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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Yukon Government Withdraws Rent Cap, Permits No-Cause Evictions
The Yukon government is set to repeal its residential rent cap and will permit landlords to evict tenants without cause under new proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act. Community Services Minister Cory Bellmore made the announcement in the Yukon Legislative Assembly on Thursday, stating the move is intended to 'restore balance' to the territory’s rental market.
Background: Rental Market Policies in the Yukon
The current rent control policy, introduced in 2021 by the previous Liberal government led by Sandy Silver, was implemented as part of an agreement with the NDP to maintain a minority government. This policy capped rent increases to the average rate of inflation for the preceding two years. However, Bellmore argued that this measure had 'destabilized and upset the rental market'.
According to Bellmore, despite promises of stability, rents have risen sharply and there has been a decline in investment in new rental properties since the enactment of the cap. She said, “We continue to hear that, despite promises to the contrary, rents have increased considerably and there has been a noticeable lack of investment in new rentals.”
Rationale Behind Rent Cap Removal
The Yukon Party, which was in opposition when the policy was introduced, criticized the rent control measures and later campaigned on the promise to abolish them. Now holding a majority in the legislature, the party is moving forward with its commitment, asserting that removing the rent cap and allowing no-cause evictions will address issues affecting both landlords and tenants.
“We’ve heard from both landlords and tenants that the system isn’t working,” Bellmore told legislators. She said the current policy discouraged investment in rental housing at a time when additional housing options are needed for Yukoners.
Key Changes to Rental Legislation
Under the proposed amendments, landlords will be required to give tenants at least six months’ notice before raising rent or issuing a no-cause eviction. This extends the notification period from the current three-month requirement for rent increases. Bellmore explained that this longer notice period aims to provide tenants with more time to plan, adjust, and secure new housing if necessary.
Opposition Concerns Over Housing Affordability
The removal of rent control has drawn criticism from the Official Opposition. NDP Leader Kate White described the amendments as potentially 'devastating' for many renters in the Yukon. She claims to hear concerns daily from residents about potential rent hikes and fears the change will make it more difficult for people to anticipate or manage their housing costs.
White also questioned whether any government members who are landlords should recuse themselves from the legislative vote on these amendments, suggesting a possible conflict of interest.
Next Steps and Effective Date
If the proposed changes pass in the legislature, the rent cap and restrictions on no-cause evictions will be removed as of December 1. The government asserts that these amendments are required to revitalize the rental market, while opponents warn of increased uncertainty and instability for tenants.
About the Reporter
Paul Tukker is a writer and reporter with CBC News in Whitehorse. Reporting contributions by Dana Hatherly.
Source: cbc.ca.
