Finding a safe and affordable place to rent can be challenging—especially if you are receiving income assistance. In Yukon, human rights laws protect tenants from discrimination based on their source of income. This article explains your rights, what landlords can (and can't) do, and steps to take if you've experienced discrimination.
Tenant Rights and Discrimination Based on Assistance in Yukon
In Yukon, the Human Rights Act (Yukon) protects tenants from being treated unfairly by landlords because they receive government income assistance, disability support, pensions, or similar payments. Landlords cannot reject a rental application solely because the applicant's rent will be paid using any form of legal income, including social assistance.
Yukon's main tenancy law, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, covers rental agreements, tenant and landlord rights, and the dispute process.[1] For a summary of relevant rights and procedures, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.
What Counts as Discrimination?
- Denying a rental application because your income is from social assistance, disability support, employment insurance, or other legal sources
- Advertising statements such as "working professionals only" or "no welfare"
- Charging a higher deposit or rent because of your source of income
However, landlords may still require that tenants meet general screening criteria, like good references or a reasonable ability to pay rent. These must apply equally to all applicants.[2]
If You Believe You've Been Discriminated Against
If you think a landlord has rejected you solely for receiving assistance, you have the right to file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission.
How to File a Discrimination Complaint
- Document all communications with the landlord (emails, texts, notes of calls).
- Gather proof, such as rental ads or messages mentioning assistance as a reason for rejection.
- Download and fill out the Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form
- Submit the completed form to the Yukon Human Rights Commission as soon as possible (ideally within one year of the alleged discrimination).
The Commission may contact both you and the landlord to seek further information or resolve the issue. You may be offered informal mediation or, if necessary, a formal hearing.
Official Forms and Where to Find Them
- Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form: Used to begin a discrimination complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission. For example, if a landlord's ad says "no applicants on assistance," you can use this form to report it. Get the form here.
More on Tenant and Landlord Obligations
Both tenants and landlords have specific rights and responsibilities, regardless of how rent is paid. For more details about your rights after signing a lease, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.
If a landlord asks for a deposit, they must treat every applicant equally. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
Finding a Rental Home in Yukon
Searching for rentals that welcome all sources of income can be easier with trusted websites. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings from coast to coast, including Yukon.
FAQ: Common Questions on Discrimination and Rental Assistance in Yukon
- Can a landlord in Yukon legally reject me because I receive social assistance?
No, landlords cannot refuse an applicant because they receive income assistance, disability support, or other legal income sources. This is discrimination under the Human Rights Act (Yukon). - What should I do if a landlord's ad says "no welfare"?
Save a copy of the ad and any communication. File a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission using their official form. - Is a landlord allowed to ask about my income source?
Yes, but only to verify you can pay rent—not to discriminate based on the type of income. All applicants must be treated equally. - How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
It's best to act within one year from when the incident happened.
Conclusion: Know Your Rights When Renting in Yukon
- Landlords in Yukon cannot reject you solely for receiving income assistance.
- If you suspect discrimination, document it and contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission promptly.
- Use official forms and know your resources to protect your rights.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Yukon Human Rights Commission – Discrimination complaint process and support.
- Government of Yukon: Rental Housing and Tenancy Information
- Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – For questions on rental disputes or tenancy law.
- Overview of Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon
