Finding a rental home can be especially stressful for families with children. If you’re searching for housing in Yukon and worried about whether a landlord can refuse your application just because you have kids, it’s important to understand your rights and the laws designed to protect you.
Are Landlords Allowed to Refuse Tenants With Children in Yukon?
In Yukon, landlords cannot legally reject you simply because you have children. This is considered discrimination on the basis of family status. Under the Yukon Human Rights Act, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against prospective tenants for reasons such as family status, which explicitly includes having children.[1]
- A landlord cannot refuse to rent to you because you have children.
- Landlords are not allowed to set policies like "no children allowed" or "adults only" for rental units.
- If a landlord makes statements or implies that families with children are not welcome, this is prohibited under Yukon human rights law.
When Can a Landlord Deny a Rental Application?
Landlords have the right to screen tenants using legal and reasonable criteria. However, these reasons must not violate your family status or any protected characteristics. Legitimate reasons a landlord might refuse an application include:
- Unsatisfactory rental references
- Concerns about your ability to pay rent (for example, insufficient or unverifiable income)
- Information discovered through background or credit checks (when lawfully obtained)
Even in these cases, a landlord must apply their criteria fairly to all applicants, and not single out families with children.
Legal Protections for Families and Children
The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon) and the Yukon Human Rights Act work together to provide key protections:
- Family Status: Landlords cannot discriminate based upon family status, which includes having children.
- Right to Quiet Enjoyment: All tenants, including those with children, are entitled to reasonable enjoyment of their home.
- Health and Safety: Rentals must meet safety standards for all residents, including children.
For a comprehensive overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.
Common Issues Families Might Face
Even with legal protections in place, families in shared housing or roommate situations may encounter unique challenges, such as:
- Disagreements among roommates about noise or shared spaces
- Landlords enforcing unfair rules on families
- Difficulty finding units that accommodate larger households
If you experience such issues, you can review Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for guidance on navigating typical rental challenges.
What to Do If You Experience Discrimination
If you believe a landlord has refused you solely because you have children, you have the right to take action. The process is straightforward and can protect your rights:
- Document everything: Save all communication (emails, texts, voicemails), rental advertisements, and notes about what was said.
- Contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission to initiate a formal complaint.
- You may resolve some issues directly with the landlord, but if not, formal help is available.
Yukon's residential tenancy matters are overseen by the Residential Tenancies Office (Government of Yukon).[2] Discrimination complaints, however, should be made to the Yukon Human Rights Commission.
Key Forms and How to Use Them
- Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form: Use this if you experience discrimination when applying for a rental due to having children.
Access and file the form here: Yukon Human Rights Commission - Complaint Form.
Example: If a landlord tells you they prefer "quiet, adult tenants only" and rejects your application after you mention your children, complete this form and submit it to the Commission. The Commission will contact you for next steps. - Application for Resolution of Disputes (Residential Tenancies): If your tenancy rights under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act are affected, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance.
Details: Residential Tenancies Office Applications.
For all legal obligations relating to landlords and tenants, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a landlord legally refuse to rent to me because I have a child?
No. This is discrimination under the Yukon Human Rights Act and is not permitted. - What should I do if a landlord says "no children allowed"?
Keep a record of any such statements and contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission to file a complaint. - Does this protection apply to all types of rental housing?
Yes. The law protects families in apartments, houses, and shared accommodations. - If I am already a tenant and have a child during my tenancy, can I be evicted?
No, a landlord cannot evict you for having a child. Evictions must follow lawful reasons under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. - Where can I search for family-friendly rental listings in Yukon, including shared housing?
You can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for options suitable for families.
Summary: What Tenants in Yukon Should Remember
- Landlords in Yukon cannot reject you for having children; it is against the law.
- If you face discrimination, keep documentation and reach out for help from the Yukon Human Rights Commission.
- Know your responsibilities as a tenant and your right to safe, fair housing.
If you need more support or advice, don't hesitate to contact the resources below.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Yukon Human Rights Commission — For discrimination complaints and legal guidance (Phone: 867-667-6226; Toll-Free: 1-800-661-0535)
- Residential Tenancies Office (Yukon) — For tenancy disputes and questions
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon — Comprehensive, plain-language summary of Yukon tenant laws and protections
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme — Browse family-friendly and roommate listings in Yukon and nationwide
