Yukon Tenant’s Guide: Maintenance & Repairs Explained

Living in a rental home in Yukon means both you and your landlord share responsibilities for keeping the space safe and in good repair. Understanding your rights—and your duties—about maintenance and repairs helps you enjoy a comfortable home and avoid unnecessary disputes. This guide explains what tenants and landlords must do, how to report repair needs, the official paperwork involved, and what to do if maintenance problems affect your health or safety.

Your Basic Rights and Responsibilities in Yukon Rentals

Both landlords and tenants in Yukon must follow the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)¹. The law sets out clear standards for property maintenance.

• Landlord duties: They must keep your rental property in a good state of repair, meet health and safety laws, and provide necessary services like heat and water.
• Tenant duties: You are responsible for keeping your unit reasonably clean and reporting repair needs as soon as they appear.

For more on everyone's roles, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Types of Repairs: What Counts as Emergency, Routine, or Tenant Responsibility?

Emergency Repairs

Emergency repairs are needed when your health, safety, or the property itself is at immediate risk. This could include broken heat in winter, major water leaks, or electrical hazards.

For guidance on urgent problems, visit Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Routine Repairs

Routine issues are regular wear and tear or minor fixes, like a leaky faucet or a sticky lock. You should inform your landlord in writing as soon as possible. For further clarity, check out Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Keep your unit clean
• Not deliberately damage the unit
• Notify the landlord promptly when repairs are needed
• Handle minor tasks like changing your lightbulbs

If you cause damage beyond regular use, you might be responsible for repairs or costs.

Steps to Request Repairs in Yukon

Communicating clearly and following proper steps helps repairs get done quickly and protects your rights.

• Step 1: Contact your landlord as soon as you notice a problem. For routine issues, put your request in writing (email, text, or letter) and keep a copy.
• Step 2: Clearly describe the repair needed, when it started, and why it’s urgent (if applicable).
• Step 3: If the landlord does not respond in a reasonable time, send a follow-up notice. Giving written notice builds a clear record.
• Step 4: For emergencies or dangerous conditions, call the landlord immediately and follow up in writing as soon as you safely can.

What if Repairs Aren’t Done?

If your landlord ignores proper repair requests, you can apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) for enforcement or dispute resolution.

Form: Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 1)

• When to use: If your landlord does not make necessary repairs after written notice and reasonable time.
• How: Complete Form 1 – Application for Dispute Resolution. Submit it to the RTO with details and supporting evidence (photos, written requests, etc.).

For full instructions, see the Yukon government’s official forms page.

Health, Safety, and Habitability

All Yukon rentals must meet minimum health and safety standards enforced by the local government. If conditions in your home threaten health or safety—such as mold, pests, or unreliable heat—you should:

• Notify your landlord and describe the problem in writing
• If unresolved, contact Yukon Environmental Health Services or file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office

More information is in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Pests and Infestations

If your unit is infested with pests (like bedbugs or mice), inform your landlord in writing. Landlords are generally responsible for pest control unless you caused the problem through neglect. See Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions for more on this topic.

Documentation: Protecting Yourself as a Tenant

Keep records of all repair requests, photos of the issue, and any landlord responses. Well-documented communications are crucial if a dispute reaches the Residential Tenancies Office.

Tip: Doing a walkthrough with your landlord and completing an inspection report when you move in (and out) helps avoid disagreements about the unit’s condition.

More About Your Yukon Rights

For a full overview of your rights and responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon. If you move often or are looking for a new place, remember you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme easily and securely.

FAQ: Yukon Maintenance & Repairs for Tenants

1. What is my landlord required to repair in Yukon?
   Landlords must maintain the rental property in a good state of repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards as set by law.
2. Do I always have to pay for repairs?
   You are only responsible for repairs if you, a guest, or a pet caused the damage through neglect or misuse. Routine and emergency repairs due to normal wear are the landlord’s responsibility.
3. How do I report a repair needed in my unit?
   Report problems to your landlord in writing as soon as possible, stating what is needed and how soon the repair is required. Keep copies of your messages.
4. What if my landlord ignores my repair request?
   If reasonable time passes and repairs aren’t made, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using their Application for Dispute Resolution form.
5. Can I withhold rent until repairs are made?
   No—tenants must keep paying rent even if repairs are outstanding. Instead, use the dispute process set by Yukon law.

How To: Handle Maintenance & Repairs Issues as a Yukon Tenant

1. How do I make a written repair request?
   Describe the problem clearly, include photos if possible, and send it via email, text, or letter to your landlord. Note when the issue began and keep a copy for your records.
2. How can I apply to the Residential Tenancies Office if repairs aren’t done?
   Complete Form 1 (Application for Dispute Resolution), attach your evidence (photos, copies of written requests), and submit it in person or by mail to the RTO.
3. How do I document an emergency repair?
   Call your landlord as soon as possible, then follow up with a written message summarizing the issue and your conversation. If you pay for urgent repairs yourself (as allowed by law), keep all receipts.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants in Yukon have a right to safe, well-maintained homes.
• Document all repair requests and keep written records.
• If repairs aren't handled after reasonable notice, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): Official guidance, forms, and dispute applications.
• Rental Forms and Guides: Download applications and instructions.
• Yukon Government Main Contact: For general rental inquiries.
• For detailed information about Yukon tenant law, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

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1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon). Read the full legislation here.
2. Official dispute forms and info from the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

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