Denied Housing Over Pets in Yukon? Know Your Tenant Rights

Searching for pet-friendly rentals in Yukon can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of your rights when a landlord denies you housing because of your pets. It’s important for tenants to know what Yukon’s laws say about pets, exceptions for service animals, and what steps to take if you believe you’re facing unfair discrimination. This guide will help you understand when a landlord can say "no" to pets, your rights under Yukon law, and what to do next if you’re affected.

Are Landlords Allowed to Deny Housing Because of Pets in Yukon?

Yukon residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)^[1]. Under this Act, there is no provision requiring landlords to accept pets. This means landlords may generally set "no pets" policies for their rental units, as long as they do so consistently for all applicants and do not unfairly target individuals based on protected characteristics (like disability).

Exceptions: Service Animals and Discrimination

While landlords can say "no" to pets in most cases, there is a vital exception when it comes to service animals for people with disabilities. Refusing to rent to a person because they require a service animal can be considered discriminatory under the Yukon Human Rights Act^[2].

• If you have a certified service animal, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you just because of the animal.
• If you believe you have faced discrimination due to your disability or need for a service animal, you may file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission.

Pet Damage Deposits and Restrictions

Landlords may require an additional pet deposit (on top of a regular security deposit) if they do allow pets. Yukon law sets a maximum limit for deposits and outlines your responsibilities if you have a pet. For a deep dive into deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What to Do if You’re Denied Housing Over Pets in Yukon

If you are denied housing due to having a pet, but believe your situation involves discrimination—especially relating to a service animal or disability—there are clear steps to take.

• Clarify the landlord’s pet policy: Ask if they have a written policy, as some make exceptions for smaller pets or specific situations.
• Explain and document your circumstances: If you need a service animal, provide documentation from a licensed professional.
• File a human rights complaint: If you think your rights related to disability or service animals have been violated, contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission.
• Prepare supporting documents: Save emails and any written communications with the landlord.

Tenancy Forms for Yukon – What You Might Need

Tenants in Yukon don’t have a special government form just for pet-related complaints. However, here are the forms you may encounter along the way:

• Human Rights Complaint Form: Use to file a formal discrimination complaint if denied housing due to a service animal. Download here. Complete and submit to the Yukon Human Rights Commission along with your documentation.
• Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement: This contract typically includes any pet or service animal clauses. Keep a copy for your protection. Find templates via the official Yukon government landlord and tenant forms page.

When dealing with deposits, read about Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know to know how pet deposits are handled in Yukon.

Your Rights and Protections as a Yukon Tenant

While landlords have broad discretion to restrict regular pets, your rights are different if you have a service animal. For a full overview of tenant and landlord rules in the territory, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

• Landlords can refuse most pets if they apply the policy equally.
• Landlords cannot deny a person housing due to a certified service animal, or otherwise discriminate based on disability.
• Tenancy rules are enforced by the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office and the Yukon Human Rights Commission.

Getting advice is important if you’re unsure about a landlord's actions regarding your pet or service animal status.

If pet ownership is important to you, start your search on Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca for listings across Canada tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pets, Discrimination, and Renting in Yukon

1. Can a landlord in Yukon say "no pets"?
   Yes, landlords may include "no pets" policies in their rental agreements unless the pet is a certified service animal required because of a disability.
2. Are emotional support animals considered "service animals" in Yukon?
   Only properly certified service animals have legal exemptions; emotional support animals may not have the same protections unless supported by detailed documentation. Check with the Yukon Human Rights Commission if in doubt.
3. Can I be charged a higher deposit for having a pet?
   Landlords may charge a pet deposit, but the total deposit (including security and pet deposits) cannot exceed the legal limit set by Yukon’s legislation.
4. What do I do if I think I’m being discriminated against because of my need for a service animal?
   Document your interactions and file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission if you believe your rights have been violated.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Yukon can refuse pets but not certified service animals required due to a disability.
• Discrimination complaints go through the Yukon Human Rights Commission—know the complaint process and required forms.
• Always review your lease and deposit rights before signing; check out Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon for details.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – For general tenant-landlord questions and disputes
• Yukon Human Rights Commission – For discrimination or service animal issues (File a complaint here)
• Yukon landlord and tenant forms – For standard agreements and templates

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1. See the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon) for main tenancy rules.
2. For human rights protections and complaint process, visit the Yukon Human Rights Act.

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