Tips for Interviewing Landlords
It's easier to find — and keep — a place when the first phone call goes well. Write down what you'll say, practice it once, then dial.
Updated August 2026Reflects the Yukon Residential Tenancies Act in force since September 1, 2025. Rules change — when it matters, check with the Residential Tenancies Office: 867-667-5944.
Before you pick up the phone
Write your opening down. It can be this, word for word:
- "Hello, my name is ______ and I'm interested in the place you have advertised. Is it still available?"
- "Could you confirm the rent is $______, and what's included?"
- "Is there a time today or tomorrow I could come see it?"
- "Thank you very much — I look forward to meeting you."
Practice out loud once before you call — with a friend, or with someone at the Blood Ties drop-in. It genuinely changes how the call goes.
When you meet
- Be on time, clean and polite. Make eye contact. Don't smoke in front of the landlord.
- Mention any good connections you have to the place or the person.
- Be honest about what you're looking for and what you can afford.
- Bring references — past landlords are best, but character references and letters of support from organizations, sponsors or employers count too. Blood Ties writes letters of support for members.
- Call back soon after the viewing — later the same day or early the next morning — to say you liked the place.
Handling personal questions
A landlord may ask things that feel personal. You don't owe anyone your life story. Ready answers:
- "I understand your concern, but I'm a private person and prefer not to discuss my personal life."
- "Is there something specific you need to know to feel secure renting to me?"
- "What I can tell you is that I pay my rent on time, I'm quiet and responsible, and I'll take good care of your place."
Don't volunteer information they didn't ask for.
If a landlord won't rent to you because you're on assistance
That's illegal. Source of income is a protected ground under the Yukon Human Rights Act. It can help to say so calmly — and to point out that assistance means the rent arrives in full, on time, every month. If you're still turned away, call the Yukon Human Rights Commission: 867-667-6226.
Numbers worth saving
Blood Ties Four Directions CentreHelp with finding housing, maintaining housing, and eviction prevention
867-633-2437Residential Tenancies OfficeThe rules, the forms, and disputes — 307 Black Street
867-667-5944Yukon Housing CorporationRent-geared-to-income housing — 410 Jarvis Street
867-667-5759Grey Mountain Housing SocietyRent-geared housing for Indigenous residents — 211 Main Street
867-633-4880Safe at Home SocietyEviction prevention and help with housing applications — call early
867-334-7686Yukon Human Rights CommissionIf a landlord discriminates against you — 201–211 Hawkins Street
867-667-6226Whitehorse Emergency Shelter (Connective)405 Alexander Street — a bed, a meal, a shower, tonight