5 Key Facts About Discrimination & Accessibility for Yukon Tenants

Understanding your rights as a tenant in Yukon is essential—especially when it comes to discrimination and accessibility. Whether you're searching for a new rental or already have a place to call home, it's important to know how the law protects you from unfair treatment and ensures your home is accessible. This article covers the top five questions tenants often have about discrimination and accessibility, so you can feel confident and informed during your rental journey in Yukon.

1. Protection Against Discrimination: Know Your Rights

Under the Yukon Human Rights Act, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants or applicants based on grounds such as:

  • Race, colour, ancestry, or place of origin
  • Ethnic or national origin
  • Religion or creed
  • Age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
  • Disability (physical or mental)
  • Family status or marital status
  • Source of income

Whether you're applying for a new apartment or living in your unit, you cannot be treated unfairly due to any of these characteristics.
Landlords must provide all tenants with equal opportunities regarding rental applications, tenancy terms, and access to property amenities.

2. Accessibility in Rental Properties

Tenants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations from their landlord. This could include installing accessibility ramps, grab bars, or making minor changes to improve mobility. The landlord must consider these requests unless it would cause undue hardship—such as excessive cost or significant structural change to the property.

If you believe your landlord is not accommodating your disability, put your request in writing. Describe your needs clearly and keep a copy for your records.

Practical Example

If you use a wheelchair and need a ramp to access your unit, you can ask your landlord to approve or install the ramp. If denied, the landlord must provide a valid reason related to cost or property limitations.

3. Filing a Discrimination Complaint

If you experience discrimination or your accessibility needs are not met, you can file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission. The process typically involves filling out an official complaint form detailing your situation.

  • Form: Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form – Use this form to submit your complaint if you face discrimination or denial of accommodation. Download the form here.
    Example: If your landlord refuses to rent to you because of your family status, fill out this form and submit it to the Commission.

4. Support for Health and Safety Concerns

Discrimination can sometimes show up as a lack of response to necessary health and safety repairs—especially if the need is related to a disability. Remember that landlords are legally required to maintain safe living conditions for every tenant.

For more on property maintenance and tenant safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

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5. Discrimination & Accessibility Under Yukon’s Tenancy Law

The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon) governs rental housing in the territory. Both tenants and landlords must follow these rules, which prohibit discrimination and require landlords to act reasonably when tenants request accessibility changes.

To understand the full scope of rights and responsibilities, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Yukon Residential Tenancies Board

If an issue cannot be resolved with your landlord or the Human Rights Commission, you can apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. Their staff can help explain the law and process your complaints.

Additional Rental Resources

Fair and accessible housing is possible everywhere in Canada. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find units meeting your specific needs.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility in Yukon Rentals

  1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of a disability?
    No. In Yukon, it is against the law for a landlord to refuse to rent to you because of a physical or mental disability. Reasonable accommodations must also be considered, unless it causes undue hardship.
  2. What should I do if I experience discrimination during the rental application process?
    Document what happened and consider filing a complaint using the Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form. The Yukon Human Rights Commission can guide you through next steps.
  3. Are landlords responsible for making rental units accessible?
    Yes, but only for reasonable accommodations that do not cause undue hardship. This may include minor modifications such as installing ramps or grab bars.
  4. Who enforces tenant rights in Yukon?
    The Yukon Human Rights Commission handles discrimination and human rights complaints, while the Residential Tenancies Office deals with tenancy-specific disputes.
  5. Where can I learn more about tenancy law in Yukon?
    The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon page has a detailed overview of local rules and protections for tenants.

How To: Address Discrimination or Accessibility Issues as a Yukon Tenant

  1. How do I request an accessibility accommodation from my landlord?
    Write a letter or email to your landlord explaining your needs and desired modifications. Attach any medical evidence if appropriate, and keep copies of all communications.
  2. How do I file a discrimination complaint in Yukon?
    1. Complete the Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form.
    2. Describe your situation and provide supporting documents.
    3. Submit the form to the Yukon Human Rights Commission by mail, email, or in person.
    4. Await follow-up from the Commission for next steps or mediation.
  3. What should I do if my landlord ignores my accommodation request?
    First, follow up in writing. If you still receive no response, submit a complaint to the Yukon Human Rights Commission or contact the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance.

Key Takeaways

  • Discrimination by landlords based on disability, race, or other protected grounds is illegal in Yukon.
  • Tenants have the right to request reasonable accessibility accommodations.
  • Official bodies like the Yukon Human Rights Commission and Residential Tenancies Office are available to help resolve disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants


  1. Yukon Human Rights Act, RSY 2002, c. 116: Read the Human Rights Act of Yukon
  2. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon), SY 2002, c. 28: Yukon Residential Tenancy Law
  3. Yukon Human Rights Commission: How to file a complaint
  4. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Dispute resolution and tenant support
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.