What landlords must disclose in PEI
Landlords in Prince Edward Island must keep rental units safe and fit to live in. While PEI legislation requires basic habitability, the law does not always list a specific "asbestos or lead disclosure" for every building type. Tenants should ask landlords for any known records, testing or remediation history for asbestos and lead, and request copies of lab results or contractor reports. If you need help understanding obligations or filing a dispute, contact the provincial tenancy office[1].
When to ask for testing or remediation
If you see crumbling plaster, peeling paint, damaged insulation, or recent renovations in an older building, request testing and safe remediation. Explain the health concern and ask the landlord to hire licensed professionals rather than attempting removal yourself.
- Ask for a written notice and copies of any past test results or contractor reports.
- Request repairs or professional remediation if materials are damaged or exposed.
- Keep dated photos, messages, receipts and a log of communications as evidence.
- Note deadlines and response times so you can track when the landlord has been given a reasonable chance to act.
Tenant actions and official forms
Start by giving a clear written request to the landlord describing the suspected hazard and what you want done. If the landlord does not respond or refuses, tenants can apply to the Residential Tenancies Board[1] under the Residential Tenancies Act[2] for an order requiring repairs. Use the board's application or dispute form to begin the process; include copies of your written requests and any evidence.
Example form and use:
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Board (application/dispute form) — use this to ask the board to order repairs or remediation when the landlord will not act. Include dates, copies of requests, photos and test results.
- Written request to landlord (no standard form required) — a dated email or letter asking for testing or repairs; keep a copy for your records.
For health-specific guidance about lead and asbestos exposure, consult federal public health resources to understand safe testing and cleanup standards[3].
How landlords typically respond
Most landlords will arrange for inspection or testing by a certified contractor and either repair, encapsulate, or remove hazardous material following safety rules. Tenants should receive copies of results and reports. If a landlord claims no records exist, ask for a written statement to that effect and consider a third-party inspection at your own cost if the landlord still refuses.
If repairs are urgent and the landlord does not act, you may be able to request expedited resolution from the tenancy board or contact public health for immediate hazards.
Related tenant resources
Read more about general safety and what to look for in a rental in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and about expectations for repairs in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities. If you are looking for a new place, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Do landlords in PEI have to tell tenants about asbestos or lead?
- Not always in a single named disclosure; landlords must maintain habitability and provide known records or test results when asked, and tenants can apply to the tenancy board if a hazard is not addressed.
- Can I hire my own tester?
- You can arrange independent testing, but keep receipts and share results with your landlord; the cost may not be refundable unless ordered by the board.
- What should I include when I apply to the tenancy board?
- Include dated written requests to the landlord, photos, any test results, contractor reports and a clear statement of the remedy you want.
- Who enforces public health guidance for lead or asbestos?
- Public health authorities and environmental regulators provide safety standards; the tenancy board enforces repair obligations under tenancy law.
How-To
- Recognize signs of damage or disturbed materials and document them with photos and notes.
- Send a dated written request to your landlord asking for testing or remediation and keep a copy.
- Request that the landlord hire certified contractors to test or remediate and ask for written reports.
- If the landlord does not act, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Board including all evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Document every request, test result and repair to protect your rights.
- Landlords are responsible for safe repairs and should use licensed professionals.
- If the landlord will not act, use the tenancy board process to seek an order.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies information (Prince Edward Island government)
- Residential Tenancies Act (Prince Edward Island legislation)
- Health Canada: Lead information and resources
