Can Yukon Landlords Run Background Checks on Tenants?

Looking for a rental in Yukon can be stressful, especially when you’re asked for private information during the application process. Background checks are an increasingly common part of renting in Canada, but what are your rights as a tenant in Yukon? Here, we break down what information landlords can request, what they can't, and how to protect yourself from discrimination and privacy violations under Yukon tenancy law.

What Is a Background Check in the Yukon Rental Context?

Landlords often use background checks to assess prospective tenants. This process may include checking your credit report, contacting references, and verifying employment or rental history. In some cases, landlords may also ask about your income and previous addresses.

However, your rights and a landlord’s responsibilities are clearly set out in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)^[1].

Are Landlords in Yukon Allowed to Run Background Checks?

Yes, landlords in Yukon may request some background information as part of the application process. This can include asking for references, proof of income, and permission to conduct a credit check. However, there are important restrictions:

• Landlords must get your written consent before obtaining your credit report.
• They cannot request information that violates your rights under the Yukon Human Rights Act, such as your race, religion, family status, age (except if a building is specifically designated as 55+), sexual orientation, or disability^[2].

If you feel uncomfortable with the type of information being requested, you can ask why it’s needed and whether providing it is voluntary or required for your application.

Privacy and Anti-Discrimination Laws

Yukon’s Human Rights Act strictly prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants or applicants based on protected personal characteristics. If a landlord uses a background check to indirectly discriminate (for example, denying your application due to a disability or family status), you may file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission.

What Information Can a Yukon Landlord Request?

• Current and previous addresses
• Contact information for past landlords (references)
• Proof of income or employment
• Written consent to obtain a credit report

Landlords cannot request information that is irrelevant to your ability to pay rent or maintain the tenancy, such as your social insurance number (except for credit checks) or any information relating to protected grounds under the Human Rights Act.

For further information about your legal rights as a tenant in Yukon, you can visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Common Forms for Yukon Tenants

While there is no official Yukon form required for consenting to a landlord’s background check, many landlords use their own rental application forms with a specific checkbox or section where you can grant permission for a credit check. Before you sign:

• Read any application or consent form carefully before signing.
• Ask for a copy of the document for your records.
• Never provide more personal information than necessary.

After You Sign the Rental Agreement: Know Your Rights

Once a lease is signed, your rights and obligations are protected under the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. For more on what comes next, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

For those beginning their search, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada to compare rental options and see what to expect from rental applications elsewhere.

Steps If You Face Discrimination

If you believe a landlord’s background check or rental application process unfairly discriminated against you based on protected grounds, you can:

• Document the incident (save emails, texts, and notes of conversations).
• Contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission to discuss your rights and file a complaint if necessary.

The process typically involves completing a complaint form and participating in mediation or investigation by the Commission.

FAQ: Background Checks, Discrimination, and Your Rights in Yukon

1. Can a landlord ask about my family status or disability on a rental application?
   No. Under the Yukon Human Rights Act, questions about your family status, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics are prohibited.
2. What should I do if I refuse a credit check and the landlord denies my application?
   Landlords can require a credit check for screening, but you have the right to refuse. If you are denied for not consenting, the landlord should explain the reason and you may ask for alternative ways to verify your suitability (like references or proof of income).
3. Can landlords reject my application due to bad credit?
   Yes, if the decision is based reasonably on your ability to pay rent and not for discriminatory reasons.
4. How can I check if my privacy is being respected?
   Ask how your information will be used, stored, and disposed of. Landlords should only use your information for legitimate rental screening purposes.
5. Where can I find more about my rights after moving in?
   Check What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for a comprehensive overview.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

• Landlords in Yukon may perform background and credit checks, but only with your written consent and without violating your privacy or human rights.
• If you believe you’ve faced discrimination during the application process, contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission for guidance.
• Know when and how to push back on unreasonable requests for information.

Always keep copies of your rental applications and communications with landlords for your records.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Program – Official government information and contact support.
• Yukon Human Rights Commission – Support for discrimination complaints.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon – Detailed overview of tenancy law in Yukon.

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