Sexual Harassment by Landlords in Yukon

Sexual harassment by a landlord can leave renters feeling unsafe and unsure about their rights. This guide explains what counts as harassment under Yukon rules, what tenants should document, how to report incidents to the Residential Tenancy Office or the Yukon Human Rights Commission, and what forms and deadlines may apply. It also covers immediate safety steps, how to get legal or advocacy support, and practical tips for preserving evidence and asking a landlord to stop without escalating risk. If you are a tenant in Yukon, these clear steps aim to help you protect your safety, housing, and legal options while navigating reporting and remedies.

Your rights in Yukon

Tenants in Yukon are protected from harassment and discrimination by territorial legislation and human rights protections. If a landlord makes unwanted sexual advances, remarks, or threats, that behaviour can be considered harassment and may be addressed through the Residential Tenancy Office or the Yukon Human Rights Commission ^[1].

What counts as sexual harassment

• Unwanted touching, kissing, or physical contact.
• Sexual comments, requests for sexual favours, or suggestive messages.
• Coercive behaviour linking tenancy terms (rent, repairs, access) to sexual acts.
• Repeated comments or actions that create a hostile or intimidating living environment.

Documenting incidents and preserving evidence

Good documentation helps tenancy officers and advocates assess your complaint. Record dates, times and witnesses, save messages, and keep any physical or photographic evidence.

• Keep a written log of each incident with date, time, location and a short description of what happened.
• Save texts, emails, voicemail, photos or screenshots in a secure folder or cloud drive.
• Keep receipts for rent or repairs if the harassment relates to payment or services.
• Get witness statements in writing when possible, with names and contact information.

How to report and which forms to use

There are two main pathways: a tenancy dispute through the Residential Tenancy Office and a human rights complaint. Choose based on the nature of the harassment and the remedy you want.

Common official forms and when to use them:

• Application to the Residential Tenancy Office (dispute application). Use this to request dispute resolution when harassment affects your tenancy or the landlord breaches the tenancy rules; for example, to ask for an order to stop the behaviour or compensation for harm ^[2].
• Notice of Termination or other tenancy notices. Use these if you need to formally end a tenancy or respond to a landlord's notice; follow the timelines shown on each form and keep copies.
• Human Rights Complaint Form. Use this to report harassment that engages protected grounds (such as sex or gender) to the Yukon Human Rights Commission; it seeks remedies for discrimination and can run alongside a tenancy application ^[3].

Before filing, consider local supports or advocacy services that can help with form completion and representation. You can also review how to handle complaints in rental housing in our resource on How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide.

Practical safety steps

• If you feel unsafe, prioritize immediate safety: lock doors, consider a temporary stay with friends or supports, and call local emergency services if needed.
• Contact local victim services, tenant clinics, or legal aid for confidential advice and referrals.
• Tell a trusted neighbour or witness about the pattern so they can corroborate events if asked.

Key Takeaways

• Sexual harassment by a landlord may be addressed through tenancy dispute processes and human rights complaints.
• Document dates, messages, photos and witness details to support any complaint.
• Seek help from tenancy offices, human rights bodies, and local tenant services before filing forms.

FAQ

Can I stay in my home while I file a complaint?

Yes. Filing a complaint does not automatically force you to leave; the Residential Tenancy Office can consider temporary measures or orders to protect you while a dispute is decided.

Will reporting harassment affect my tenancy status?

Landlords cannot lawfully evict or retaliate simply because you report harassment; if you face retaliation, document it and raise it in your dispute or complaint.

Should I file both a tenancy application and a human rights complaint?

Sometimes both routes are appropriate—tenancy applications address housing remedies while human rights complaints address discrimination. Seek advice to coordinate filings.

How-To

1. Ensure immediate safety: remove yourself from danger and contact emergency services if needed.
2. Gather and secure evidence: save messages, take photos, and write a dated incident log.
3. Get support: contact local tenant clinics, victim services, or legal aid for guidance and representation.
4. File the appropriate form with the Residential Tenancy Office to request dispute resolution and keep a copy of your submission.
5. Consider filing a Human Rights complaint if the harassment involves protected grounds such as sex or gender.
6. Follow up on deadlines, attend any hearings, and ask for interim protections if the situation continues.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential tenancy information — Government of Yukon
• Residential Tenancy Office forms — Government of Yukon
• Yukon Human Rights Commission — Filing a complaint

1. [1] Residential tenancy information — Government of Yukon
2. [2] Residential Tenancy Office forms — Government of Yukon
3. [3] Yukon Human Rights Commission — Filing a complaint