Top 50 Tenant Questions: Utilities & Services in Yukon
Who pays for utilities in Yukon rental units?
Unless your lease says otherwise, tenants usually pay for utilities, but check your rental agreement for details.
Can my landlord make me pay for all utilities?
Only if it is stated in your written tenancy agreement.
What if my rental agreement does not mention utilities?
By default, the landlord is responsible unless utilities use is individually metered and agreed for you to pay.
Can a landlord disconnect my utilities?
No, landlords cannot disconnect your utilities except for emergency repairs or for safety reasons.
Is the landlord required to provide heat?
If the tenancy agreement says heat is included, the landlord must provide it at all times during the heating season.
How warm does my unit have to be?
The law does not set a specific temperature, but housing must be comfortable and safe—usually around 20°C (68°F) is expected.
What can I do if my utilities are shut off?
Contact your landlord immediately and call Yukon Residential Tenancies Office here to file a complaint if needed.
Who fixes broken appliances like furnaces or water heaters?
Landlords are responsible for repairs unless your lease says otherwise.
Am I responsible for the water bill?
Only if your rental agreement says so.
Can a landlord charge for garbage collection?
Yes, but only if this is clearly stated in your written rental agreement.
What if my electricity gets shut off for non-payment?
If utilities are your responsibility and you do not pay, the service may be disconnected, but your landlord cannot do this directly.
Does the landlord have to pay for sewer services?
If not specified in the lease, the landlord pays as the default.
What happens if my water is unsafe or stops working?
Tell your landlord, who must fix it promptly. If not, contact the Residential Tenancies Office.
Can my landlord force me to open my own utility account?
Yes, if this is agreed to in your tenancy agreement; otherwise, they cannot.
Can service providers disconnect my energy if the landlord fails to pay?
Yes, utility companies can disconnect service to the property if bills aren’t paid—contact the Residential Tenancies Office if this affects your tenancy.
Who pays for snow removal?
The landlord unless your rental agreement says you're responsible.
If oil is the heating source, who pays for delivery?
Check your lease: if it says heat is included, landlord pays for oil delivery.
Can a landlord increase what I pay for utilities?
Only if the utility costs are listed as separate from rent and your agreement allows for adjustments.
What if my heat stops working in the winter?
Notify your landlord to fix it right away. Lack of heat is an urgent repair.
Who do I contact for utility-related disputes with my landlord?
Yukon Residential Tenancies Office here.
What is the official form to apply for dispute resolution?
Use "Application for Order of the Director" Form 1. File if you need the Residential Tenancies Office to resolve a utilities issue. Source
What if my rental unit isn't getting hot water?
Contact your landlord. They must provide essential services like hot water unless your lease says otherwise.
Can I deduct utility costs from rent if landlord fails to pay?
Only if you have a written order from the Residential Tenancies Office.
Is the landlord responsible for cable/internet?
Only if stated in your rental agreement; otherwise, cable/internet are your responsibility.
Can my landlord enter my unit to check utilities?
Only with 24 hours’ written notice unless it’s an emergency.
What should I do if my power keeps going out?
Report to your landlord immediately and document each incident.
What government office handles tenant utility complaints?
Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (link).
Are utility deposits legal in Yukon?
Utility companies may require deposits, but landlords generally cannot charge you for their own utility deposits.
What law covers utilities in Yukon renting?
The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon) here.
What if utilities are included but my bill is higher than normal?
If utilities are included, you should not be asked for extra payment unless the lease allows it.
Can my landlord make me pay to restore utilities?
Only if your actions caused the disconnection, and this is supported by your lease agreements.
Are there minimum standards for light and water?
Yes, landlords must provide adequate light, water, and heat as part of their obligations under the Act.
Do I pay utilities if I sublet?
The agreement with your subtenant must state who pays; otherwise, you remain responsible to your landlord.
If a shared meter is used, can my landlord charge extra?
Not unless this is clearly detailed and agreed in your tenancy agreement.
Can a landlord refuse to fix broken utilities?
No, landlords must maintain essential utilities for reasonable use.
How do I document a utilities problem?
Write down the issue, dates, communication with your landlord, and take photos if possible.
What official forms help with utilities complaints?
Use Form 1: Application for an Order if issues persist—download at the Residential Tenancies Office here.
What if my landlord says sewer or taxes are 'extra' charges?
Unless your lease or local laws say so, these charges should be included as part of rent or utilities—contact the Office if unclear.
Can a landlord enter to do utility repairs without notice?
Only in emergencies requiring immediate action.
Can I be evicted for not paying utilities?
You may be evicted if you were responsible for utilities and did not pay, after proper notice.
Can my lease require payment of specific service charges?
Yes, if the charges are clearly listed in your signed rental agreement.
What happens during a service interruption not caused by landlord?
The landlord is not responsible for interruptions outside of their control, such as company outages.
Can I ask the government to order my landlord to restore utilities?
Yes, through Form 1 to the Residential Tenancies Office. Learn more.
My landlord won't pay the utility company, what can I do?
Notify the landlord in writing; if not resolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for an order.
Can landlord charge an admin fee for paying utility bills late?
Only if listed in your signed lease; otherwise, it's not allowed.
Who pays if the home is damaged by utility failure?
If caused by landlord neglect, the landlord pays; otherwise, it depends on responsibility defined in your tenancy agreement.
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