Yukon Commercial Landlord-Tenant Laws: Guide for Property Owners

Commercial landlord-tenant relationships in Yukon are governed by the Commercial Landlord and Tenant Act, a separate piece of legislation from the residential Residential Tenancies Act. Unlike residential tenancy law, which provides strong tenant protections, commercial tenancy law treats landlords and tenants as sophisticated parties capable of negotiating their own terms. The written lease agreement is paramount.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Commercial lease law is complex and fact-specific. Always consult a licensed attorney in Yukon for guidance specific to your commercial tenancy situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key Differences: Commercial vs. Residential Tenancy

Governing Legislation

Commercial leases in Yukon are primarily governed by the Commercial Landlord and Tenant Act and by common law principles of contract. In the absence of a lease provision on a specific matter, the Commercial Landlord and Tenant Act fills in the gaps — but most matters are addressed by the lease itself.

Unlike the residential framework, commercial tenants have no right to set aside the statute — but the parties have wide latitude to negotiate terms that differ from the default rules.

The Commercial Lease Agreement

A commercial lease is a binding contract that sets out the rights and obligations of both parties. Key commercial lease elements include:

Lease Length and Type

• Fixed-term leases are most common — typically 3, 5, or 10 years
• Month-to-month arrangements are less common but may apply after a fixed term expires

Rent and Operating Expenses

Commercial leases frequently include one of the following structures:

Common Area Maintenance (CAM)

In multi-tenant commercial properties, tenants typically share the cost of maintaining common areas (lobbies, parking lots, hallways) through CAM charges, calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Security Deposits

Commercial security deposits in Yukon are not subject to a statutory cap — the amount is negotiated between the parties and documented in the lease. There is no statutory requirement for accrued interest on commercial deposits, nor is there a fixed return deadline.

For more detail, see our Commercial Security Deposits guide.

Rent Increases

Commercial rents are not subject to rent control in Yukon. Increases are governed entirely by the terms of the lease — typically through annual escalation clauses tied to CPI, fixed percentage increases, or renegotiation at renewal.

For more detail, see our Commercial Rent Increases guide.

Eviction and Remedies for Non-Payment

Commercial landlords have broad remedies for tenant default. Two common remedies used in Yukon:

1. Distress — The landlord may seize and sell the tenant's goods to recover unpaid rent
2. Re-entry / Forfeiture — The landlord may re-enter and terminate the lease upon breach

Specific procedures and timelines depend on the lease agreement. For more detail, see our Commercial Eviction Process guide.

Dispute Resolution

Commercial tenancy disputes in Yukon are handled through:

• Negotiation — Often the first and most cost-effective step
• Mediation — If agreed by both parties
• Arbitration — If specified in the lease as a binding dispute resolution mechanism
• Yukon courts — For formal adjudication

Unlike residential disputes, there is no specialized tribunal for commercial tenancy matters — landlords and tenants must use the general court system or whatever process the lease specifies.

Getting Started with Commercial Compliance

Landager helps commercial property owners manage lease terms, track rent escalation schedules, and maintain compliance documentation for their Yukon commercial properties.

Explore more Yukon commercial compliance topics:

• Commercial Security Deposits
• Commercial Eviction Process
• Commercial Required Disclosures
• Commercial Rent Increases
• Commercial Lease Requirements
• Commercial Maintenance Obligations
• Commercial Late Fees