If you’re contemplating raising your rent in Yukon in 2025, it’s essential to understand the region’s rent control laws. These laws limit how much landlords can increase the rent over a specific period. If your rent fee exceeds this limit, you risk getting into legal trouble and becoming involved in a bitter dispute with your tenant.
Yukon’s rent increase regulations are outlined in the Residential Landlord and Tenancy Act (RLTA), which dictates how high you can increase your rent price, how often you can do so, how to inform your tenant, and more. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about these regulations, including the maximum amount you can raise your rent in 2025.
2025 updates to Yukon rent increase guideline
The rent increase guideline in Yukon is 4.9%. In other words, 4.9% is the maximum amount you can raise your rent on a residential property in Yukon. For example, if your current rent fee is $1,600 monthly, your maximum increase is limited to $1,678. The 4.9% limit is effective from May 15, 2024, to May 15, 2025.
In most cases, you can increase your rent only once every 12 months, after the last legal rent increase or when your tenant moves in. You cannot adjust your price during the first year of the tenancy.
For a rent increase to be valid, you must give your tenant at least three months’ notice before it takes effect using a government-approved form.
If your rental property is a mobile home, the tenant can legally treat a rent increase notice as a notice to terminate the lease. If they wish to move out rather than pay the higher fee, they must advise you of their intention in writing within 30 days of receiving the notice.
However, they still have the right to change their mind and choose to stay instead of vacating the property. Assuming you agree with their decision, the tenancy can continue with the rent increase taking effect on the date conveyed in the notice.
As per the RLTA, the minimum notice requirements and timing of rent increases don’t apply in cases where:
- You’re raising your price due to the arrival of one or more additional tenants, and
- Such a rent increase is permitted under the lease agreement.
The notice and timing requirements also don’t apply to rental units where rent fee changes are tied to the tenant’s income.
How the Yukon rent increase guideline is determined
As of May 15, 2021, the allowable rent increase in Yukon is limited to the change in the consumer price index (CPI) for Whitehorse in the previous calendar year. The Yukon Bureau of Statistics calculates the CPI for the city each year, which, in turn, determines the rent increase guideline. This guideline is reset every May 15.
There are two exceptions to the above rule:
- If the CPI was less than 2% for the prior year, you may raise your rent by up to 2%.
- If the CPI was more than 5% for the prior year, you may increase your rent by 5% at most.
Therefore, within the 2%-5% range, the maximum allowable rent increase will always equal the previous year’s CPI.
How to raise rent in Yukon: step-by-step process
Below are the steps for raising rent on a Yukon residential property in 2025. These steps apply to both fixed-term and month-to-month leases.
Step 1: Determine your new rent price
Start by figuring out your ideal rent price. While this may seem straightforward, it requires a bit of research and number crunching. The amount you charge should enable you to cover any cost increases incurred during the past year while encouraging your tenant to renew their lease.
First, assess how much you’ve spent on operating expenses in the current year compared to the previous year. Have your costs risen or fallen? If the former, calculate the total percentage change. Your new rent fee should match this amount at a minimum for you to maintain your current profit margin.
Next, examine the state of the rental market in your area. Are other landlords who own properties similar to yours hiking their rent fees? If so, by how much on average? Knowing what your competition charges is crucial, as it will help you choose a price that renters are willing to pay.
Step 2: Prepare the notice of rent increase for your tenant
Once you’ve settled on your 2025 rent fee, it’s time to notify your tenant of the increase. In Yukon, you must prepare your notice using the Notice of Rent Increase form.
While not mandatory, it’s worth including an extra note with your rent increase notice explaining why you’re raising your rent. Your tenant may be surprised by the higher fee or want clarification on why you’re asking them to pay more.
Step 3: Notify your tenant of the rent increase
In Yukon, you’re required by law to notify your tenant at least three months before raising your rent. Otherwise, the rent increase is considered unlawful, and they’re not legally obligated to pay it. For this reason, it’s important to choose a reliable method for delivering your notice. The Yukon Notice of Rent Increase form lists a few options:
- Give it to your tenant in person
- Send it via registered mail
- Attach a copy in a visible location at the rental unit, such as the front door.
Resolving issues about rent control
Most tenants won’t object to a rent increase and will pay the new fee unquestionably. However, in rare instances, they may refuse to pay it, perhaps arguing that you failed to give them proper notice.
When you cannot rectify the issue with your tenant, you can seek assistance from the Residential Tenancies Office, which will hear your case and issue a judgment. The judgment is legally binding and enforceable by the Yukon Supreme Court.
To begin the process, complete an application form and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Office. Then, pay the $50 application fee or apply to have it waived. From there, the Residential Tenancies Office will arrange a date for a hearing so you can present your case. You’ll also receive documents with instructions on how to prepare for the hearing.
The links below offer additional information about landlord-tenant dispute resolution process in Yukon:
Our final thoughts
From May 15, 2024, to May 15, 2025, the maximum allowable rent increase in Yukon is 4.9%. This rate applies to all residential properties, regardless of whether the lease has a fixed term or runs month to month. You’re limited to one rate increase every 12 months, and you must give your tenants at least three months’ notice using an approved form before it takes effect.
