Accessible Common Areas: Landlord Duties in PEI

Tenants in Prince Edward Island often rely on safe, accessible common areas in apartment buildings, condo complexes, and shared rental properties. This guide explains landlord duties when shared spaces—entrances, hallways, laundry rooms, ramps, and parking—must be accessible and maintained. You will learn what standards landlords must meet, how to request reasonable accommodation, practical steps for reporting accessibility or safety problems, and when to involve the Residential Tenancies Board. The advice is focused on tenant rights and clear, plain-language actions you can take if common areas are unsafe or inaccessible. Keep records, follow timelines for repair requests, and understand the forms and evidence you may need if a formal complaint becomes necessary.

What landlords must provide

Landlords in Prince Edward Island are responsible for keeping common areas safe, accessible, and in good repair. This includes entryways, ramps, elevators (if provided), corridors, exterior steps, parking areas, and shared laundry. Accessibility obligations often overlap with basic health and safety rules; if a shared space creates a hazard, the landlord should act promptly. For more on tenant health and building safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

• Repair and maintenance of shared entrances, ramps and doors so they remain usable.
• Keeping hallways and emergency exits clear and well-lit for safe access.
• Providing reasonable accommodation where accessibility needs are identified and documented.
• Keeping records of maintenance, inspections and tenant requests.

Requesting repairs and reasonable accommodation

Start by telling your landlord about the problem in writing. Be specific: say which common area is affected, how it limits access, and what outcome you need (for example, a ramp repair or clearer lighting). Mention any medical or accessibility needs if you are asking for accommodation. If the landlord is unclear about obligations, point to their duty to maintain safe and accessible common areas and to consider accommodation requests.

• Send a dated written request describing the issue and the change you need.
• Keep copies of emails, texts and photos showing the problem and your communications.
• Give the landlord a reasonable time to respond and repair based on the safety risk.

Evidence, timelines and official forms

If the landlord does not act, collect clear evidence: dated photos, witness statements, and copies of written requests. For formal action, tenants in PEI can apply to the Residential Tenancies Board to resolve disputes about repairs or accommodation^[1]. Relevant legislation includes the Residential Tenancies Act, which outlines landlord and tenant duties and enforcement options^[2].

Official forms and how to use them (examples):

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Board (form name: Application to the Residential Tenancies Board; form number: N/A) — Use this to start a formal dispute if the landlord won’t fix or accommodate. Example: after two written repair requests and no reasonable response, file this application to ask the Board to order repairs or accommodation. See the Board website for the current application page.
• Request or Notice Templates (form number: N/A) — These are sample letters and templates to help you state the problem clearly and request a timeline. Example: send a dated template asking for a repair within a specific number of days and keep the copy as evidence.

Filing a complaint and what to expect

If you file with the Residential Tenancies Board, the process usually begins with an application, followed by a hearing or mediation where both sides present evidence. The Board can order repairs, require accommodation, or set timelines. Be prepared to explain how the inaccessible common area affects your daily life, and bring all documentation, photos, and written requests.

• File the application and include copies of written requests, photos, and any medical notes supporting accommodation.
• Attend the hearing or mediation; the Board may offer a negotiated solution or a formal order.
• If ordered, follow the Board’s decision and keep records of the landlord’s compliance or failure to comply.

FAQ

Can a landlord refuse to make common areas accessible?

A landlord cannot unreasonably refuse requests for accessibility modifications or accommodations; tenants can request accommodation, document the issue, and apply to the Residential Tenancies Board for enforcement.

How long should landlords take to repair or maintain common areas?

Landlords must complete repairs within a reasonable time; what is reasonable depends on the severity and safety risk, and tenants should keep records and follow up in writing.

How-To

1. Document the accessibility issue with photos, dates and a short description of how it affects daily access.
2. Send a dated written request to your landlord describing the issue and the accommodation you need; keep a copy.
3. If there is no response, follow up by phone and record the call details, then send another written notice.
4. If unresolved, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Board and attach your evidence and written requests.
5. Attend the Board hearing or mediation with your documents, and follow the Board’s directions if an order is issued.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Office (PEI) - contact and forms
• Residential Tenancies Act (Prince Edward Island)
• PEI Housing and Community Services - tenant supports

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Office (PEI) - contact and forms
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (Prince Edward Island)

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