Can my landlord take photos of my rental while I still live there?

Landlords in Yukon can only take photos with advance notice for legitimate reasons such as inspection or repairs, and should not photograph your personal belongings without your consent.

Can landlords use photos of my property online without asking me?

No. Your written consent is required before a landlord can use photos of your furniture or personal belongings for advertising while you’re a tenant.

What should I do if my landlord takes unauthorized photos?

Document the incident, ask the landlord to delete any unauthorized images, and contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office to make a complaint or seek dispute resolution.

Yukon Tenants: Can Your Landlord Use Photos of Your Rental?

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Yukon published June 25, 2025

If you're renting in Yukon, you might wonder what rights your landlord has when it comes to taking and using photos of your rental unit. Questions about privacy and consent are common, and knowing the law helps you protect your personal space. This article explains when and how photographs can be taken, if your landlord can use images for advertising or documentation, and what you can do if you feel your privacy is violated—all based on current territory legislation and official government guidance.

Tenant Privacy Rights and Landlord Photography

Yukon's residential tenancy laws are designed to balance a landlord's need to manage their property with your right to privacy. In most cases, landlords cannot take photos of your rental unit—or use them—without following specific rules and respecting your space.

When Can a Landlord Legally Enter and Take Photos?

The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon) sets clear guidelines on when a landlord can enter your rental:

Landlords must give you written notice at least 24 hours in advance, stating the reason for entry and the time they intend to enter.
Valid reasons include repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers.

Photos may be taken during inspections, at moving in/out (for condition records), or for repairs, but only with legitimate purpose and advance notice. Non-essential or excessive photography is not permitted without tenant consent.

Can Landlords Use Photos for Advertising?

Landlords in Yukon are not allowed to use photos of your belongings or personal effects for advertising a rental without your explicit consent. Photos for advertisements should only be taken after you have vacated, unless you agree in writing to their use while you still occupy the unit.

What About Inspection and Condition Reports?

Photos are sometimes used to document the state of the property during condition inspections. As a tenant, you have the right to be present during these inspections. This helps ensure photos only show property condition—not your personal or private items.

For a detailed look at the inspection process and how to protect your interests, review the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Tip: Always request copies of any photos taken during condition inspections and discuss what images will be taken in advance.

Relevant Forms and Action Steps

There isn't a specific "photo consent" form under Yukon tenancy law. However, these official forms may be related to situations involving documentation of property condition:

Condition Inspection Report (Form 3): Used at the start or end of a tenancy to record the state of the rental. Both landlord and tenant should sign and date the form. Access Form 3 here. For example, if your landlord wants to photograph specific issues for the report, discuss what will be captured and ask to be present.
Application to the Residential Tenancies Office: If you believe your privacy has been violated, you can file a complaint or apply for dispute resolution. Visit the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for forms and guidance.

Taking these steps can help resolve disputes and clarify expectations around property documentation.

Protecting Your Privacy: Steps for Tenants

Ask for advance notice if photography is planned inside your unit.
Request written confirmation on why photos are needed and how they’ll be used.
If you’re uncomfortable with photos of personal belongings, discuss options with your landlord (e.g., clearing rooms or limiting angles).
If you feel your privacy rights have been breached, keep written records and consider seeking assistance or filing a complaint.

For more about your general tenant rights and your landlord’s responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Common Situations: Photography and Rental Agreements

Understanding your rental agreement is key. Some agreements may include clauses about property documentation or inspections. For more information on reviewing your contract and staying informed after move-in, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Want to see what’s available across Canada? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and compare different listings with or without interior photos.

FAQ

Can my landlord take photos of my rental while I still live there?
Generally, landlords can only take photos for legitimate reasons (e.g., repairs, inspection) and must provide written notice before entering. They should not photograph your personal belongings without permission.
Do I have to allow photos during a property inspection?
You have the right to attend inspections and to be informed about what photos will be taken. Photos should capture property condition, not personal effects.
Can my landlord use photos of my furniture in online listings?
No, not without your explicit written consent. Photos for advertising should be taken after you’ve moved out or by agreement.
What should I do if I think my privacy was violated by landlord photos?
Document what happened, ask your landlord to delete any inappropriate images, and contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for assistance or to file a complaint.
Do privacy laws in Yukon cover the use of photos online?
Yes. Yukon’s tenancy laws protect your privacy, and personal images should not be shared or posted publicly without your consent when you are a tenant.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

Landlords must provide notice and obtain consent for most in-unit photography.
Your privacy is protected under Yukon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Always clarify photo use and keep records if disputes arise.

Tenants should feel empowered to ask questions and seek help if they have concerns about photography or other privacy issues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Yukon Residential Tenancies Office: Handles complaints and offers dispute resolution for rental issues.
Government of Yukon – Renting in a Private Residence: Forms, guides, and tenant resources (including condition inspection forms).
For a summary of territory-wide rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon). Read the official legislation here.
Government of Yukon: Renting a Private Residence. View forms and resources.