Yukon Ending Tenancy Compensation: What Landlords Owe Tenants

When Compensation Is Mandatory

Under Yukon's RTA 2025, landlords must pay tenant compensation when ending a tenancy through no fault of the tenant on specified grounds. Specifically, if you issue a 4-month notice to end a tenancy for demolition, conversion to a non-residential use for at least 12 months, or renovations or repairs needed to meet minimum regulated standards that require the rental unit to be vacant, you owe the tenant compensation equal to one full month's rent.

This payment is non-negotiable. It must be paid on or before the effective termination date stated in the notice. The tenant can choose to take the compensation as a direct payment or apply it as a rent credit for their final month of occupancy.

For-cause terminations (unpaid rent, material breach, repeated late payment) carry no compensation obligation — the tenancy is ending because of the tenant's conduct.

Landlord or Purchaser Occupation: No Statutory Compensation

When ending a tenancy for personal occupation (landlord, family member, or purchaser moving in), the RTA 2025 does not currently mandate tenant compensation beyond the proper return of the security deposit. The obligation is the 3-month notice served in good faith.

What the law does require is genuine intent: the person named in the notice must occupy the unit in good faith for at least 12 months. If they do not — relisting the unit at a higher rent, for example — the tenant may apply to the RTO for compensation for resulting loss.

Security Deposit: The 15-Day Obligation

Every tenancy ending triggers the security deposit return process. Within 15 days after the later of the tenancy end date or the landlord's receipt of the tenant's forwarding address or e-transfer information in writing, the landlord must either return the deposit with statutory interest, obtain the tenant's written agreement for deductions, or apply to the RTO for dispute resolution claiming retention.

Missing the 15-day deadline forfeits your right to claim against the deposit for property damage. The RTO can order a full return.

Yukon law caps a security deposit at one month's rent, or one week's rent for a weekly tenancy. A landlord may also collect one pet damage deposit of up to half a month's rent if the tenant has a pet; a second security deposit is prohibited.

Move-Out Inspection Protects Both Sides

Before the tenant vacates, you must offer two good-faith opportunities for a joint Condition Inspection Report. This inspection establishes the state of the unit and supports any deposit deduction claims you might make. Skipping the inspection — or not offering two opportunities — can undermine your position if the deposit dispute reaches the RTO.

Penalties for Getting It Wrong

Failing to pay mandatory compensation or comply with the security-deposit deadline can lead to an RTO dispute-resolution claim. A landlord who violates the security-deposit return rule can be fined on conviction up to $25,000 as an individual or $50,000 as a corporation under sections 53 and 136. The RTO can also order money owing to be paid, and its written orders can be filed with the Supreme Court of Yukon for enforcement by the Sheriff's Office.

Keep Track of Your Obligations

The Ending a Tenancy in Yukon guide includes a deposit tracker with the 15-day countdown and a ground-by-ground reference table showing which termination types trigger mandatory compensation — so you know what you owe before you serve the notice.

See more Yukon guides →