Living in Prince Edward Island rental housing means understanding how to use portable generators and fuel safely. Tenants and renters often rely on generators during storms or outages, but improper storage or operation can cause fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, or legal disputes with landlords. This guide explains safe placement, ventilation, approved fuel containers, refuelling precautions, and basic maintenance steps tailored for PEI rentals. It also covers what tenants should document, how to raise concerns with landlords, and when to contact the Island’s residential tenancy tribunal or emergency services. Read the practical steps below to reduce risks, meet your duties as a tenant, and protect yourself and your neighbours while using portable power safely.
Safe use of portable generators in rentals
Portable generators create carbon monoxide and fire hazards if not used correctly. Tenants should place generators outdoors, far from doors, windows and vents, and never run them in attached garages, porches, or inside living spaces. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure fuel is stored separately and in approved containers.
Placement and ventilation
- Set up generators at least several metres from the building and point exhaust away from doors, windows, and vents.
- Ensure the unit is on stable, level ground to prevent fuel or oil leaks and reduce vibration damage.
- Check CO detectors in your unit and test batteries before a storm to ensure alarms work properly.
Fuel storage and refuelling
Improper fuel storage is a major cause of fire risk. Tenants should only keep small quantities of portable fuel inside a rental if the lease and local code allow it, and always in approved containers with clear labeling. Refuel only when the generator is off and cooled to avoid ignition from hot engine parts.
- Store fuel in approved red safety cans and keep them in a well-ventilated, locked area away from living spaces.
- Refuel outdoors, using a funnel where needed and wiping spills immediately to reduce fire risk.
- Keep purchase receipts and container labels to document amounts kept and to show compliance if asked by a landlord.
Tenant and landlord responsibilities
Both tenants and landlords have roles in keeping a rental safe. Tenants must follow lease rules and local safety codes; landlords must maintain safe electrical systems and provide working smoke and CO detectors. If a landlord prohibits generators or fuel storage in the lease, tenants should discuss safe alternatives before bringing equipment into the unit.
- Review your lease for clauses about fuel, generators, and prohibited items before using equipment in the property.
- Notify your landlord in writing if you plan to use a generator or store fuel and keep the message for your records.
- Document the condition of common areas and the unit with photos if you believe generator use could affect safety or property condition.
What to document and when to act
Good records help resolve disputes and support complaints if repairs or code enforcement are needed. Tenants should photograph safe placement, label fuel containers, save receipts for fuel, and keep copies of any written notices to landlords. If you detect carbon monoxide or a gas smell, leave the area and call emergency services immediately.
- Take dated photos of generator placement and any signs of damage, leaks, or unsafe wiring.
- Save emails or messages where you ask the landlord about permission or report hazards.
- If hazards remain after notifying the landlord, contact the residential tenancy board or tribunal to learn your options.[1]
Official forms and when to use them
On Prince Edward Island, tenants may need official forms when asking for repairs, filing complaints, or requesting hearings with the tenancy authority. Common items include formal repair requests and applications to the residential tenancy process. Use the official forms to ensure your issue is recorded and routed correctly.
- Repair or Maintenance Request Form — use this to ask your landlord to fix electrical or fire-safety hazards; for example, submit it if breakers or wiring fail when a generator is used.
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Board — use this to request a hearing if the landlord does not address a safety issue after you reported it and you have kept documentation.[1]
Practical safety checklist for tenants
- Read your lease and speak to your landlord before bringing a generator or fuel onto the property.
- Use carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and test them regularly.
- Keep fuel in approved containers, inside a locked and ventilated storage area if allowed.
FAQ
- Can my landlord ban portable generators in a rental?
- Yes, if the lease explicitly prohibits generators or fuel storage, tenants should follow the lease and discuss alternatives with the landlord before using equipment.
- What should I do if I smell fuel or carbon monoxide?
- Leave the area immediately, call emergency services, and inform your landlord in writing. Keep copies of any communications and medical or incident reports.
- Who enforces residential tenancy safety rules in PEI?
- The provincial residential tenancy authority handles disputes and applications related to landlord and tenant responsibilities; contact them to learn about formal complaint steps.[1]
How-To
- Identify immediate hazards: check for smells, leaks, improper wiring, and non-working detectors; if dangerous, leave and call emergency services.
- Notify your landlord in writing with photos and a description of the hazard, keeping a dated copy for your records.
- Follow basic mitigation: move the generator outdoors, shut off and cool before refuelling, and move fuel to approved storage away from the unit.
- Keep a log of actions, receipts, and communications that show you reported the issue and tried reasonable safety steps.
- If the landlord does not act in a timely manner, file the appropriate application with the residential tenancy authority requesting a hearing.[1]
- Contact local emergency services or fire prevention for advice on storage limits or immediate risks, and follow their directions.[2]
Help and Support / Resources
- Prince Edward Island Residential Tenancies information
- PEI Emergency Management Office
- PEI Fire Safety and Prevention
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