Are Rental Application Fees Legal in Yukon?

Applying for a rental home in Yukon can bring up questions about fees. Are rental application fees legal here? It's important to know your rights and what landlords are allowed (and not allowed) to charge you before you sign any agreement or hand over money.

Rental Application Fees in Yukon: Legal Status

Yukon law is clear: landlords cannot charge a rental application fee. According to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon), landlords are prohibited from requesting or accepting fees simply to process or consider a tenancy application.^[1]

• No application fees: You should never be asked to pay a fee just to apply for a rental.
• If asked for such a fee, you have the right to refuse—and report the landlord if necessary.

Once you've secured a rental, there are specific rules about deposits, but those come after approval—never as a condition to apply.

What Can Landlords Legally Request?

While landlords can't charge an application fee, they may legally request a security deposit after offering you a tenancy and before you move in. The security deposit is typically equivalent to up to one month's rent. For more information, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Landlords are also permitted to verify your references or employment status, but they must not charge you for these checks.

What To Do If You're Asked for an Application Fee

If a landlord asks for a rental application fee in Yukon, you have a few clear steps you can take:

• Do not pay the fee—it is not legal in Yukon.
• Inform the landlord, citing the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (section on prohibited fees).
• If the landlord insists or if you have already paid, you can contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for support and to seek a refund.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant

For a broad overview of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord in the territory, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon. This resource covers deposits, rent, notice periods, and more.

Key Tenant Legislation and Tribunal

The main law governing residential tenancies in Yukon is the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.S.Y. 2008, c. 20^[1]). Renters and landlords can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution or advice.

Are There Any Required Yukon Rental Forms?

There are no official Yukon government forms for rental applications because application fees are not permitted, but there are official forms for deposits and tenancy agreements:

• Security Deposit Receipt Form – Provided by the landlord after you pay a legal deposit. This document is for your records. See Yukon’s security deposit information page.
• Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement – Used when entering into a rental contract. You can find the recommended template on the Yukon government landlord and tenant forms page.

More on Rent and Deposits

If you're getting ready to sign a lease or pay a deposit, be sure you understand your rights. For a deep dive, check out Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

If you’re interested in options in other provinces, compare Canada's best rental listings platform for an overview of housing choices and tenant information across the country.

FAQ: Common Tenant Questions About Rental Application Fees in Yukon

1. Can a Yukon landlord ask for money to process my rental application?
   No. Application fees are not allowed under Yukon's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
2. What should I do if a landlord tried to charge me an application fee?
   Politely refuse, inform them it’s not allowed, and contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for help if needed.
3. Are security deposits legal in Yukon?
   Yes, landlords can request a security deposit after offering you a tenancy, but it cannot exceed one month's rent.
4. Can a landlord request payment for credit checks or background checks?
   No. While landlords can perform these checks, they must not charge you for them in Yukon.
5. Where can I learn more about my rights as a Yukon tenant?
   Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon for an overview of local protections.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Application fees are not legal in Yukon—you never have to pay to apply for a rental.
• Security deposits are allowed, but only after you are offered a rental.
• For any fee-related disputes, contact the Residential Tenancies Office for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – For information, dispute resolution, and enforcement of your rights.
• Yukon Government: Landlord and Tenant Forms
• Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
• For broader coverage, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

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1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon), accessed 2024.

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