Yukon Lease Agreement Requirements for Landlords (2025)

A well-drafted tenancy agreement is the foundation of a compliant landlord-tenant relationship in Yukon. The Residential Tenancies Act (effective 1 September 2025) sets out mandatory terms that must appear in every tenancy agreement — and prohibits clauses that attempt to override the tenant's statutory rights.

Written vs. Oral Agreements

The Residential Tenancies Act requires every tenancy agreement entered into on or after 1 September 2025, to be in writing. While oral agreements are legally binding and governed by the Act's standard terms (Section 12), landlords are strictly mandated to provide a written version in the prescribed form (Section 13).

• The landlord must provide a signed copy of the written agreement to the tenant within 21 days of it being entered into.
• The agreement must include all mandatory disclosures and standard terms prescribed by the Act.

The Yukon government mandates a standard form tenancy agreement (set out in Schedule 1 of the Regulations) — landlords must use this form for all residential tenancies.

Mandatory Agreement Terms

Every Yukon tenancy agreement must include:

Standard Mandatory Terms (Per the Act)

All tenancy agreements must incorporate these standard terms derived from the Act:

• Subletting — Rules for subletting and assignment of the lease
• Condition Inspections — Process for move-in and move-out inspections
• Permitted and Prohibited Fees — Application fees are prohibited; deposits are regulated
• Landlord Entry — Rules for when and how the landlord may enter the unit
• Ending the Tenancy — Proper procedures for both landlord and tenant
• Locks — Policies on locks and key changes
• Rent Increases — Process and notice requirements
• Repairs — Responsibilities of each party
• Plumbing and Water — Landlord obligations

Prohibited Clauses

Any clause in a tenancy agreement that:

• Gives the landlord greater rights than the Act allows
• Gives the tenant fewer rights than the Act guarantees

...is void and unenforceable, even if both parties signed the agreement.

Common prohibited clauses include:

• Waiving the landlord's duty to make repairs
• Permitting the landlord to enter without notice
• Requiring the tenant to forfeit the deposit without dispute resolution
• Charging application fees

Fixed-Term vs. Periodic Tenancies

A fixed-term lease that expires without renewal typically converts to a month-to-month tenancy under the Act unless the parties agree otherwise.

Subletting and Assignment

Tenants may sublet (temporarily transfer occupancy to a subtenant) or assign (permanently transfer the lease to a new tenant) the rental unit — but only with the landlord's written consent. Landlords cannot unreasonably withhold consent.

If the landlord refuses to consent without a valid reason, the tenant may apply to the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) for an order permitting the sublet or assignment.

Landlord Right of Entry

Landlords must provide reasonable written notice before entering a rental unit, except in emergencies. The Act specifies circumstances under which the landlord may enter:

• To make repairs or inspections (with reasonable notice)
• With the tenant's consent
• In case of emergency (no notice required)

Prohibited Fees

The following fees are prohibited in Yukon:

• Application fees — Charging prospective tenants to apply for a unit is illegal
• Administrative fees not authorized by the Act
• Top-up deposits — Cannot demand increased deposit after rent increase

How to Stay Compliant

1. Use the government template — Download and use Yukon's official tenancy agreement form.
2. Review prohibited clauses — Have any custom clauses reviewed against the Act before including them.
3. Provide the agreement promptly — Deliver a signed copy within 21 days of signing.
4. Document access areas — Clearly list parking, storage, and any shared spaces the tenant is entitled to use.
5. Keep a signed copy — Retain your own signed copy of every agreement.

Elevate Your Yukon Property Management

Adhering to Yukon's Residential Tenancies Act requires a precise and highly resilient operational strategy. Overlooking the 15-day security deposit return deadline, the 12-month minimum rent increase interval, or proper RTO eviction notices can result in significant financial penalties and loss of possession rights. Landager delivers a streamlined, comprehensive property management solution that automates key compliance workflows. From tracking the exact delivery times for standard lease obligations to managing your entire Yukon portfolio in compliance with the 2025 Act, Landager empowers landlords in Whitehorse and beyond to maximize efficiency and eliminate compliance vulnerabilities.

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