Challenging Unfair Rental Denials: Tenant Rights in Yukon

If you’ve been denied a rental home in Yukon and believe the decision was unfair or discriminatory, you have important rights and options. Many tenants are unsure about the legal protections in place or how to effectively challenge a rental rejection. This guide explains the steps you can take under Yukon's laws, what counts as discrimination, and how to access support if needed.

Recognizing Discrimination or Unfair Denial in Yukon Rentals

Some rental denials are lawful, such as if you do not meet a landlord’s reasonable financial criteria. However, it is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent to you due to your race, age, disability, religion, or other protected grounds according to the Yukon Human Rights Act¹.

• Common protected grounds in Yukon include race, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, and family status.
• Landlords can generally ask for references or proof of income, but cannot require more from some applicants than others for discriminatory reasons.
• Examples of unfair denial: being told 'no children allowed,' denial due to use of a wheelchair, or being refused after disclosing a disability.

Your Legal Protections as a Prospective Tenant

In Yukon, rental housing discrimination is addressed under the Yukon Human Rights Act. The Yukon Human Rights Commission is the main body for investigating such complaints. For disputes primarily about rental procedures (not discrimination), the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) Yukon handles landlord and tenant matters under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act².

What To Do If You’re Unfairly Denied a Yukon Rental

Here are the steps you can take to protect your rights and seek a fair outcome:

• Ask for a reason in writing: Politely request a written explanation from the landlord for why you were denied. This can clarify whether the decision was lawful or potentially discriminatory.
• Gather evidence: Save advertisements, applications, correspondence, and any notes or records from phone calls.
• Consult the Yukon Human Rights Commission: If you believe discrimination was a factor, the Commission can offer guidance or help you pursue a complaint. They also provide confidential advice to tenants.

• File a complaint: If your rights might have been violated, submit a complaint form to the Yukon Human Rights Commission. You have up to one year from the incident.
• For non-discrimination issues: If you are denied for reasons unrelated to discrimination and suspect unfair rental practices (like terms not being applied equally to all applicants), contact the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance. They address disputes related to application deposits, rental documentation, and equal treatment.

Quick tip: Always review your rights before applying for rental homes. For a full overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Relevant Forms for Challenging a Rental Denial

• Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form: Use this form to file a formal allegation of discrimination. The form is available from the Yukon Human Rights Commission official site.
  Practical example: If a landlord tells you the property ‘isn’t suitable for families’ right after you mention having children, complete this form with details of your experience and attach any emails or messages received.

For disputes about application deposits or whether you were treated as required by rental law, you may contact the Residential Tenancies Office. While there isn’t a specific application form for denied applicants, their staff can advise you about possible next steps under Yukon's landlord and tenant rules.

Action Steps: Challenging Discrimination or Unfair Denials

• Clearly ask the landlord for the reason for denial in writing
• Document communications and keep all evidence
• Contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission for a free case assessment
• If pursuing a complaint, complete and submit the Complaint Form within the timelines
• For issues not based on discrimination, speak to the Residential Tenancies Office for next steps

Understanding what comes after an application—whether accepted or denied—can help you prepare. For information on your rights after a rental agreement, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

When searching for rental units, explore options across the country using Canada's best rental listings platform for easy comparisons and up-to-date availability.

FAQ: Challenging Rental Denials and Discrimination in Yukon

1. What counts as discrimination in a Yukon rental application?
   Discrimination occurs when a landlord treats you unfairly based on race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, family status, or other protected grounds outlined in the Yukon Human Rights Act.
2. Is a landlord required to give me a reason for denying my application?
   Landlords are not legally required to provide a reason, but you can ask for one in writing. If you suspect discrimination, request an explanation to support your complaint.
3. How long do I have to file a human rights complaint in Yukon?
   You have one year from the incident date to file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission.
4. Can I challenge a rental denial that isn’t about discrimination?
   Yes, if you believe the landlord didn’t follow proper rental procedures or apply fair criteria, contact the Residential Tenancies Office for advice or dispute resolution.
5. Where can I learn more about tenant and landlord rights in Yukon?
   See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon for a comprehensive overview.

Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

• Landlords in Yukon cannot deny you a rental home due to personal characteristics protected by law.
• Gather written evidence and act quickly if you believe discrimination played a role.
• Support and official complaint routes are available through the Yukon Human Rights Commission and Residential Tenancies Office.

To sum up: Know your rights, keep records, and seek support if faced with an unfair or potentially illegal rental denial.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Human Rights Commission: yukonhumanrights.ca – Free information, advice, and complaint forms for discrimination in housing.
• Residential Tenancies Office Yukon: RTO Yukon – Handles general rental disputes and provides guidance on rental law.
• Yukon Legislation: Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• For a full overview of rights and responsibilities: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon

---

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

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