.

FAQ: Unsafe Employer Housing in Yukon

1. Can my employer evict me for complaining about unsafe conditions?
   No. Yukon law prohibits retaliation against tenants who exercise their rights to safe housing or file complaints with the RTO.
2. What if my employer refuses to respond to written repair requests?
   If written requests are ignored, file an Application to the Director (Form 1) with the RTO. An inspection may also be requested to document unsafe conditions.
3. How quickly must repairs be made?
   The law requires landlords to make repairs within a reasonable timeframe, depending on the severity. Life or health-threatening issues must be addressed urgently.
4. Can I leave immediately if my housing is unsafe?
   If conditions endanger your health or safety and your landlord (employer) refuses to resolve the issue, you may be legally allowed to end your tenancy early. Speak to the RTO for guidance.
5. Does employer housing have to meet the same standards as private rentals?
   Yes. Employer-provided housing is subject to the same safety, repair, and occupancy standards as any residential rental under Yukon law.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

• Your right to a safe, healthy home applies even if your employer is the landlord
• Document everything, request repairs in writing, and use the RTO if needed
• Help is available—reach out early to protect your well-being and tenancy

If you’re concerned about next steps, remember that resources in Yukon are there to ensure employer housing meets all required standards.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – Yukon government, call (867) 667-5944 or email rto@gov.yk.ca
• Yukon Human Rights Commission for discrimination or harassment concerns
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon for a full summary of Yukon tenant protections
• General rental support: Houseme - your rental solution in Canada

---

1. [1] See the official text of the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. [2] Learn more at the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy