Yukon Tenancy Types Explained: A Tenant's Guide

Renting a home in Yukon means understanding which tenancy agreement you have and how that affects your rights and responsibilities. Whether you're a first-time renter or facing questions about your current lease, knowing the key types of tenancies can help you avoid surprises and protect your interests. In this guide, we cover the main types of tenancy arrangements in Yukon and what you need to know to stay informed and empowered.

Overview of Tenancy Types in Yukon

In Yukon, residential tenancies are regulated by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act[1]. The main types of tenancy agreements are:

  • Fixed-term tenancy: Lasts for a set period (for example, 1 year). The end date is agreed in advance.
  • Periodic tenancy: Has no fixed end date. It automatically renews on a set schedule—usually month-to-month or week-to-week.

The type of agreement you have determines how your rent can be increased, how much notice is needed to move out, and what happens when your lease ends.

Fixed-Term Tenancies

With a fixed-term tenancy, your lease specifies a start and end date. This type gives both tenant and landlord some certainty. At the end, the agreement will either end, become month-to-month, or be renewed.

Ask for your agreement in writing. Yukon law requires rent agreements to be written and signed by both parties.

If you want to move out at the end of your fixed term, or if your landlord asks you to leave, proper notice must be given using official forms. For example:

  • Form: Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Form 1) – Used by tenants or landlords to give official notice to end a tenancy agreement. Download from Government of Yukon. Suppose your lease ends in August and you plan to move; you'd complete this form and give the required notice.

Periodic (Month-to-Month) Tenancies

If you don’t have a set end date, you probably have a periodic tenancy—most commonly month-to-month. These arrangements renew automatically unless proper notice is given to end the agreement. You still have key protections, including limits on rent increases and notice periods.

For more on what happens after signing the rental agreement, check out our guide.

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Switching Between Tenancy Types

At the end of a fixed-term, if neither tenant nor landlord gives notice to end the tenancy and a new agreement isn’t signed, the contract automatically becomes a month-to-month periodic tenancy. This is common in Yukon rentals and keeps tenant rights protected under the Act.

Key Rights and Responsibilities Under Each Tenancy Type

No matter which tenancy you have, you have important rights and responsibilities. Some highlights:

  • You must pay rent on time and keep the property reasonably clean
  • Your landlord must ensure the unit meets health, safety, and maintenance standards
  • Security deposits can only be collected according to Yukon law—see our Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know guide
If you have repair issues or health and safety concerns, act quickly and document everything. Always communicate in writing when possible.

Disputes and Tenant Protections

If there's a disagreement (like illegal rent increases, improper eviction, or maintenance concerns), you can apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. This is the official board for resolving rental disputes.

Learn more about your rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon. If you ever decide to move, review our tips on Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What happens if I don’t sign a lease in Yukon?
    Even without a written lease, provincially regulated tenancy rights still apply. You likely have a month-to-month (periodic) tenancy, which gives you standard protections and obligations.
  2. How much notice must I give to move out of a month-to-month tenancy?
    Under Yukon law, a tenant must provide at least one full rental period (usually one month's) notice using the official Notice to Terminate Tenancy form.
  3. Can my landlord end my fixed-term lease early?
    Except for specific reasons set out in the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, a landlord cannot end a fixed-term tenancy before its expiry.
  4. What is the maximum security deposit my landlord can ask for?
    The maximum allowed security deposit is equal to up to one month’s rent under Yukon law.
  5. How do I resolve a dispute with my landlord over my tenancy agreement?
    You can apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for arbitration and dispute resolution.

Key Takeaways

  • Yukon has two main types of tenancies: fixed-term and periodic (usually month-to-month).
  • Your rights and the legal process for moving out, rent increases, and deposits depend on your tenancy type.
  • Always use official forms and read up on your protections under the latest Yukon law for tenants.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Yukon. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. S.Y. 2012, c.20.
  2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Official government disputes office
  3. Government of Yukon. Notice to Terminate Tenancy form

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