What Happens If You Don’t Pay the New Rent in Yukon?

As a tenant in Yukon, facing a new rent amount can be stressful, especially if the increase makes payment difficult. Understanding your rights, the official process, and available support is essential to navigate this situation confidently and avoid mistakes. This article outlines what happens if you don’t pay the new rent, steps landlords may take, and what you can do at every stage.

What Happens When You Don’t Pay the Increased Rent?

In Yukon, if your landlord raises the rent and you do not pay the new amount, several things can happen. The landlord must follow a specific legal process under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon).[1] First, the rent increase must have been provided to you with proper notice. If that notice is valid and you don’t pay the new rent amount:

  • Your rent is considered late as soon as the due date passes with the higher amount unpaid.
  • Your landlord can serve you an official eviction notice for non-payment.
  • You may have a short window to pay the outstanding rent and avoid eviction.

Not paying the new rent could lead to ending your tenancy and moving out, so acting quickly is important.

Your Rights and the Rent Increase Process

Rent increases in Yukon must meet strict rules. The landlord must give you at least three months’ written notice, in the proper form, for any increase.[2] If these procedures aren’t followed, the increase may not be legally enforceable, and you may not have to pay the higher amount yet.

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If you disagree with the rent increase or think the notice was not provided correctly, you can seek a review and should not ignore the issue. Knowing your rights and the legal process helps you avoid unnecessary consequences. For more details about rent increases and your options, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Cannot Pay the New Rent

  • Check the notice: Was the increase legally served with the required notice period? If not, notify your landlord in writing.
  • Communicate: If you cannot pay the increased rent, inform your landlord as soon as possible to try to reach a solution.
  • Pay what you can: Partial payment does not stop eviction but might show good faith.
  • Understand late rent rules: If rent (old or new) is unpaid by the due date, your landlord can issue a written Notice to End Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent.
  • Catch up quickly: If you receive a notice, pay the outstanding rent in full within 14 days to cancel the eviction.[3]
  • Apply for review: If you believe the rent increase is invalid, you can file a dispute with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

Responding quickly and documenting all conversations helps you protect your tenancy. For more details about ongoing obligations, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

  • Notice of Rent Increase (Form 15): Required for landlords to raise your rent. If you receive this, check for the correct notice period.
    See and download the official Form 15 from the Yukon government website.
  • Notice to End Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent (Form 6): If you don’t pay the new rent, your landlord can serve this to start eviction. You have 14 days to pay the full amount to cancel the notice.
    Find Form 6 and instructions on the Yukon government forms page.
  • Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 9): Use this if you want to challenge the rent increase or the eviction process.
    Download Form 9 from the official page and file it with the Residential Tenancies Office.
If you are unsure which form to use or how to fill it out, contact the Residential Tenancies Office (Yukon) for guidance and support.

How Eviction for Non-Payment Works in Yukon

Eviction is a legal process in Yukon and your landlord must follow each step:

  • Landlord serves the Notice to End Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent (Form 6).
  • You have 14 days to pay all rent owed to rescind the notice.
  • If unpaid after 14 days, the landlord can apply for an official order to end the tenancy and remove you.
  • You can challenge the notice during this process by filing for dispute resolution with the tribunal.

If you move out, you may still owe unpaid rent. If you stay after eviction, you can be removed by legal means.

What If I Just Pay the Old Rent?

If you only pay the old rent amount and not the increase, your payment is considered partial, and your rent is still in arrears. This could quickly trigger an eviction notice.

For more about your rights and obligations as a tenant in your territory, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

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FAQ: Yukon Rent Payment and Increases

  1. Can a landlord evict me immediately if I don’t pay the new rent amount?
    If you don’t pay the new, properly noticed rent, your landlord can serve an official 14-day notice. You have that time to pay before eviction proceeds.
  2. What if the rent increase notice wasn’t proper or didn’t give me enough time?
    A rent increase is only valid with the correct form and notice period. If it wasn't done right, you may not have to pay the increase yet. Contact the Residential Tenancies Office to confirm.
  3. Can I dispute a rent increase or eviction notice?
    Yes, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using the Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 9) if you believe a notice is invalid.
  4. Will a partial rent payment prevent eviction?
    No. Unless you pay the entire outstanding rent (including the increase) within the 14-day period, your landlord can continue with eviction.
  5. What official body handles tenant disputes in Yukon?
    The Residential Tenancies Office (Yukon) oversees all residential tenancy disputes.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

  • If you don’t pay the new, validly increased rent in Yukon, your landlord can issue a 14-day eviction notice.
  • Always check the validity of rent increase notices and act promptly to dispute improper increases.
  • Paying the full outstanding rent within the notice period can stop eviction, but partial payments are not enough.

Keep good records and seek support right away if you are struggling with your rent or unsure about a notice.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. See Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
  2. Notice of Rent Increase rules at the Yukon Tenancy Forms page
  3. Eviction and dispute timelines per official government resources

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