The Government of Yukon passed new regulations under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act today. These regulations prevent evictions over the next 90 days for residential tenants who are self-isolating or unable to pay their rent on time due to COVID-19.
The regulations will also allow tenants to pay their rent late if they are unable to pay it when it is due. This is to support individuals who have lost their jobs, are experiencing a reduction in income or because they are under a health protection measure.
Landlords are not be able to evict if the tenant or a member of their household is subject to a health protection measure.
These are uncertain times. The Chief Medical Officer of Health has advised that home is the safest place for Yukoners during the COVID-19 pandemic. These regulations protect Yukon tenants who need to stay home or who have lost their income. We are also committed to supporting landlords; we recognize they are being impacted. Now that these regulations are in place, we will reach out to work with them immediately
Minister of Community Services John Streicker
A tenant who has lost their job or had their income reduced as a result of COVID-19, will be able to end the tenancy early without penalty. This would free up the rental unit to tenants who are able to cover rent.
The tenant will have to pay the unpaid rent as soon as they are able to pay or after the 90 days, whichever comes first.
Landlords will be able to apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for exemption if their property or the safety of others is threatened by the tenant.
A landlord will not be able to enter a rental unit if the residents are under a health protection measure, except for reasons of safety.
Other jurisdictions have introduced similar legislation.
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-3320-0362
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca
Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-5513
bonnie.ventonross@gov.yk.ca