Discrimination and Accessibility Help for Tenants in Yukon

If you're a tenant in Yukon dealing with discrimination or accessibility issues, knowing your rights and taking the right steps can make all the difference. Under the territory’s laws, all renters are protected from discriminatory treatment based on characteristics like disability, race, age, family status, and more. This guide will walk you through how to recognize these problems, handle accessibility concerns, and – most importantly – what to do if they happen to you in a rental home in Yukon.

Understanding Discrimination and Accessibility Rights for Yukon Tenants

In Yukon, it’s illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants based on protected characteristics such as race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family status, disability, and source of income.^[1] The Yukon Human Rights Act sets these rules, and landlords must also meet accessibility obligations under the law to accommodate tenants with disabilities to the point of undue hardship.

What Counts as Discrimination?

• Denying rental applications for reasons related to a protected category
• Setting different terms due to a tenant’s race, disability, or family status
• Failing to provide accessible accommodations when reasonably possible
• Using advertisements that exclude or discourage certain groups

Discrimination can be obvious or subtle, but both are covered under the law. If you suspect you’re being singled out or treated unfairly, it may be discrimination.

Steps to Address Discrimination and Accessibility Issues

If you’re facing discrimination or need accommodations, take these steps:

• Document Everything: Keep written records, emails, and take photos if needed. Documentation is crucial for complaints or applications.
• Communicate in Writing: Ask your landlord for the change or accommodation you need, such as installing a ramp or allowing a service animal, via written letter or email.
• Know Your Rights: Landlords have responsibilities to accommodate – see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for full details.
• Seek Mediation or Support: If the landlord refuses, consider free mediation or advocacy support (see Resources below).
• File a Formal Complaint: If the matter isn’t resolved, a formal complaint may be necessary.

In many cases, starting with respectful written communication leads to a solution – but you are legally protected whether you are successful early on or need official help later.

How to Make a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint in Yukon

Tenants can seek formal help from two main authorities:

• Yukon Human Rights Commission: Handles complaints about discrimination and failure to accommodate.
• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): Handles rental disputes, including if discrimination affects your tenancy.

For discrimination complaints, complete the Human Rights Complaint Form available from the Yukon Human Rights Commission. Download and file your complaint here.

Relevant Laws and Regulations

• Yukon Human Rights Act (official legislation)
• Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office is the official board handling rental disputes, including accessibility and discrimination matters. Contact the RTO here.

Why Accessibility Matters

Tenants with disabilities have the right to request accommodations, such as:

• Accessible entryways, ramps, or elevators
• Permission for a service animal, even in pet-restricted buildings
• Changes to policies (e.g., rent payment methods) to fit medical needs

Landlords must work with tenants to accommodate these needs, unless it causes significant ("undue") hardship.

What to Expect After Filing a Complaint

• The Commission or RTO will review your claim and may ask for more information.
• Mediation may be offered to settle quickly without a formal hearing.
• If needed, a hearing will decide if discrimination occurred and what remedies apply (e.g., orders to stop certain conduct, or allow accommodations).

This process can take several weeks to months, but protections apply throughout.

For general guidance about tenancy matters and resolving other common disputes, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. For a full overview of local rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for accessible and inclusive rental options that suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Discrimination & Accessibility in Yukon

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. Family status (including tenants with children) is a protected ground under Yukon's Human Rights Act, so it is illegal for landlords to discriminate based on this reason.
2. What if my landlord won’t build a ramp or make accessible changes?
   You have the right to request reasonable accommodations. If they refuse, document your request and the response, then consider a complaint to the Yukon Human Rights Commission or RTO.
3. Are service animals allowed even in "no pets" apartments?
   Yes. Yukon law requires landlords to allow tenants with disabilities to keep service animals, even in buildings that don’t allow pets.
4. How long does it take to resolve a discrimination complaint?
   The timeframe varies, but you can expect several weeks to months, especially if mediation is attempted first.

How To: Step-by-Step Guide for Tenants Facing Discrimination or Accessibility Issues in Yukon

1. How do I file a discrimination complaint in Yukon?
   1. Gather documentation (emails, notes, any denial letters). 2. Submit the Yukon Human Rights Commission complaint form with your details. 3. Wait for contact from the Commission and be prepared to discuss or provide more information.
2. How can I request an accessibility accommodation from my landlord?
   1. Send a written request explaining your needs and any supporting medical documentation. 2. Follow up after several days if you don’t hear back. 3. If refused, escalate to the Human Rights Commission.
3. How do I show that I’ve been discriminated against?
   Keep a journal and copies of all correspondence, noting dates, people involved, and concerns raised. This evidence supports your case.

Key Takeaways

• Yukon tenants are protected from discrimination and have the right to request accessibility accommodations.
• Documenting all interactions in writing strengthens your position if a complaint is needed.
• Both the Yukon Human Rights Commission and Residential Tenancies Office offer ways to formally address unresolved issues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Human Rights Commission: For discrimination or human rights-based complaints.
• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): For all tenancy-related issues, including accessibility or accommodation disputes.
• Yukon Government: Renting and Leasing: Forms, guides, and full legislation (including the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon

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1. [1] Yukon Human Rights Act
2. Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
3. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office

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