Yukon Maintenance and Repairs Laws: Tenant Rights Explained

Keeping your rental home safe, healthy, and well-maintained is a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords in Yukon. Understanding how maintenance and repairs laws work means you can confidently address issues when they come up and know what to expect from your landlord. This guide breaks down Yukon’s rules, practical steps, and tenant tips to help you keep your rental in good condition—whether you’re facing a leaking faucet or a more serious problem.

Maintenance and Repairs: Who Is Responsible?

According to Yukon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1], landlords must keep the rental unit and common areas in a good state of repair and comply with health and safety standards set by law. Tenants must keep their homes clean and not cause damage beyond normal wear and tear.

• Landlord duties: Repair and maintain appliances and fixtures, fix structural damage, address plumbing or electrical issues, and maintain essential services (like heating and hot water).
• Tenant duties: Keep the unit clean, promptly report repair needs, and avoid damage or unsafe conditions caused by themselves or their guests.

For a full overview of tenant and landlord responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Health and Safety Concerns

Landlords must ensure that the property meets basic health and safety criteria. This includes functioning smoke alarms, safe entry/exit, and measures to prevent pests and mold.

For more on what’s considered unsafe, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Requesting Repairs: Steps and Forms

If something needs repair, tenants should notify the landlord in writing as soon as possible. Include the date, details of the problem, and request for repair. Always keep a copy or photo of your message for your records.

If the landlord doesn’t respond in a reasonable time—or if it’s urgent—you can apply for an order from the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).^[2]

• For urgent repairs (like no heat in winter or a broken front door lock), contact your landlord immediately. If they don’t act, you may be able to file a complaint with the RTO or, in some cases, hire a contractor, save the receipts, and apply for reimbursement.
• Tenants must never withhold rent as a way to get repairs done. This could lead to eviction for non-payment.

For emergencies, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Official Forms for Tenants

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 1): Use this form to request the RTO’s help if your landlord doesn’t address repair issues. Download Form 1 from Yukon.ca. For example, if your heating isn’t fixed within a reasonable time, you can complete the form to ask the RTO to order repairs or compensate you for losses.

Tip: Provide as much documentation as possible when submitting the form—photos of damage, communication records with your landlord, and repair invoices (if applicable).

Routine vs. Emergency Repairs

Routine repairs are non-urgent items like cracked tiles or leaky taps. Emergency repairs include issues that risk tenant health and safety or render the home uninhabitable (e.g., gas leaks, sewer back-up, broken heat in winter).

• Always report emergencies immediately by phone and follow up in writing.
• Routine repair requests can usually be made by email, text message, or letter.

What Happens If Repairs Aren’t Made?

If the landlord does not act after reasonable notice, tenants can:

• Apply to the RTO for an order requiring repairs or compensation
• Request a rent reduction (if repair issues make part of the home unusable)
• In rare emergencies, arrange repairs and seek reimbursement through formal application

Inspection Rights and End-of-Tenancy Repairs

Before moving out, a landlord may inspect the unit to look for any damages beyond normal wear and tear. Tenants are not responsible for ordinary aging but must repair or pay for any excessive damage. For a smoother move-out, see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon page.

Remember: Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you’re considering a move or looking for a new rental in Yukon or elsewhere in Canada.

FAQ: Yukon Maintenance and Repairs

1. Can my landlord enter my rental for repairs without notice?
   Except in emergencies, Yukon landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your rental for repairs.
2. What should I do if repairs aren’t made after I’ve requested them?
   If the problem isn’t fixed within a reasonable time and affects your health or safety, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 1.
3. Do I have to pay for all repairs in my rental unit?
   No. Tenants only pay for damages they or their guests cause. Repairs due to normal use, aging, or landlord-provided services are the landlord’s responsibility.
4. Can I withhold rent if my landlord isn’t completing necessary repairs?
   No. Withholding rent can result in eviction. Always pay your rent and pursue repairs through the RTO if needed.
5. What if the repair is an emergency, like no heat in winter?
   Report it to your landlord right away. If not handled promptly, you can apply immediately to the RTO or arrange repairs and seek reimbursement via formal application.

How To: Address Maintenance and Repair Issues as a Yukon Tenant

1. How do I request repairs from my landlord?
   Send a written request with details and keep a copy. For emergencies, call first, then follow up in writing.
2. How can I apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for repairs?
   Complete Form 1 with evidence of the problem and previous requests to the landlord. Submit the form to the RTO as instructed online.
3. What steps should I follow if a repair is urgent?
   Notify your landlord immediately, document the issue, and if not resolved quickly, contact the RTO or arrange repairs with receipts for reimbursement.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords are responsible for most repairs; tenants must not cause damage and should report maintenance needs quickly.
• Submit repair requests in writing and keep documentation.
• Apply to the Residential Tenancies Office when unresolved repair issues affect your health, safety, or enjoyment of the rental unit.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – Assistance and information on tenant applications, disputes, and repair issues.
• Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
• Yukon Government: Renting and Tenancies

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1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office

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