Are tenants in PEI entitled to air conditioning from their landlord?

No, landlords in Prince Edward Island are not legally required to provide air conditioning unless it is included in the lease agreement or was supplied with the unit from the outset.

What can I do if my apartment gets dangerously hot during a heatwave?

First, notify your landlord in writing about the unsafe conditions. If your concern is not addressed, you can file an Application by Tenant (Form 2) with the PEI IRAC Rental Office.

Can I install a portable air conditioner myself?

You may install a portable air conditioner but should check your lease agreement and get your landlord’s written consent first.

What authority oversees rental issues for PEI tenants?

The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) Rental Office is responsible for handling tenant and landlord disputes in Prince Edward Island.

Are cooling requirements part of PEI's health and safety standards?

Not specifically, but all rental units must remain safe and habitable. Extreme heat affecting health and safety could require a landlord to act.

Do Tenants Have the Right to Cooling During Heatwaves in PEI?

Maintenance & Repairs Prince Edward Island published June 25, 2025

With rising summer temperatures and climate change, tenants in Prince Edward Island (PEI) often wonder if they are entitled to cooling—such as air conditioning or other measures—during extreme heatwaves. Understanding your rights under PEI's tenancy laws helps you protect your health and comfort during hot weather, and clarifies what is (and isn't) required of your landlord.

Cooling Requirements in PEI: What Does the Law Say?

Prince Edward Island's key law for residential tenancies is the Rental of Residential Property Act^[1]. This legislation does not specifically require landlords to provide air conditioning or mechanical cooling. However, landlords must ensure the property meets a "minimum standard of fitness for habitation." This means rental units must provide a safe and healthy environment, especially during seasonal extremes.

The province’s Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) Rental Office oversees these laws and handles disputes related to maintenance and repairs. If a heatwave makes your unit unsafe and you believe your landlord is not meeting their basic obligations, you may have grounds to file a formal complaint.

When Are Landlords Responsible for Cooling?

If your lease agreement states that air conditioning or mechanical cooling is included, your landlord must maintain it in working order.
If the unit was provided with air conditioning at the start, this service cannot be unreasonably withdrawn.
If cooling is needed for health and safety and you have raised this with your landlord, they may have a duty to respond—especially for vulnerable tenants (e.g., elderly or medically at-risk individuals).

Health Risks, Maintenance, and Tenant Recourse

Extreme heat can lead to dangerous health effects, especially for seniors, children, and those with existing medical conditions. PEI's rental laws require all units to be "fit for habitation," which may include addressing severe heat issues that threaten your health.

If you feel your unit is dangerously hot and your landlord is not addressing it:

Keep written records of your requests for repairs or cooling measures
Contact PEI’s Rental Office for guidance on next steps
Apply for an order requiring repairs or remedies if your landlord is not responsive

If you’d like an overview of common problems and how to address them, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. For situations that involve health risks or emergencies, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities. These resources explain how to document complaints, your repair options, and dispute mechanisms.

If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to heat, act quickly—health and safety come first. Know your rights and don't hesitate to seek help from the Rental Office or tenant support services.

Official Forms and Filing a Complaint in PEI

For most tenancy and repair issues in PEI—including those arising from excessive heat—tenants can file a complaint with the Rental Office using the "Application by Tenant" form (Form 2). Here’s how it works:

Form Name: Application by Tenant (Form 2)
Use: To request an order enforcing landlord repairs, maintenance, or remedies for a unit that is unfit, including dangerous heat levels. For example, if your apartment is unsafe during a heatwave and your landlord isn’t taking steps, you would use this form.
How to File: Complete Form 2 and submit it to the IRAC Rental Office. Official instructions and downloadable forms are available here.

For step-by-step details, see below.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

While landlords are not explicitly required to provide air conditioning, they must ensure the rental is safe, livable, and complies with PEI’s minimum health standards. As a tenant:

You are responsible for alerting your landlord in writing about any habitability or safety issues (like excessive heat).
If you add your own portable AC unit, check your lease for any restrictions or requirements.
Your landlord must not interfere with reasonable comfort or well-being, as per PEI legislation.

To learn more about general tenant rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island for a full province-specific overview.

Looking for a new rental that's suited to your climate needs? Browse apartments for rent in Canada and compare cooling options across the country.

FAQ: Tenant Rights and Cooling in PEI

Are PEI landlords required to provide air conditioning?
No, there is no legal requirement for landlords to provide air conditioning unless it's specifically included in your lease or was provided when you moved in.
Can I install a portable air conditioner in my rental?
Usually yes, but you should check your lease agreement and get your landlord's written permission before installing any large appliances.
What if my unit becomes dangerously hot?
Document the issue, notify your landlord in writing, and if nothing is done, you can file a complaint with the IRAC Rental Office using Form 2.
Who enforces tenant and landlord obligations in PEI?
The IRAC Rental Office manages tenancy disputes, maintenance complaints, and repair orders in Prince Edward Island.
Do health and safety rules require cooling during heatwaves?
Not specifically, but landlords must ensure the unit remains safe and habitable. Excessive heat impacting health may trigger landlord obligations.

Key Takeaways for PEI Tenants

Landlords are not required by law to provide air conditioning or cooling unless specified in the lease.
You have the right to a safe and habitable rental—this may include protection from dangerous heat.
Take action by reporting heat concerns, documenting correspondence, and seeking help from provincial authorities if needed.

In summary, while cooling is not a default requirement, your safety and health as a tenant in PEI come first. Stay proactive during heatwaves and seek support as needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Contact the IRAC Rental Office for advice, forms, or to file a complaint (contact form, phone: 1-800-501-6268)
Download PEI's official landlord and tenant forms here
Provincial health and safety information: PEI Public Health
Overview of tenant rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island
Tips for a safe home: Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting

^[1] Full PEI legislation: Rental of Residential Property Act
^[2] Rental Office and forms: PEI IRAC Rental Office