Family Size Discrimination in Yukon Rentals: Tenant Legal Help

Are you having trouble finding a rental in Yukon because of your family size? Discrimination against families—known as "family status" discrimination—is illegal in Yukon under both territorial tenancy and human rights laws. Understanding your rights as a tenant can help you address unfair treatment and secure safe, suitable housing for your household.

Is It Legal to Discriminate Based on Family Size in Yukon Rentals?

In Yukon, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, set special conditions, or evict you simply because of your family size or because you have children. This protection falls under the category of "family status," a protected ground in the Yukon Human Rights Act as well as relevant parts of the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1][2]

• Landlords may not refuse to rent to you because you have children or a large family.
• Special rules in tenancy agreements (like banning children from premises) are not allowed.
• Any advertising (for example, "adults only" or "no kids") is prohibited unless supported by a valid legal exemption.

There are rare exceptions, such as when shared accommodation is truly unsuitable for children, but these are narrowly defined by law.

What to Do If You Face Family Size Discrimination

If you believe a landlord has discriminated against you or your family based on size or family status, you have the right to take legal action. Here’s how:

Gather Evidence

• Save any written communications, emails, or texts from the landlord or property manager.
• Take note of rental ads that specify adult-only housing or "no kids" requirements.
• Keep details of your application and the reasons provided (if any) for refusal.

Contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission

The Yukon Human Rights Commission handles discrimination complaints, including those related to family size. You may file a complaint if you believe you were denied housing or treated unfairly because of your family makeup.

• Complaint Form: Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form (PDF)
  • When to use: If you have been denied a rental or experienced unequal treatment because of family status.
  • How to use: Fill out with your contact info, details of the incident, and evidence. Submit it to the Commission by email, mail, or in person. The process is confidential.

The Yukon Human Rights Commission can mediate disputes or investigate your complaint, aiming for a fair resolution.

Residential Tenancy Complaints

If your issue is related to an existing tenancy—like eviction threats for having children or new rules imposed due to family size—you may apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. The branch oversees landlord-tenant disputes and can review unfair notices or evictions.

• Application for Dispute Resolution: Application for Hearing (PDF)
  • When to use: If you have been served an eviction notice or subjected to new rules because of your family size.
  • How to use: Complete the form with details of your tenancy and the dispute, attach supporting documents, and submit to the Residential Tenancies Office.

Tips to Protect Your Rights

• Stay calm and organized: keep timelines, copies, and notes of all communication.
• Respond to all notices promptly: if you receive an eviction notice, check if it cites family status and reply using the application forms.
• If you reach a rental agreement, review your rights and obligations. Familiarize yourself with the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for guidance after signing.

Learn More About Tenant Rights in Yukon

For a detailed overview of your legal rights as a tenant—covering discrimination, eviction, repairs, rent increases, and more—visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

To see available homes for all family types, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Family Size Discrimination in Yukon Rentals

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children? No. Landlords in Yukon cannot refuse to rent on the grounds of family status, which includes having children.
2. What should I do if a rental ad says 'no kids' or 'adults only'? Keep a copy of the ad and contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission to file a complaint, as this is generally not permitted by law.
3. Who enforces rental discrimination laws in Yukon? The Yukon Human Rights Commission for discrimination issues, and the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for tenancy disputes.
4. Can a landlord evict me for having another child or adding a family member? Not unless there is a lawful reason unrelated to family status. Any attempt to evict based solely on family size can be challenged.
5. How do I file a formal complaint about discrimination? Complete a Yukon Human Rights Commission complaint form and submit it as instructed. You can also apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for tenancy disputes.

Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

• It is illegal for landlords to discriminate against you based on family size or if you have children.
• Official forms and support are available to help you challenge discrimination.
• Yukon’s laws protect your right to rent fair, safe, and suitable housing for your family.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Human Rights Commission — Inquiries, complaints, and support (Phone: 867-667-6226)
• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office — Rental disputes, application forms, and tenant resources (Phone: 867-667-5944)
• Yukon Government Housing Programs — Assistance with affordable and family-friendly housing options

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• [1] Yukon Human Rights Act, RSY 2002, c. 116
• [2] Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, SY 2003, c. 3
• [3] Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form
• [4] Yukon Residential Tenancies Application for Hearing

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