Top 50 Questions: Discrimination & Accessibility for Tenants in Yukon

Discrimination & Accessibility Yukon published June 26, 2025 Flag of Yukon
Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because of a disability?
No, Yukon law prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants with disabilities.
Which legislation protects tenants from discrimination in Yukon?
The Yukon Human Rights Act and the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act protect tenants from discrimination.
What grounds of discrimination are prohibited in Yukon rental housing?
Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, age, sex, disability, religion, family status, or other grounds set by the Yukon Human Rights Act.
Can my landlord deny me a support animal?
No, landlords must accommodate support animals required due to a disability unless it causes undue hardship.
What is considered an accessibility accommodation?
Accommodations could include ramps, allowing service animals, or other changes to help disabled tenants use their rental.
How do I ask my landlord for an accessibility accommodation?
Make your request in writing and explain why the change is needed because of your disability.
Can my landlord ask for proof of my disability?
Yes, they can ask for reasonable documentation, like a note from a medical professional, but not for detailed medical records.
What can I do if my landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation?
You can file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission.
Can a landlord evict me because I asked for an accommodation?
No, retaliation for requesting an accommodation is illegal in Yukon.
What is considered “undue hardship” for a landlord?
It means the accommodation would be very difficult or costly for the landlord to provide.
Who do I contact about discrimination problems?
Contact the Yukon Human Rights Commission for discrimination issues, or the Residential Tenancies Office for tenancy concerns.
Can a landlord advertise “adults only” or “no kids” in Yukon?
No, refusing tenants based on family status is discrimination under the Yukon Human Rights Act.
Are service animals exempt from pet restrictions?
Yes, if a tenant needs a service animal due to a disability, landlords must accommodate them despite pet bans.
Does my landlord have to install a ramp or handrail if I request it?
Landlords must consider such requests and provide modifications unless it causes undue hardship.
How can I make a discrimination complaint against my landlord?
File a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission.
Can my landlord increase my rent because I requested an accessibility change?
No, increasing rent in retaliation is not allowed under Yukon law.
What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
The Human Rights Commission will review your complaint, may investigate, and might try to resolve the issue or hold a hearing.
Is a landlord responsible for making common areas accessible?
Yes, landlords must take reasonable steps to accommodate disabled tenants in common areas unless it causes undue hardship.
Do I need to use a specific form to request accommodation in Yukon?
While no official form is required, make your accommodation request in writing for documentation.
What information should I include in my accommodation request?
Say what accommodation you need, why you need it, and offer documentation if possible.
Can a landlord ask questions about my medical condition?
Only enough to understand the need for accommodation—no full medical details are required.
How long does my landlord have to respond to an accommodation request?
The law does not specify a timeline, but the landlord should respond as soon as reasonably possible.
Can my landlord evict me for making a discrimination complaint?
No, retaliation for making a human rights complaint is against the law.
Are there exceptions to anti-discrimination rules?
Some exceptions apply if the building is the landlord’s own home or if undue hardship is proven.
Can I be denied a rental for using a wheelchair?
No, denying a rental based on disability or required aids is discrimination.
What if my landlord ignores my accessibility request?
You may file a discrimination complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission.
Is it discrimination if I am asked more questions than other applicants?
If questions relate to protected grounds (e.g., disability, race), it may be discriminatory.
What is the Residential Tenancies Office in Yukon?
The Residential Tenancies Office is the official agency for rental disputes in Yukon.
Can I be denied a rental because of my age?
No, age discrimination is illegal in rental housing in Yukon.
Do I need to pay for accessibility modifications?
Generally, landlords pay unless the change only benefits you or is very expensive; it depends on the situation and hardship.
What if my landlord says they can’t afford the accommodation?
The landlord must show that the cost causes genuine undue hardship to be exempt.
Does discrimination protection cover sexual orientation or gender identity?
Yes, the Yukon Human Rights Act protects tenants on these grounds.
Are there strict timelines for discrimination or tenancy complaints in Yukon?
Yes, you must file a human rights complaint within six months of the event.
Can my landlord limit children living in a unit?
No, excluding families with children is family status discrimination.
Is “first come, first served” always a fair rental practice?
Not if the real reason for denial is a prohibited ground of discrimination.
Do I have to disclose my disability to the landlord?
Only if you are seeking an accommodation—otherwise, you do not have to disclose.
Can rental ads ask for “references only from Canadians”?
No, that could be national origin or citizenship discrimination.
Does “no smoking” violate my rights if I use medical cannabis?
Landlords must reasonably accommodate medical needs, but there may be limits for health/safety.
Can I get evicted for inviting guests with disabilities?
No, guests with disabilities must be accommodated like tenants, unless it causes issues beyond normal use.
Are emotional support animals covered?
Yes, if supported by medical documentation, emotional support animals can be accommodated.
Can a landlord ask if I plan to have children?
No, that is not a reasonable or legal question during tenant screening.
Will making an accommodation request affect my rental insurance?
No, it should not affect your insurance.
Can landlord enter my unit for accessibility assessment?
Yes, with proper notice, the landlord may inspect for necessary modifications.
Can I request a smoke-free or scent-free policy?
You may request this as an accommodation, but it is not always guaranteed unless medically required.
If landlord refuses, can I make changes myself?
Seek permission first. Unauthorized changes may breach your lease, but the Human Rights Commission can assist if your request is denied unfairly.
Is discrimination by other tenants covered under Yukon law?
Landlords must address discrimination or harassment by other tenants when informed.
How can I document discrimination issues?
Keep records of conversations, emails, and incidents for use in a complaint.
What official forms are there for Yukon discrimination or tenancy complaints?
Use the Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form for human rights complaints, and the Application for Dispute Resolution for tenancy issues.
Where do I find Yukon’s tenancy legislation?
Visit the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for the full text.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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