Can Landlords Ban Pets in Yukon Rental Properties?

Curious about whether you can have a pet in your rental in Yukon? Understanding your rights as a tenant is important, especially for pet owners. Yukon law is unique compared to other provinces, and knowing the rules can help you avoid misunderstandings and protect your home life.

Pet Policies in Yukon Rental Housing

In Yukon, rental housing is governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act ^[1]. This legislation does not have a specific section that guarantees a tenant's right to have pets, nor does it prohibit landlords from banning pets. This means landlords may include a "no pets" clause in the rental agreement if they choose.

When Can Landlords Prohibit Pets?

• A landlord may legally include a no-pet policy in the rental agreement.
• If the rental agreement specifies no pets, the tenant must abide by those terms.
• Landlords cannot change an initial "no pets" policy unless both landlord and tenant agree in writing to modify the agreement.

In short, if your lease or tenancy agreement says no pets, you cannot keep pets in the rental unit.

Exceptions for Service Animals

Regardless of a no-pet policy, landlords cannot refuse service animals required for disability accommodation. This is protected under the Yukon Human Rights Act ^[2]. You may be asked to provide documentation showing the animal is needed for medical or accessibility reasons.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Pet Owner-Tenant

Even if permitted, your landlord may place reasonable conditions on pet ownership (like size, type, or number of pets). If your pet causes excessive noise, damage, or health issues, you’re still responsible for your animal’s impact.

• If damage occurs, your landlord may request compensation.
• Any disputes over damages fall under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and may be taken to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office ^[3] for resolution.

What Happens if a Tenant Breaks a No-Pet Clause?

If you violate a no-pet agreement, your landlord may issue a notice to comply or possibly a notice to end the tenancy. The process and forms used are outlined below.

Official Forms for Pet-Related Disputes

Tenants who disagree with a notice related to pets (e.g., request to remove an animal or eviction for breach) can apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution:

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 19)
  Use this if you believe the landlord is unfairly enforcing a no-pet policy or if there’s a disagreement about damages.
  Application for Dispute Resolution – Government of Yukon
  Example: If you receive an eviction notice for having a pet, submit this application within 5 days to request a hearing.
• Landlord’s Notice to End a Tenancy
  If your landlord claims a "material breach" (such as violating the no-pet policy), they must serve this notice.
  Notice to End Tenancy (Landlord) – Government of Yukon

Always fill out forms completely and keep copies for your records. Acting quickly can protect your rights as a tenant.

How Pet-Related Issues Interact With Other Rental Rules

Security deposits for pets are not separately regulated in Yukon, but your main deposit may be used to cover any pet-related damages. Review Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for guidance on how deposits interact with your responsibilities.

For a summary of tenant and landlord rights in your territory, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Looking for a pet-friendly place? Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca

Frequently Asked Questions About Pets and Rentals in Yukon

1. Can my landlord charge an extra pet deposit in Yukon?
   Yukon law does not specify "pet deposits"; landlords can only ask for one deposit up to one month's rent, which can be used for any damages, including those caused by pets.
2. Is it legal for a landlord to evict me just for having a pet?
   If your lease has a valid no-pet clause and you violate it, the landlord can legally serve a notice to correct the violation or end your tenancy using the proper forms.
3. Are emotional support animals treated differently than pets in Yukon?
   Currently, only service animals recognized for disabilities have special protection. Emotional support animals do not have the same legal status under Yukon law.
4. Can I negotiate after signing a no-pet lease?
   You may ask your landlord to reconsider, but they are not required to change the agreement unless both parties agree in writing.
5. What if I’m allergic to my neighbor’s pet?
   Check for health and safety concerns covered in your agreement. For significant issues, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for guidance.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Pet Owners in Yukon Rentals

• Landlords in Yukon can legally ban pets through the tenancy agreement.
• Service animals are protected and cannot be banned under human rights law.
• Disputes about pets or eviction should be addressed quickly using the correct government forms.

When in doubt, refer to your agreement and Yukon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and consider getting support from local resources.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – For disputes, forms, and information.
• Yukon Human Rights Commission – For discrimination concerns, especially on service animals.
• Government of Yukon – Renting in Yukon – Official tenant and landlord resources.

---

1. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
2. Yukon Human Rights Act
3. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy