Illegal Rental Screening in Yukon: Tenant Rights & Protections

In Yukon, finding a place to rent can be stressful—especially when landlords screen applications. Not all rental screening is legal. Tenants should know their rights, what information landlords can legally ask for, and what to do if they experience discrimination during the rental process. This article breaks down Yukon's rules, your legal protections, and how to respond when screening goes too far.

What is Rental Screening?

Rental screening is the process landlords use to decide if an applicant is a suitable tenant. It often involves requesting information about your identity, income, rental history, employment, and sometimes credit reports. The goal is to assess a tenant's ability to pay rent and take care of the property.

Yukon Law: Legal and Illegal Screening Questions

Landlords in Yukon must comply with the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1] and the Yukon Human Rights Act^[2]. Screening questions or practices are illegal if they discriminate against you based on protected personal characteristics like:

• Race, colour, or ancestry
• Place of origin
• Religion
• Sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity
• Disability
• Age
• Marital or family status (e.g., pregnancy or children)
• Source of income (as long as it’s legal)

Landlords can request some basic financial and housing information, but they cannot:

• Refuse to rent because you have children
• Ask about your ethnicity, religion, or immigration status
• Require a guarantee you will not have guests of certain backgrounds
• Reject your application due to disability-related accommodation needs

Permitted Information in Yukon

It is legal for landlords to ask for proof of income, references, or a credit check (with your written consent). They can verify employment history or previous landlord references, but cannot ask for unnecessary personal details that could lead to discrimination.

Don’t feel pressured to answer questions about private matters unrelated to being a good tenant. If in doubt, contact a tenants’ rights organization or the Yukon Human Rights Commission for advice.

Signs of Illegal Rental Screening

Recognizing illegal rental screening can help protect your rights and avoid unfair treatment. Some common examples include:

• Advertising “adults only” or “no children” unless the housing is specifically exempt
• Refusing to process applications from people who look or sound different
• Requiring higher deposits from immigrants or people with disabilities
• Denying accommodations for a service animal

For more on deposits and your rights, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

How to Take Action If You Face Illegal Screening or Discrimination

Tenants have the right to challenge unfair or discriminatory screening. Here’s what you can do if you encounter illegal questions or are denied a rental for discriminatory reasons:

• Keep written records of all communications—emails, texts, even notes about phone calls or in-person interactions
• Request the reason for denial in writing, if possible
• File a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission if you believe your rights have been violated
• Contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for advice or mediation related to rental issues

Key Official Forms for Yukon Tenants

• Yukon Human Rights Commission - Discrimination Complaint Form: Use this to submit a complaint if you believe a landlord violated your human rights during the screening process. Access the official complaint form here. Complete the form with details and supporting documents. The Commission will contact you to discuss next steps and may attempt mediation or a formal hearing.
  Example: If a landlord refuses to rent to you because of your family status or disability, complete and submit this form.

Where to Turn for Legal Guidance

The Residential Tenancies Office oversees most rental issues in Yukon. They offer plain-language resources and can provide information about your rights if you’re facing discrimination, unfair screening, or accessibility concerns. The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon page offers an overview of general tenant protections in the territory.

For common rental worries beyond screening, such as repairs or maintenance, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. To explore homes and apartments with fair rental practices, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ

1. Can a landlord ask for my SIN during the rental application process in Yukon?
   No, landlords should not ask for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) as part of their rental screening. They can verify identity and income using other documents.
2. What if I have a service animal and the landlord refuses my application?
   This is likely discrimination under Yukon’s Human Rights Act. You can file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission for assistance.
3. Is it legal for a landlord to require a larger deposit because I’m new to Canada?
   No, it is illegal to require a higher deposit or add conditions based on your place of origin, race, or ethnicity.
4. Where can I turn if I am denied housing unfairly?
   Keep all documentation and contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance and possible action.
5. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No, family status—including having children—is a protected ground. Such refusals are usually illegal in Yukon.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in Yukon cannot ask questions or deny rentals based on protected grounds like race, religion, family status, or disability.
• Keep records and respond promptly if you encounter illegal screening—support is available.
• The Residential Tenancies Office and Yukon Human Rights Commission protect tenants’ rights and provide accessible help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Official Tenancies Office – Support for disputes, information on laws, and complaint guidance.
• Yukon Human Rights Commission: Discrimination Complaint Form & Guidance.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon – Territorial facts and tenant protections.

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1. Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (current version)
2. Yukon Human Rights Act (official)
3. Yukon Human Rights Commission – Complaint Process

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