Can Landlords Refuse to Rent Based on Income in Yukon?

Searching for a new place to live in Yukon can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to understanding your legal rights as a tenant. One common question is whether a landlord can refuse to rent to someone based on their income. This article explains the rules in Yukon, outlines your rights and responsibilities, and provides guidance for shared housing or renting with roommates.

Income Discrimination and Renting: What Does Yukon Law Say?

In Yukon, both the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)^[1] and the Yukon Human Rights Act protect tenants from specific types of discrimination, but there are important details to understand about how income is considered.

Is It Legal to Refuse a Tenant Solely Due to Income?

Under the Yukon Human Rights Act^[2], landlords generally may not discriminate against tenants based on their "source of income." For example, they cannot refuse to rent simply because your income comes from government assistance or disability benefits. However, a landlord is allowed to ensure a tenant can afford the rent—meaning they may ask for proof of sufficient income, but must apply standards fairly to all applicants.

• Landlords may request information about income to determine if you can pay rent.
• They cannot reject you because your income comes from government support, such as social assistance, pensions, or disability payments.

When it comes to roommates and shared housing, these anti-discrimination protections still apply. However, each roommate may need to demonstrate the ability to pay their share of the rent.

Common Landlord Screening Practices

It is normal for landlords in Yukon to ask for the following:

• Proof of income (job letter, pay stubs, or benefit statements)
• References from previous landlords
• Credit checks, with your written consent

Landlords should not ask for excessive documentation or set arbitrary income requirements that could discriminate against certain groups. If you believe you have been treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission.

What to Do If You’re Denied a Rental Due to Income

If you suspect a landlord refused to rent to you primarily because of your income source (for example, if you receive social assistance), you have the right to:

• Request the reason for denial in writing
• File a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission

It's important to collect and keep any correspondences or applications as evidence in your case.

If you’re renting with roommates, make sure everyone’s income information is treated equally, and each person enters into the rental agreement or is named as an occupant with the landlord's consent.

Key Yukon Forms for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1): This is the standard lease used to formalize your tenancy. Both landlord and tenant sign this form.
  Download from Government of Yukon.
  When to use: Sign before moving in or when changing roommates. Review and understand all terms—including rent, responsibilities, and the names of all tenants or roommates.
• Application to Determine Dispute (Form 2): Used to resolve disputes if you believe you’ve been discriminated against, or your rental rights have been violated.
  Access from Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.
  When to use: If informal discussions with your landlord do not resolve concerns, fill out this form and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Office. You may apply on your own or together with a roommate.

For more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Roommates, Shared Housing, and Deposits

When renting with others, clarify who is responsible for paying rent and deposits. All parties should be named on the rental agreement to ensure full legal protection for each roommate or co-tenant.

For more on how deposits work in shared rentals, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Your Rights and Next Steps

If you feel a landlord’s income requirements are unfairly applied or target certain groups, you can:

• Discuss the issue directly with the landlord and ask for clarification
• Contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission for confidential advice
• Apply to the Residential Tenancies Office if your rental rights have been violated

To explore more rental options, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a landlord require a minimum income to rent in Yukon?
   Landlords may set reasonable income standards to ensure tenants can afford the rent, but they cannot use income requirements to discriminate against people based on their source of income or social status.
2. Do anti-discrimination rules apply to shared housing and roommates?
   Yes, all tenants—including roommates—are protected by anti-discrimination laws that prohibit unfair treatment based on where their income comes from.
3. Can a landlord refuse my application if I receive social assistance?
   No, a landlord is not allowed to refuse your application solely because your income is from social assistance, as this is a protected ground under Yukon’s Human Rights Act.
4. What should I do if my landlord asks invasive questions about my finances?
   Respond only with reasonable income documentation needed to prove you can pay rent. If a landlord asks for unnecessary personal details, contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission for guidance.
5. Where can I get help if I believe I was discriminated against?
   Contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission or Residential Tenancies Office for assistance and information about your options.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Yukon can check if you can afford rent, but cannot discriminate against you due to the source of your income.
• All tenants, including roommates, are protected under Yukon’s tenancy and human rights laws.
• If you believe you’ve faced discrimination, you have legal options for recourse through the appropriate government offices.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – Official office handling rental disputes and tenant-landlord issues
• Yukon Human Rights Commission – File complaints about discrimination and get free tenant advice
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon – Overview of tenant rights and common issues

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

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