Understanding the Human Rights Code in Yukon Rental Housing

Renting a home in Yukon offers both opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re sharing space with roommates or renting a unit on your own, it’s essential to understand how the Human Rights Act applies to rental housing. Knowing your rights and protections under the law can help prevent discrimination and ensure a fair, respectful living environment in shared housing or any rental scenario in Yukon.

What Is the Human Rights Act and How Does It Apply to Rental Housing?

In Yukon, the Human Rights Act (Yukon) prohibits discrimination in housing based on protected grounds such as race, sex, gender identity, disability, age, and more. This means landlords, property managers, and even other tenants or roommates cannot treat you unfairly for reasons protected by the Act.^[1]

• Applies to apartments, houses, and shared accommodations
• Protects against eviction, denial of tenancy, or different treatment based on protected grounds
• Covers advertising rental units and interactions during tenancy

Shared housing and roommate arrangements are also covered when they fall under the landlord–tenant relationship defined in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon).^[2]

Your Rights as a Tenant in Yukon Rental Housing

As a tenant, you have the right to equal treatment when applying for or living in a rental property. This applies to:

• Rental applications and interviews
• Rules, policies, or terms in your lease or roommate agreement
• Access to services and facilities (laundry, parking, amenities)
• Being free from harassment by landlords or other tenants

Treating tenants differently or denying housing due to protected characteristics is not permitted. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a human rights complaint (see below for steps).

Shared Housing and Roommate Situations

Many Yukoners share homes or rent rooms. The Human Rights Act protects you if you’re:

• Renting a room from a landlord who lives at the property
• Subletting or dealing with roommates who control tenancy decisions

However, there are some exceptions for small-scale shared living:

• If a property is shared with the owner or their immediate family and you share kitchen or bathroom facilities, some provisions may not apply.
• It’s important to clarify your legal status as a "tenant" vs. a "roommate" as this affects your protections under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Human Rights Act.^[2][1]

  For further clarity on Yukon tenant rights and how the law works in practice, visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon page.

  Examples of Discrimination in Yukon Rental Housing

  Discrimination can take many forms in rental and shared housing. Examples include:

  • A landlord refuses a rental application because of the applicant’s ancestry or religion
  • A property manager sets different rules for tenants of different backgrounds
  • Roommates harass another tenant based on their gender identity or disability
  • A landlord fails to accommodate a tenant’s disability, such as refusing to allow accessible modifications

  Learn more about the Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting to ensure your rental environment is safe and inclusive.

  Filing a Human Rights Complaint in Yukon

  If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination, you can file a complaint through the Yukon Human Rights Commission. The process is accessible and free.

  • Who can file: Anyone who believes their rights were violated in Yukon rental housing
  • When to file: As soon as possible after the incident, usually within 18 months
  • What is needed: A brief summary of what happened, when, and any evidence you have

  Forms Required

  • Yukon Human Rights Complaint Form

  When and How to Use: This form starts the official complaint process. For example, if your rental application was denied because of your sexual orientation, you would complete the form with details and send it to the Yukon Human Rights Commission by mail or email. Guidance and the official mailing/email address are on the form itself.

  What Happens After Filing?

  Once your complaint is received, the Commission will:

  • Contact both sides to gather more information
  • Offer mediation to resolve disputes
  • If necessary, hold a hearing and make a formal decision
  It’s a good idea to keep copies of all correspondence, forms, and notes related to your complaint in case further information is needed later.

  Tenancy Laws and Where to Get Help

  Rental relationships in Yukon are also governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon), which covers your rights, responsibilities, and dispute resolution options. If your problem also involves issues like maintenance, security deposits, or evictions, you may need to apply to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.

  For full details about common issues facing Yukon tenants, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

  When searching for a new rental or exploring housing options, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada for a wide variety of choices.

  FAQ: Yukon Tenants and Human Rights in Shared Housing

  1. Are landlords in Yukon allowed to refuse tenants based on age or disability?
     No. Under the Human Rights Act, it is illegal for landlords to deny rental housing to someone because of age, disability, or any other protected ground.
  2. Does the Human Rights Act apply if I'm just renting a room or sharing a home?
     Yes, most roommate and shared housing situations are covered, especially when you pay rent and have an agreement. There are some limited exceptions if you share living space with the owner.
  3. What should I do if I think a landlord discriminated against me?
     Gather as much information as you can (emails, texts, ads) and file a complaint with the Yukon Human Rights Commission soon after the incident.
  4. Are people renting rooms protected from harassment by roommates?
     Yes, the Human Rights Act protects you from harassment in most rental and shared housing situations. If you feel unsafe or harassed, consider reaching out to both the Commission and your landlord.
  5. What tenancy rights do Yukon tenants have beyond human rights law?
     For more details, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon for housing-specific protections and dispute resolution procedures.

  Key Takeaways for Yukon Tenants

  • The Human Rights Act protects Yukon tenants in most rental and shared housing situations from discrimination and harassment.
  • Complaints can be filed free of charge with the Yukon Human Rights Commission, using the official complaint form.
  • Your rights also include those provided by Yukon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and support is available for dispute resolution.

  Understanding your rights ensures a fair, respectful home—don’t hesitate to seek help if you experience discrimination.

  Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  • Yukon Human Rights Commission – File complaints, get information, access forms.
  • Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – For tenancy issues like rent, repairs, or evictions.
  • Yukon Housing & Property Services – Housing programs and supports.
  • General tenant advocacy: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon

  ---

  1. Human Rights Act (Yukon): Human Rights Act – official PDF
  2. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon): Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – official PDF
  3. Yukon Human Rights Commission: https://yukonhumanrights.ca/
  4. Government of Yukon—Residential Tenancies: https://yukon.ca/en/residential-tenancies

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