Tenants in Prince Edward Island who leave belongings behind when moving out often worry about what happens next. This guide explains landlords 92 duties and tenant rights, including how long a landlord must store abandoned items, when they can dispose of property, and how security deposits are affected. It covers the official notices and forms landlords should use, practical steps tenants can take to reclaim property, and documentation that helps resolve disputes. Whether you are vacating a rented house or an apartment, understanding PEI 92s procedures will help protect your belongings and your deposit. Read on for clear timelines, examples of common situations, and how to contact the Island 92s residential tenancy tribunal if you need to escalate.
What counts as "abandoned" belongings?
Belongings are usually considered abandoned when a tenant vacates the unit and clearly indicates they do not intend to return, or when the tenant fails to remove items after a lease termination and the landlord follows notice and storage procedures required by provincial rules. Personal items left in common areas, storage spaces tied to the unit, or inside the rental unit can all fall under abandoned property rules.
Landlord duties and timelines in Prince Edward Island
Landlords in PEI must follow set steps before disposing of abandoned property. The usual process includes notifying the tenant, storing items for a required period, and, if unclaimed, disposing of or selling property according to legislation and board rules. When in doubt, contact the residential tenancy office to confirm the correct form and deadline.[1]
- Within a short period after discovering items, give written notice to the tenant with details of the items and how to reclaim them.
- If the tenant does not respond within the statutory timeframe, the landlord must continue to store belongings for the minimum number of days set by law before disposal.
- Use the official notice or form required by the Residential Tenancies office when serving notice; keep a copy and proof of delivery.
- Landlords may be allowed to recover reasonable storage or disposal costs from the tenant 92s deposit, but receipts and legal authority are needed before deducting.
Practical steps tenants should take
If you left items behind accidentally or your move-out date was unclear, act quickly. Contact the landlord in writing, arrange pickup or shipment, and keep records of all communications and receipts.
- Contact the landlord immediately in writing and request a description of the items, where they are stored, and the deadline for pickup.
- If you cannot collect items in person, arrange a courier and confirm who will cover shipping or storage fees.
- Document the condition of items on pickup and keep receipts to contest any improper deductions from your deposit.
Required forms and official contacts
Landlords and tenants should rely on the official Residential Tenancies resources for the exact form names and submission methods. The provincial pages list the legislation, applicable forms, and contact details for filing disputes or applications to the tribunal.[2]
- Look for the official notice form used to inform a tenant of abandoned property and to document attempts to contact them.
- If a dispute arises over disposal or deposit deductions, file the appropriate application form with the Residential Tenancies office as directed on the provincial site.
For plain-language checklists, tenants may find the provincial moving-out guidance helpful and landlords can consult landlord best-practice checklists. For example, landlords can review How Landlords Should Handle End of Tenancy Issues Properly and Legally for a practical post-tenancy checklist, and tenants can review Moving Out Tips: A Tenant''s Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit to prepare and document their move-out.
When to take action with the tribunal
If a landlord disposes of belongings before the statutory deadline or improperly deducts from a deposit, tenants can file an application with the Residential Tenancies office. Prepare a clear timeline, copies of notices, photos, receipts, and any witness statements.
- If an application proceeds to a hearing, bring originals and copies of all evidence and arrive prepared to explain timelines and communications.
- Use the tribunal 92s evidence checklist and include a concise cover summary to help decision-makers follow the facts quickly.
FAQ
- How long must a landlord store my abandoned items in PEI?
- The statutory storage period varies by province and by type of item; consult the Residential Tenancies pages for PEI for the exact timeframe and any exceptions.
- Can a landlord sell my items to recover storage costs?
- Only after following the required notice and storage period can a landlord dispose of or sell items; any sale to cover costs must follow the legal process and accounting rules.
- What if the landlord deducted storage fees from my security deposit without notice?
- You can file an application with the Residential Tenancies office, providing evidence of the items, move-out date, and lack of proper notice.
How-To
- Gather all communications, photos, receipts, and the move-out checklist to create a clear record.
- Contact the landlord in writing to request details of the stored items and a deadline for pickup.
- Arrange pickup or shipping within the landlord 92s deadline and keep proof of payment for any fees.
- If the landlord misses notice or disposes early, file the appropriate tribunal application with evidence.
- Attend any hearing with organized evidence and a short written timeline for the adjudicator.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must follow notice and storage timelines before disposing of abandoned goods.
- Tenants should keep dated photos and written communication to protect deposit rights.
- Use the official PEI forms and contact the Residential Tenancies office early if disputes arise.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Office, Government of Prince Edward Island
- Residential Tenancies Act (Prince Edward Island)
- Prince Edward Island 92s Housing and Tenant Information
