When preparing to rent a home in Yukon, tenants often wonder how much a landlord can legally charge before you move in. Understanding allowable fees, deposit limits, and your rights can help ensure a smooth start to your tenancy. This guide uses current Yukon laws to explain what payments are permitted, what forms are involved, and key things to know before you sign or move in.
What Can a Landlord Legally Charge Before You Move In?
In Yukon, the amounts a landlord can request from a tenant before move-in are clearly defined by law. The main upfront cost is usually a security deposit—sometimes called a damage deposit. Additional fees or deposits (like key deposits or pet fees) may also apply, but these are regulated.
Security (Damage) Deposit Rules
Under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon), landlords can require a security deposit, but its amount is strictly limited.
- Maximum amount: The security deposit cannot exceed the value of one month’s rent.
- Timing: The landlord can collect the deposit when the tenancy agreement is signed, or when the landlord accepts the tenant’s application.
- Use: The deposit can only be used for damages (beyond normal wear and tear), unpaid rent, or late fees at the end of the tenancy.
Any requests for more than the legal maximum—for example, two months’ rent upfront—are not allowed under Yukon law. For a full breakdown of how deposits work, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
Other Upfront Costs and Prohibited Charges
- Last Month’s Rent: Unlike some other provinces, in Yukon, landlords cannot ask for prepayment of last month’s rent as a deposit.
- Application Fees: It is illegal for a landlord to charge a non-refundable application fee in Yukon.
- Additional Deposits: Pet deposits or additional deposits may only be charged if the rental is pet-friendly and the lease specifies the pet policy. Pet deposits are also capped at a maximum of 50% of one month’s rent.
- Key/Access Deposits: These may be charged but must be refundable and cannot exceed the cost of replacing or rekeying the lock.
Landlords should always provide a written rental agreement outlining any permitted deposits or fees. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.
Initial Inspection Requirements and Forms
Yukon law requires both landlord and tenant to complete a move-in inspection. This protects both parties from disputes over damage later.
- Form Name: Condition Inspection Report
- When is it used? The report is to be completed on or before move-in day, ideally with both landlord and tenant present.
- How it's used: Both parties inspect the property, note existing damage, and sign the form. This is the main evidence if a deposit dispute arises later.
- Official Source: Yukon Government Residential Tenancies Forms
Completing this inspection is in the best interest of tenants. Get prepared by reading the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants. After move-in, keep a signed copy of your report for your records.
What Isn’t Legally Allowed: Watch Out for These
- Non-refundable application fees or deposits are not permitted in Yukon.
- A landlord cannot collect rent in advance, other than the first month’s rent.
- Deposits or fees not specified in the tenancy agreement or not permitted by law should be questioned.
What Happens to Your Deposit?
Landlords must deposit your security (damage) deposit into a trust account and cannot use it until the tenancy ends and any deductions are agreed upon. At the end of the tenancy, tenants are entitled to get the deposit back—minus any lawful deductions. For tips on recovering your deposit, visit How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.
Other Important Upfront Steps for Yukon Tenants
- Read the tenancy agreement before signing.
- Request a receipt for every payment or deposit you give.
- Complete the Condition Inspection Report fully and keep a copy.
- If something feels wrong, contact Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office.
This preparation can prevent future disputes and supports your rights as a tenant.
FAQs: Yukon Move-In Charges and Deposits
- Can my landlord ask for both a damage deposit and last month's rent?
No, in Yukon, a landlord can only request a security (damage) deposit up to one month’s rent. Asking for extra months of rent upfront is not allowed. - Is an application fee legal in Yukon?
No, application fees are not permitted under Yukon rental law. - What do I do if asked to pay an illegal fee?
You can refuse to pay and can contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for support. - Do I have to pay a pet deposit?
Only if the property is pet-friendly and the lease includes this clause. The maximum allowed is half of one month’s rent. - Will I get my deposit back after moving out?
Yes, as long as there is no property damage (beyond normal wear and tear) and no unpaid rent or late fees. The landlord must return it within 15 days.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – handles disputes and provides legal information for tenants and landlords
- Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – full legislation on tenancies
- Official Yukon Tenancy Forms – including deposit and inspection forms
- Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon
