Being evicted can be stressful and may feel permanent. If you’re a tenant in Prince Edward Island, understanding how eviction records work—and finding out if and how they can be removed—is an important part of rebuilding your rental future.
Understanding Evictions and Your Record in Prince Edward Island
In Prince Edward Island, when a landlord ends a tenancy and the matter goes to a hearing, records are kept by the Residential Tenancy Office. This provincial office oversees rental disputes and keeps documentation associated with eviction orders.
Eviction records in PEI are not published in a public online database, but orders made by the Residential Tenancy Office may be available to landlords if they request information about a potential tenant. Credit bureaus or private tenant screening agencies may also receive notice if debts associated with a tenancy go unpaid, and these can appear in credit reports.
How Evictions Affect Future Tenancies
An eviction order may make it more difficult to rent in the future. Landlords often check references and may ask if you have been evicted before. They might also ask the Residential Tenancy Office for information about your tenancy history.
- If you owe money to a landlord, this debt could be reported to collection agencies, affecting your credit score.
- If the eviction was for reasons such as excessive damages or unpaid rent, future landlords may be reluctant to rent to you.
However, there is no official, permanent, public “eviction record” in PEI, and much depends on what information is shared between landlords and the outcome of tenancy applications.
Can You Remove an Eviction Record in Prince Edward Island?
Currently, there is no formal process in Prince Edward Island to remove an eviction from your record kept by the Residential Tenancy Office. Once an order is made, it remains on file at the Residential Tenancy Office.
- Disputing an eviction order: If you believe an eviction order should not have been granted, you may have the right to request a reconsideration or appeal within a specific timeframe.
- Settling debts: If an eviction involved unpaid rent or damages, paying what you owe can help ensure no further collection action or negative credit reporting.
See the Application for Review of Order (Form 8) for requesting reconsideration of a decision. For example, if you were evicted due to a misunderstanding or procedural error, you could complete Form 8 and submit it to the Residential Tenancy Office within 10 days of the original order. Access Form 8 and full details here.
What to Do if You’ve Been Evicted
You cannot erase an eviction order from the Residential Tenancy Office’s files, but you can take practical steps to improve your rental prospects:
- Pay any outstanding debts to your previous landlord.
- Request a reference from a previous landlord (where possible).
- If you find a willing co-signer, it may help reassure future landlords.
- Be honest with prospective landlords about your history and highlight your positive steps since the eviction.
Landlords are interested in responsible tenants and may look beyond a past eviction if you can show stability and reliability.
Relevant Forms and How to Use Them
- Application for Review of Order (Form 8): Submit this form if you want the Residential Tenancy Office to review an eviction order. Complete the form within 10 days of the decision, explain your reasons, and provide any supporting evidence. View the official Form 8 here.
- Notice of Termination (Form 4): This is typically used by landlords but reviewing it helps tenants understand legal causes for eviction. Access Form 4 here.
The rules surrounding eviction orders and tenant records are found in the Residential Property Act (PEI)[1]. It’s a good idea to review your rights and responsibilities in the Act or consult support services for advice.
Protecting Yourself After Eviction
Moving forward after an eviction means understanding your rights and working toward resolving any outstanding issues. Following the correct notice procedures, returning keys, and documenting communications can help if you need to explain your history to future landlords.
If you need to move, you might find a fresh start by browsing affordable homes for rent in Canada.
For more on resolving rental challenges or what to expect as you move forward, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them and explore Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.
For a detailed look at tenancy regulations in the province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can my eviction record in PEI be cleared or sealed?
There is no formal process to clear or seal eviction records in Prince Edward Island. The Residential Tenancy Office keeps records, and they are not automatically removed. - What should I do if the eviction was a mistake or I was not properly notified?
You can apply for a review using Form 8 within 10 days of the decision. Provide your reasons and supporting documents. - Does an eviction in PEI affect my credit score?
Only if you owe money and it is referred to a collection agency will it appear on your credit report. The Residential Tenancy Office does not report all evictions to credit bureaus. - How can I improve my rental chances after an eviction in PEI?
Pay any debts, prepare honest explanations for future landlords, gather good references, and show proof of responsible behaviour since the eviction. - Where can I get help disputing an eviction order or understanding my rights?
Contact the Residential Tenancy Office or local tenant advocacy groups for support and advice.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for PEI Tenants
- Eviction orders remain on file at the Residential Tenancy Office; there is no process to erase them.
- Tenants can apply for a review of an eviction order using the correct form and timeframe.
- Paying debts, gathering references, and being honest with landlords helps improve future rental opportunities.
Taking these steps can help you recover from eviction and find housing more easily in Prince Edward Island.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- PEI Residential Tenancy Office – handles all tenancy disputes and eviction decisions.
- Phone: 1-800-501-6268 (toll-free in PEI)
- Email: [email protected]
- Residential Property Act (PEI) – Official Legislation
- Local tenant advocacy services (ask at community legal clinics or the Tenancy Office for recommendations)
