Tenant’s Guide: Fighting an Eviction in Yukon

If you are facing eviction in Yukon, understanding your rights and options can make a big difference. Yukon tenants are protected under specific laws, with structured processes for landlords to follow when ending a tenancy. This guide explains what eviction means, common reasons for eviction in Yukon, how to challenge an eviction, and what steps to take if you want to remain in your home or need more time.

Understanding Eviction in Yukon

Eviction is a legal process where a landlord seeks to end a tenancy and remove a tenant from a rental property. In Yukon, evictions are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1]. Only certain reasons justify eviction, and specific procedures must be followed.

Who Oversees Tenancy and Eviction in Yukon?

The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) is the government body responsible for handling rental disputes, evictions, and tenancy-related applications in Yukon.

Common Grounds for Eviction

Landlords in Yukon might end a tenancy for reasons such as:

• Non-payment of rent
• Repeated late payment of rent
• Serious damage to the property
• Illegal acts occurring in the rental unit
• Landlord or family member moving in (with proper notice)

It's important to understand both your rights and obligations. Review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a deeper dive into your legal standing.

If You Receive an Eviction Notice

Eviction usually starts with your landlord serving you with a written notice. The most common forms are:

• 14-Day Notice to End Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent (Form 2): Used when rent is overdue. Download Form 2 from Yukon.ca.
• Notice to End Tenancy for Cause (Form 3): Used for reasons like damage or violating the agreement. Download Form 3.

If you’ve received a notice, don’t panic. Read it carefully and verify the stated reason. Take note of the effective date and your deadline to respond.

How to Challenge an Eviction

If you believe the eviction is unfair or incorrect, you have the right to challenge it by applying to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for a dispute resolution.

Step-by-Step: Disputing an Eviction in Yukon

• Contact the RTO immediately if you want to challenge the eviction. Time is crucial—do this as soon as you receive the notice.
• Submit an Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 7): This official form allows you to request a hearing to challenge the eviction. Get Form 7 from Yukon.ca.
• Provide supporting evidence, such as payment records, communications with your landlord, or photos.
• Attend the hearing: Prepare to present your case clearly. The RTO will send you a date and time for your hearing, which may be virtual or in-person.
• If the RTO decides in your favour, the eviction may be stopped, or you may receive extra time to move.

The dispute process offers tenants a fair way to present their side and avoid wrongful eviction. If the reason for eviction involves health or safety concerns in your home, make sure to read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for information about your rights.

Staying in the Rental or Moving Out

Depending on the outcome of your dispute hearing, you may:

• Be allowed to stay in your home
• Be required to move out by a specific date
• Come to a mutual agreement with your landlord

For tenants preparing to end their tenancy or planning their transition, consult How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant to ensure you follow all legal steps.

Financial and Practical Tips During Eviction

If you’re worried about where to live or how to find new accommodation, remember to Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme. It’s an efficient way to secure safe and affordable options quickly.

Know Your Rights in Yukon

Every tenant should be familiar with their local laws and protections. Learn more by visiting Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon for a full summary of territorial rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord evict me without notice in Yukon?
   No, landlords must provide a written notice using the proper form and give you the specified notice period, except in rare emergency situations.
2. How quickly do I need to apply to challenge an eviction?
   You should submit your Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 7) to the RTO as soon as possible after receiving the notice—do not wait until the deadline is close.
3. What happens at a dispute hearing?
   Both sides present their information. An RTO hearing officer decides whether the eviction is valid or should be overturned.
4. Does my landlord need a reason to evict me?
   Yes. All evictions in Yukon must be based on one of the legal grounds in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. "No cause" evictions are not permitted before the end of a fixed-term lease.
5. What if I cannot attend my scheduled hearing?
   Contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office right away to reschedule; missing your date could result in an automatic decision against you.

Key Takeaways

• Always read and respond to eviction notices promptly
• You can dispute eviction through the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO)
• Use official forms and keep good records to support your case

Understanding your rights and processes is the best way to protect your home and peace of mind.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): Information, forms, and guidance for tenants and landlords
• Phone: 867-667-5944 or toll-free 1-800-661-0408 (ext. 5944)
• Email: rto@gov.yk.ca
• Yukon Government Renting and Leasing Information
• Local legal aid clinics or community legal services may offer advice or representation

1. Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Full Text of the Act
2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). RTO Official Site