What Yukon Tenants Can Do About Poorly Done Repairs

Dealing with repairs in a rental home is a common experience for tenants in Yukon. But what if your landlord does repairs, only to have them done poorly—or the problem returns? Understanding your rights and the steps you can take under Yukon's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is essential to make sure your home stays safe and livable. This guide explains your rights, action steps, and official resources if you’re a Yukon tenant faced with poor repair work.

Understanding Your Right to Proper Repairs in Yukon Rentals

In Yukon, landlords are legally required to keep rental units in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and compliant with health and safety standards. Repairs should be done in a timely and professional manner. If the work is substandard—leaving issues unresolved or creating new problems—you have the right to seek a proper fix.

What Counts as a Poor Repair?

• The original problem still persists after the repair
• The repair created new hazards or safety concerns
• Temporary fixes that do not address the root issue
• Use of unsafe materials or methods that don’t meet code

Poor repairs can affect Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. If you are concerned, act promptly to protect your well-being and your legal rights.

Steps to Take if Repairs Are Done Poorly

Here’s what Yukon tenants should do if repairs in their unit aren’t done properly:

1. Document everything: Take clear photos, videos, and notes of the repair and any issues that remain or have gotten worse.
2. Communicate in writing: Email or write a letter to your landlord outlining the problem, referencing previous communications, and requesting a proper repair. Keep copies of all correspondence.
3. Contact the landlord again: If the issue continues, follow up with your landlord giving them a reasonable deadline to fix the problem properly.
4. Contact Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office: If the landlord fails to resolve the problem after being notified, you can file an official complaint.

Filing a Maintenance/Repair Complaint in Yukon

Complaints about unresolved or poorly performed repairs are handled by the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).

• Form: Application to Director (Form 17)
• When to use: If your landlord fails to make or complete repairs satisfactorily after being notified in writing.
• How to use: Fill out the Application to Director (Form 17) and submit it to the RTO. Include your evidence (photos, communications, etc.). Get Form 17 and instructions from the Government of Yukon.

The RTO may mediate, issue orders, or arrange an inspection to resolve the matter. This process helps ensure your landlord meets their legal duties—see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more about landlord responsibilities.

Relevant Yukon Legislation

Your rights are protected under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon). This act covers standards for repairs, maintenance, health and safety, and the process for complaints.^[1]

How Poor Repairs Can Impact Your Tenancy

Poorly done repairs can affect your health, safety, comfort, and enjoyment of the home. They may even cause a situation where the property is uninhabitable or unsafe. If this happens, document everything and seek help—see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon for a broader overview of your protections.

When to Seek Additional Help

If a situation involves urgent issues (like no heat in winter, major leaks, electrical hazards, or possible threats to safety), the RTO may be able to expedite your application. See their official website for details on emergencies and orders for critical repairs. For more on urgent repair scenarios, you can also consult Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Remember: As a tenant, you should never attempt major repairs yourself unless specifically authorized in writing by your landlord or the RTO.

FAQ: Poorly Done Repairs in Yukon Rentals

1. Who pays if I have to fix something myself because my landlord won’t?
   If your landlord fails to do proper repairs after notice and you have to fix it to ensure safety or habitability, keep your receipts. You may be able to claim reimbursement through the RTO, but always seek their advice before taking this step.
2. Can my landlord evict me for complaining about repairs?
   No. It’s illegal for landlords to retaliate against tenants for asserting repair rights under Yukon's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
3. How do I prove a repair was done poorly?
   Collect photo/video evidence, inspection reports, and keep a detailed record of all communication. This will support your application if you need to escalate the issue.
4. How long does my landlord have to fix repairs?
   Landlords must address repair requests within a reasonable time, depending on urgency. Emergencies (e.g., no heat, water leaks) must be fixed quickly. Otherwise, reasonable delays are allowed for scheduling professionals.
5. Where can I find an apartment with good maintenance standards?
   Explore Canada's best rental listings platform to view available rentals coast to coast.

Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

• Your landlord must ensure repairs are done properly and promptly.
• Always document problems and communicate in writing.
• If repairs are still unsatisfactory, file a complaint with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office using Form 17.

If you follow these steps and use the right resources, you can protect your right to a safe, livable rental unit.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – official information, complaint forms, mediation, guidance
• Application to Director (Form 17) – official government form for complaints
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon – comprehensive fact page
• Tenant support groups and legal clinics (see RTO site for links to local organizations)
• Explore rental homes in your area for professionally managed units across Canada

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1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon) – current as of 2024
2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – Government of Yukon
3. Application to Director (Form 17) – official complaint form

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