What to Do If Your Landlord Raises Rent Without Notice in Yukon

If you’re renting in Yukon and your landlord increases your rent without the required legal notice, it's important to know your rights and take informed action. Understanding how rent increases must be handled according to Yukon's territorial legislation will help you avoid overpaying and ensure your housing situation is protected.

Key Rules for Rent Increases in Yukon

Yukon's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets clear procedures for rent increases. Landlords must:

• Provide you with a written rent increase notice at least three full months before it takes effect.
• Limit rent increases to once every 12 months.
• Use official forms and deliver the notice according to the law.

Any rent increase that does not follow these rules is not valid, and you are not required to pay the extra amount.

Required Notice and Forms

Landlords must give written notice using the approved form:

• Notice of Rent Increase Form (Form 16): This form must clearly state the new amount, the effective date, and be delivered to you three full months before the increase starts. Official form and details available directly from the Yukon government.

For example, if a landlord wants to increase rent starting July 1, they must give you written notice by March 31. Verbal or last-minute rent changes do not meet the legal requirement.

What to Do If Your Rent Was Increased Without Proper Notice

If you receive a notice that doesn't give you three months' warning, is not in writing, or doesn't use the correct form, here's how to handle the situation:

• Do not pay the increased amount until you receive proper notice.
• Review the notice to check that it includes all the required information (form, date, amount).
• Contact your landlord in writing to let them know the increase is not valid.
• Keep a copy of all communications and the improper notice.

If your landlord insists, or if you feel pressured to pay the higher rent, you can apply to the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Board for help.

How to File a Dispute

Should your landlord continue demanding the increased rent or threaten eviction, you can formally dispute the increase. You may use the Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution form (Form 18), available on the Yukon government forms page.

In addition, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know for more general information about rent increases across Canada.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant

As a tenant, you have the right to be properly notified of any changes to your rent. You are only required to pay the amount agreed upon in your rental agreement until you receive valid written notice for a legal increase.

If you are unsure about your agreement or other aspects of your tenancy, check out What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for key information.

For more on this topic specifically in Yukon, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Practical Steps: What Tenants Should Do

• Compare your notice to the required three-month timeline and confirm it uses the correct form.
• Discuss any discrepancies with your landlord in writing.
• If needed, apply for dispute resolution using the official tenant application form.
• Review the official Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to understand your rights.
• For help finding a new home, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada quickly and easily online.

Remember, rent increases done without proper notice are not enforceable in Yukon, and support is available if you need to challenge one.

FAQ: Dealing with Rent Increases in Yukon

1. What happens if I pay the increased rent by mistake? If you pay the increase before receiving the correct notice, you can request your landlord refund the extra amount or apply to the Board for recovery.
2. How do I prove my landlord didn’t give enough notice? Save copies of the notice, emails, and any text messages. If the notice was verbal only or delivered late, these are valid reasons to dispute the increase.
3. Is there a limit to how much rent can be increased in Yukon? As of 2024, there is no government-set cap on the amount, but increases can only occur once every 12 months and with sufficient notice.
4. Can my landlord evict me for refusing to pay an illegal rent increase? No, landlords cannot evict tenants for refusing to pay an unlawful increase. Any threat of eviction should be documented and, if needed, reported to the Board.
5. Where can I get official forms for rent disputes? All forms, including the Notice of Rent Increase (Form 16) and Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution, are available on the Yukon government’s rentals forms page.

Conclusion: What to Remember

• Rent increases in Yukon require three months’ written notice, once per year, using the official form.
• Improperly delivered rent increases are not valid—tenants should not pay until proper notice is given.
• The Residential Landlord and Tenant Board provides free support and dispute resolution if you need help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Government: Renting and Leasing Resources – resources, guides, and laws
• Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Board – dispute resolution and forms
• Yukon Public Legal Education Association – information and referrals for tenants
• See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon for more details on local laws

1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
2. Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Board
3. Official Yukon Notice of Rent Increase (Form 16)
4. Yukon Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 18)