Accessibility Rights for Tenants with Disabilities in PEI

Living with a disability can present unique challenges when renting in Prince Edward Island. Tenants have specific rights to accessible housing, and landlords have clear obligations to accommodate disability-related needs. This tenant-focused guide outlines those rights, explains how roommates and shared housing are affected, and provides practical steps for securing accessible rental accommodation in PEI.

Understanding Disability Rights in PEI Rentals

All tenants and potential tenants with disabilities in Prince Edward Island are protected under two key laws:

• Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disability
• Rental of Residential Property Act, governing landlord-tenant relationships (read the Rental of Residential Property Act)

Landlords must not refuse to rent, evict, or treat tenants differently because of a disability. They are also required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants who need accessibility-related modifications, provided these changes do not cause undue hardship (such as excessive cost or major structural changes).

Roommates & Shared Housing: What You Need to Know

Disability rights apply whether you rent alone, share an apartment, or have a roommate. In shared housing situations:

• All tenants (including those with disabilities) are entitled to the same protections and access to common areas
• Requests for accommodation—such as installing a grab bar in a shared bathroom—should be discussed openly with both the landlord and other tenants

Types of Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations in PEI rental housing might include:

• Allowing guide or service animals, even where pets are not allowed
• Permission to make accessibility-related changes, like ramps or visual door alarms (often at the tenant’s expense)
• Adjustments to rules or lease terms that disadvantage persons with disabilities

Before making any alterations, discuss the proposed changes in writing with your landlord. Permission cannot be unreasonably denied if the change is needed due to a documented disability.

Health, Safety, and Accessibility

Landlords must provide safe, healthy living conditions for all tenants. For persons with disabilities, this includes ensuring entrances, exits, and vital areas are accessible. If you encounter unsafe or inaccessible conditions, you have the right to request repairs or modifications. Learn more about your right to a healthy living space in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Making an Accommodation Request: Step-by-Step

If you need the landlord to make—or permit you to make—a disability-related accommodation, follow this process:

• Make your request in writing, explaining your needs and suggesting a solution
• Your landlord can ask for reasonable documentation about your disability-related need (not your diagnosis)
• If approved, agree on how work will be done and who will pay (tenants usually pay for modifications; restoration may be required when moving out)
• If your landlord refuses, or ignores your request, you can make a complaint to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) - Residential Property Division

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Application to Director – Form 9: Use this form to apply for an order or remedy if your landlord fails to provide reasonable accommodation or meet their obligations. For example, if your landlord refuses to install a necessary accessibility aid, submit Form 9 to IRAC. Complete the form fully, attach any supporting documents (such as your written request and your doctor's note), and file it at an IRAC office.
• PEI Human Rights Complaint Form: If you believe you have faced discrimination based on disability, complete this online form to file a complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission.

Find guides and explanations for rental disputes after move-in in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Landlords Can—and Cannot—Do

• Landlords can require that accommodations are reasonable and do not damage the property or create excessive costs
• They cannot charge extra rent or fees because of a disability
• Refusal to accommodate, or evicting someone due to disability, is a human rights violation

If conflicts arise, tenants have the right to seek mediation or a formal hearing through IRAC Residential Property Division.

Legal and Human Rights Protections

IRAC oversees tenancy disputes. The PEI Human Rights Commission resolves human rights complaints about accommodation and discrimination. Tenants are also protected by the PEI Human Rights Act.

For broader rights, review the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island for a full overview of PEI rental law.

Need a new place? Browse apartments for rent in Canada with accessibility filters to help find your next home.

Frequently Asked Questions: PEI Tenants with Disabilities

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a disability? No. It is illegal for landlords in PEI to refuse to rent to someone because of a disability. This is protected by the Human Rights Act.
2. What is considered a 'reasonable accommodation'? Adjustments like installing grab bars, ramps, or allowing service animals, as long as they do not cause significant structural changes or major cost for the landlord.
3. Who pays for accessibility modifications? In most cases, tenants cover the cost of alterations they need, but landlords cannot deny reasonable requests unless the changes would cause undue hardship. Always agree on terms before beginning work.
4. How do I file a formal complaint if my accommodation request is ignored? You can submit Form 9 to IRAC for a rental dispute or file a Human Rights complaint online if it is a discrimination issue.
5. Do these rights apply in shared rentals and with roommates? Yes. Tenants with disabilities have the same rights and protections whether renting alone or with roommates.

Key Takeaways

• PEI law protects tenants with disabilities, including in shared housing or roommate situations
• Landlords must provide reasonable accommodation unless it causes undue hardship
• Use official forms to file requests or complaints and contact IRAC for help with disputes

Ensuring accessibility in rental housing strengthens your right to safety, dignity, and an equal home environment.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• IRAC Residential Property Division – Handles rental disputes, applications, and tenant-landlord issues
• PEI Human Rights Commission – For discrimination and accommodation complaints
• PEI Tenants and Landlords Guide – Official guidebook for provincial rental law
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island – In-depth overview of PEI residential tenancy rules

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1. Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act: Read the Human Rights Act
2. Rental of Residential Property Act (PEI): See full legislation
3. IRAC Residential Property Rentals: Visit IRAC tenant and landlord resources
4. PEI Human Rights Commission: Learn more and file a complaint

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