Withholding Rent for Repairs in Yukon: Tenant Rights Explained

If you’re renting a home in Yukon and your landlord hasn’t completed necessary repairs, you might be wondering if it’s legal to withhold your rent until the work is done. Understanding your tenant rights, the law, and practical steps can help you avoid costly mistakes and find a safer, healthier living environment.

Can You Legally Withhold Rent for Repairs in Yukon?

In Yukon, the law does not allow tenants to simply stop paying rent if repairs are needed—even if your landlord hasn't fixed something important. Withholding rent without following the legal process can result in eviction or other penalties under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)^[1]. Instead, there’s a formal process for seeking repairs or compensation.

What the Law Says

Under the Act, landlords are required to maintain the property in a state of repair that complies with health, safety, and housing standards. Tenants must continue paying rent as agreed. If problems arise, you must notify the landlord in writing and give them a reasonable time to fix the problem before seeking further action.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won’t Make Repairs

Here’s a summary of the main actions you can take if your landlord won’t address maintenance or repairs:

• Notify Your Landlord in Writing: Clearly describe the needed repair and set a realistic timeline for response.
• Keep Records: Save copies of all letters, emails, and responses.
• Continue to Pay Rent: Not paying can result in eviction proceedings.
• Apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): If the landlord doesn’t respond, you can apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for an order requiring the landlord to complete repairs or for compensation.

Essential Forms for Repair Disputes

If informal communication fails, tenants can use the following RTO forms:

• Application for Repair Order (Form 7): Use this form if you want the RTO to order the landlord to make repairs. Access the official form and instructions from the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

How it's used: For example, if your heating fails in winter and your landlord ignores repeated written requests, you can fill out Form 7 and submit it to the RTO. Include detailed evidence like messages, photos, or inspection results.

Health and Safety Repairs

For urgent repairs impacting health or safety—such as no heat during cold months, major leaks, or severe electrical problems—act quickly. These issues could be considered emergencies. For more details, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

It’s important to keep paying your rent as usual even if your landlord isn’t responding to repair requests. Let the legal process work for you and always seek official guidance if in doubt.

Alternative Options: Compensation or "Repair and Deduct"

The "repair and deduct" option—where you fix something yourself and deduct the cost from your rent—is not automatically permitted in Yukon. Only proceed with this if:

• You have written approval from your landlord, or
• You have a formal order from the Residential Tenancies Office

Never make deductions from your rent before securing official permission; doing so could risk eviction.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Tenants and landlords both have legal duties. For more on this topic, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

You can also explore the full details about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

If Repairs Are Not Completed

If your landlord fails to carry out repairs after an order from the RTO, the tribunal can:

• Order a rent reduction until repairs are made
• Allow you to end your lease without penalty
• Order reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses (if permitted)

Each situation and remedy will depend on your unique case and the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Finding a New Place If Conditions Remain Unsafe

If needed, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for alternative accommodation options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I stop paying rent if my landlord refuses to fix something? No, you must continue paying rent and use official channels, such as the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office, to resolve disputes.
2. What qualifies as an emergency repair in Yukon rentals? Issues that affect health or safety, like lack of heat in winter, severe plumbing leaks, or electrical hazards, are considered emergencies.
3. Can I arrange repairs and subtract the cost from rent? Only if you have your landlord’s written permission or an order from the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office—never do this on your own.
4. Where do I apply for help if the landlord won’t cooperate? File an application with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office; the main form is Form 7 (Application for Repair Order).
5. Will the RTO lower my rent if repairs aren’t finished? Potentially, but this happens only by order of the RTO and not automatically.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Never withhold rent for repairs unless ordered by the tribunal or with written landlord consent
• Document all communication and repair requests in writing
• Use official forms and procedures to pursue your rights as a tenant

Always consult the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for guidance on your specific situation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – Official guidance, forms, and dispute resolution (867-667-5944)
• Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Read the full Act
• How to Apply to the RTO – Step-by-step process and forms
• Local community legal clinics or advocacy organizations for tenants (search "Yukon tenant support")

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1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office
3. Yukon Residential Tenancies Application for Repair Order (Form 7)

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