Adding Someone to Your Lease in Prince Edward Island

Want to add a roommate, partner, or family member to your lease in Prince Edward Island? Doing it the right way protects everyone’s rights and helps you stay within the law. This guide will walk you through the official process, tenant and landlord permissions, relevant forms, and your legal responsibilities under Prince Edward Island’s tenancy rules.

Which Authority Oversees Tenancies in PEI?

In Prince Edward Island, residential tenancies are managed by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, Rental Office. They can help resolve disputes, provide forms, and answer questions about tenancy law in PEI.

Understanding the PEI Lease Law

If you want to add a person as a co-tenant on your lease, you’ll need your landlord’s written consent. The main law for residential renting in PEI is the Rental of Residential Property Act.^[1]

Simply having someone move in isn’t enough to make them a legal tenant. Anyone added to the lease shares both rights and obligations—like paying rent, following rental rules, and giving proper notice if they leave.

Steps to Add a Person to Your Lease

Additions to a lease agreement require careful communication and the right paperwork. Here’s what tenants should do:

• Tell your landlord in writing that you wish to add a specific person as a co-tenant.
• The landlord may request an application, background check, or reference—just as they did with you originally.
• If the landlord agrees, you’ll both need to either sign a new lease or an official amendment to the existing lease.
• Both the original tenant(s), the new person, and the landlord should sign this new document.
• Keep a copy for your records and provide one to the new tenant.

A landlord cannot refuse without a valid reason—such as if the new tenant fails a reasonable financial or reference check. If you feel you’re being treated unfairly, you can contact PEI’s Rental Office for guidance.

Official Forms and Where to Get Them

While Prince Edward Island does not require a specific government form solely for adding a tenant, the Rental Office provides the Standard Form of Lease (Form RM). This form can be used to create a new lease with the added tenant. For amendments, tenants and landlords often prepare a written agreement stating the changes.

• Form Name: Standard Form of Lease (Form RM)
• When to use: If you and your landlord agree to add a co-tenant, complete this for a new joint lease.
• How to use: Download, fill out with all parties, and provide copies to everyone involved. View the form on the IRAC website.

Alternatively, for minor changes, you and your landlord may sign a written lease amendment stating the new person’s full name, move-in date, and updated obligations.

Does Adding a Tenant Affect Deposits or Rent Payments?

Adding a new co-tenant may mean dividing rent differently or collecting an additional security deposit (if your total deposit does not exceed one month’s rent, as set out by the Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know guide). Clarify payment responsibilities in your written amendment or new lease.

Key Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

• BOTH tenants are now jointly responsible for the lease terms—damage, rent, and notice.
• The landlord must provide both tenants with proper notice for changes or entry to the property.
• All tenants must comply with health, safety, and property standards. For more details, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
• Changes must not increase the number of occupants beyond local bylaws or what’s allowed in your lease.

Tip: Adding a co-tenant can make moving out easier if one of you leaves, as any remaining co-tenant can continue the lease (if approved).

What If the Landlord Says No?

Landlords cannot refuse to add a tenant without a good reason. If you believe your landlord is unreasonably withholding consent, you can apply to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (Rental Office) for assistance or to settle the matter officially.

Browse apartments for rent in Canada and ensure your next move is with the right paperwork in place—protect yourself and your new co-tenant from complications down the road.

For a full overview of local regulations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I add a person to my lease if they already live with me?
   If your roommate or partner is staying long-term, you should request they be added officially to the lease. Get the landlord’s written consent to ensure they have legal rights and responsibilities.
2. Does my landlord have to approve anyone I want to add?
   Landlords must have valid reasons to deny an application, such as credit or references. They cannot refuse based on arbitrary factors or discrimination.
3. Can the rent or damage deposit change when I add a tenant?
   The rent will not increase unless agreed to by all parties, but security deposits can only be increased within the rules of PEI’s Rental of Residential Property Act.
4. What form do I use to add someone to my lease?
   There is no specific amendment form, but you can use the Standard Form of Lease (Form RM) to draft a new agreement including both tenants.
5. What if my landlord refuses to add my partner without reason?
   You may contact the Rental Office to resolve disputes or request a hearing if you feel consent is being unfairly withheld.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Always get your landlord’s written consent—and update your lease—when adding anyone as a co-tenant.
• Use the latest Standard Form of Lease, and keep clear written records for both parties.
• Understand your shared responsibilities so everyone’s protected.

Careful communication and documentation can save you headaches and protect your rights as a tenant in Prince Edward Island.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, Rental Office: For official forms, filing disputes, and clarifications
• PEI Department of Justice and Public Safety – Residential Property Rentals
• For additional support, contact local tenant advocacy groups or community legal clinics

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1. [1] See the Rental of Residential Property Act for PEI tenancy rights and obligations.

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