Illegal Rental Application Questions in Yukon: Tenant Guide

Applying for a rental in Yukon should be an open, fair process. Unfortunately, some landlords or property managers may ask questions on rental applications that are not allowed under Yukon and federal law. If you're looking for a new home, understanding your rights can help you avoid discrimination and advocate for yourself with confidence.

What Rental Application Questions Are Illegal in Yukon?

Both the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RLTA) and the Canadian Human Rights Act protect Yukoners from unfair discrimination during the rental process.^[1][2] This means landlords cannot ask application questions that reveal, or attempt to reveal, a protected personal characteristic. Questions are illegal if they could be used to unfairly refuse to rent to you.

Common Examples of Illegal Questions

• Questions about your race, colour, ethnic background, or nationality
• Whether you are an Indigenous person, including First Nations, Métis, or Inuit
• Questions about religious beliefs or practices
• Disclosing age, including asking for a date of birth (except to confirm you are the age of majority)
• Questions about sexual orientation or gender identity
• Your marital or family status: e.g., asking if you're married, single, divorced, or planning to have children
• Questions about pregnancy
• Requests about disability, health history, or if you use accessibility aids or support animals
• Whether you receive government assistance (income source questions are only allowed for confirming ability to pay rent, not to discriminate against the type of income)

If you ever feel pressured to provide this information, it's important to know you have the right to refuse to answer.

What Are Landlords Allowed to Ask?

While landlords can't ask illegal questions, they are allowed to:

• Ask for references, rental history, and employment information (to confirm ability to pay rent)
• Request ID to confirm your identity (but not collect more information than necessary)
• Ask how many people will live in the unit, for fire and occupancy reasons

Landlords cannot ask for a security deposit greater than one month's rent and may only collect deposits according to Yukon's rules. See Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for details on your rights regarding deposits.

If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe a landlord rejected your application or mistreated you because of an illegal question, you can file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission.

How to Respond if You Are Asked an Illegal Question

If a landlord asks a question that seems illegal, you have a few options:

• Politely decline to answer, explaining you believe it’s not relevant to your suitability as a tenant.
• Ask the landlord how the information will be used, and remind them about Yukon and federal human rights protections.
• Keep a copy of any written application forms with illegal questions, or document the conversation if possible.
• If you feel comfortable, suggest alternative ways of confirming your suitability (e.g., more references or proof of income).
• If you suspect you have been denied unfairly, consider contacting the Yukon Human Rights Commission.

For more information on your general rights as a Yukon tenant, visit the official government resource: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Relevant Forms and What to Do if You Experience Discrimination

To address discrimination in rental applications, tenants can:

• File a complaint using the Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form: This is used to report discrimination based on any protected ground in housing (such as race, disability, family status). You can access the form and guide here: Yukon Human Rights Commission – Make a Complaint.
• If you think your tenancy rights have been violated under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, you may seek help from the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

Example: If a landlord refuses your application after asking about your marital status, keep any emails or documents. Use the Complaint Form to explain what happened, attach supporting evidence, and file with the Human Rights Commission as soon as possible.

Who Handles Tenant Rights Cases in Yukon?

The Yukon Residential Tenancies Office is responsible for landlord-tenant matters in residential housing. Find further information and services at the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

What Legislation Applies?

• Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• Canadian Human Rights Act (applies federally to all housing and prohibits discrimination)

Both sets of laws help ensure tenants are treated fairly at all stages of finding and keeping a rental home.

Looking for a new apartment or house in Yukon or anywhere else in the country? Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view for easy and up-to-date listings across Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions About Illegal Rental Questions in Yukon

1. Can a Yukon landlord ask about my religion or family plans?
   No. Religion, family status, and similar personal matters are protected under Yukon and federal human rights law, and landlords cannot ask these questions on rental applications.
2. Are landlords allowed to request my SIN (Social Insurance Number)?
   No. Your SIN is not required because it is not needed to screen tenants. Only in rare cases (such as for certain government-subsidized housing) could it be requested, and with your consent.
3. What should I do if I am rejected for a rental because I have children?
   Keep a record of the communication and file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission if you believe family status was the reason you were denied.
4. Can I be asked about my disability or need for a service animal?
   No. You cannot be asked about your disability. If you have a service animal, your right to accommodation is protected by law.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights in Yukon Rentals

• Know which questions are illegal on rental applications in Yukon and your rights under the law
• Politely refuse to answer any discriminatory questions and keep records of communications
• Contact the Human Rights Commission or Residential Tenancies Office if you believe your rights were violated

With knowledge and confidence, you can navigate the rental process in Yukon safely and assertively.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Information on tenant and landlord rights, forms, and dispute resolution
• Yukon Human Rights Commission: Make complaints about discrimination or harassment in housing
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon: Provincial fact page with tips, laws, and guides

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1. Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Canadian Human Rights Act
3. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office
4. Yukon Human Rights Commission

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