Yukon security and pet deposits: rules and inspections

At move-in

Landlords generally may ask for only one security deposit per tenancy agreement. A separate pet deposit may be allowed when a tenant has a pet; see the current Yukon government guidance for the particular limits.

The ordinary security-deposit limit is one month’s rent for monthly tenancies or one week’s rent for weekly tenancies. Yukon also permits one pet-damage deposit when relevant: generally up to half a month’s rent, or one week’s rent for weekly tenancies. Deposits cannot automatically be forfeited, and a landlord generally cannot collect another security deposit merely because more occupants move in.

At move-out

Tenant should supply a forwarding address or e-transfer information in writing. The landlord must return the deposit and interest within 15 days after the later of tenancy end or receiving that written information, unless lawful steps are taken to claim it.

Security and pet deposits accrue interest. Yukon publishes the rate by period and an official interest calculator; interest is calculated on the full deposit, including amounts the landlord wishes to deduct, and is not compounded. The fifteen-day response requires repayment with interest, written agreed deductions, or an RTO dispute application.

Disputed deductions

Written agreement or Residential Tenancies Office dispute proceedings may be needed to resolve deductions. Record move-in and move-out condition inspections and save copies.

Six-month address issue

The Yukon deposit fact sheet warns that a tenant can lose a right to the deposit if written forwarding information is not supplied within six months of tenancy ending.

A tenant who does not give a forwarding postal address OR e-transfer contact information in writing within six months after the tenancy ends may lose the right to return of the deposit. Keep dated proof of delivery of whichever form of contact information you provide.

Example: when the fifteen-day clock starts

Suppose a tenancy ends November 2 but the tenant gives written forwarding e-transfer details on November 6. The ordinary response period is counted from the later date, November 6. The landlord must return the deposits and interest, arrange written consent for deductions and return any balance, or apply for RTO dispute resolution within the applicable period. A damage allegation alone does not replace that process.

At monthly rent of $1,800, the ordinary security deposit may be up to $1,800, and a permitted pet deposit generally up to $900. Retain deposit receipts, the written forwarding information, both condition-inspection reports and move-out photographs. See Yukon's deposit guidance.