Do PEI Tenants Have the Right to Internet Services?

For many renters in Prince Edward Island, internet access feels just as essential as electricity or water. But do tenants in PEI have a legal right to internet as part of their rental unit, or is it something a landlord can choose to provide?

Internet Services and Tenant Rights in Prince Edward Island

Under the Prince Edward Island Residential Tenancy Act, landlords are responsible for ensuring that a rental unit meets basic standards for health, safety, and habitability. However, internet service is not defined as an “essential service” like water, heat, or electricity under PEI law¹. This means a landlord is not legally required to provide internet unless it is included in your lease agreement.

What Utilities Must Be Provided?

The Act requires landlords to maintain the following essential services unless your rental agreement says otherwise:

• Hot and cold water
• Electrical service
• Heat (in colder months)
• Sanitation and garbage collection

Internet is considered an optional service. If your lease specifically mentions that internet is included, the landlord must provide it as agreed.

Understanding Your Lease Terms

When reviewing or signing a rental agreement, always check the section about utilities and included services. Look for terms like "Internet included" or "Tenant responsible for own internet." If nothing is stated, you’ll usually need to arrange and pay for internet yourself.

For more details about what happens after you sign a lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Can a Landlord Restrict My Internet Choices?

In most cases, you are free to choose any available internet provider for your area, as long as your installation does not damage the property or violate your agreement. Some buildings have exclusive deals with certain providers, but the law does not prohibit tenants from arranging their own service, provided any installation is reversible and approved by the landlord if structural changes are needed.

Should Internet Be Considered an Essential Service?

While not required by PEI law, many tenants believe internet should be part of the basic rental package—especially as more people work or study from home. However, until the law changes, internet will only be included if your lease says so.

Always clarify before signing: If included internet is important to you, ensure it's specified in the rental agreement. Verbal promises aren’t enough.

What If the Service Promised in My Lease Isn’t Provided?

If your lease says the landlord provides internet and they fail to deliver, you can apply to the Residential Rental Property Office to resolve the issue. You may be able to:

• Request a rent reduction for the time the service wasn’t provided
• Ask the office to order the landlord to supply the agreed-upon service

To file a claim, use Form 2: Application by Tenant to Director (Form 2 PDF). For example, if your agreement states "internet included" and the landlord does not provide it, you can submit this application to request a remedy.

Tips When Moving In

When starting a new tenancy, carefully review what is included. For more moving tips, check out Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

If you’re searching for a place where internet is included or want to compare your options, don’t forget to Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Tenant and Landlord Obligations in PEI

While internet isn’t a legal obligation for landlords, both parties have rights and responsibilities around maintenance, property access, and communication. For a complete overview, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is internet considered an essential service for rentals in PEI?
   No, internet is not classified as an essential service under PEI tenancy law. It is only included if stated in your lease.
2. What can I do if my landlord promised internet but doesn’t provide it?
   You may file Form 2: Application by Tenant to Director with the Residential Rental Property Office to have the service enforced or seek compensation.
3. Do I need landlord permission to install internet?
   If installation requires physical changes to the property (like drilling), always get landlord approval first. Otherwise, basic self-installation usually does not require special permission.
4. Can a landlord prohibit specific internet providers?
   Landlords cannot unreasonably restrict your choice of provider unless the building has infrastructure or exclusive agreements limiting options. Always review lease language.
5. Where can I find more help on tenant rights in PEI?
   The Residential Rental Property Office and local tenant advocacy organizations can provide guidance and support.

Conclusion: Key Points for PEI Tenants

• Internet is not a required service under PEI law—unless included in your signed lease.
• Always confirm utility inclusions before signing a rental agreement.
• If you’re promised internet but don’t get it, the Residential Rental Property Office can help.

Reviewing your lease carefully and knowing the law will help you avoid surprises and protect your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Residential Rental Property Office – Guidance, complaints, forms, and tenant applications
• PEI Government Housing Programs – Supports for renters seeking affordable housing
• Local tenant advocacy groups (contact through PEI government or community centres)

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1. Residential Tenancy Act (PEI): Read the legislation
2. Residential Rental Property Office: Official site and forms

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