Hazardous Materials Storage Rules for PEI Rental Units

Tenants in Prince Edward Island often need clear guidance on what hazardous materials they can keep in a rental unit, and what responsibilities landlords have to maintain a safe home. This article explains common examples of hazardous materials, basic storage safety tenants should follow, and when to involve your landlord or the Residential Tenancies Board. It also outlines official forms and steps you can take if a storage issue creates a safety risk. The language is plain and aimed at renters, with practical examples like storing small quantities of household cleaners versus larger amounts of fuels or compressed gases. Knowing the rules helps you protect your safety, your neighbours, and your rights as a tenant in PEI.

What counts as hazardous materials in a rental unit?

Not every cleaning product or small household chemical is treated the same as industrial supplies. Common categories landlords and tenants should watch for include:

• Safety concern: flammable liquids and solvents (gasoline, paint thinner) that pose fire risks.
• Safety concern: compressed gases and cylinders (propane, oxygen) that can leak or explode if stored improperly.
• Safety concern: large quantities of pesticides, corrosives, or reactive chemicals beyond normal household use.

Basic storage rules and safe practices for tenants

Tenants should follow sensible precautions to reduce risk and show good-faith compliance with lease terms and safety expectations.

• Keep an evidence log with dated photos of where and how hazardous supplies are stored.
• Notify your landlord in writing before bringing large amounts of fuel, compressed gas, or industrial chemicals into the unit.
• Store items in original, clearly labelled containers and follow manufacturer instructions for ventilation and temperature.

Landlord and tenant responsibilities

Both parties have roles to make sure storage is legal and safe. Landlords must maintain a safe property and may set reasonable limits in leases; tenants must follow those limits and local safety rules. For a clear overview of mutual duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

When to notify the landlord and what to include

If you plan to store anything that could be hazardous, give a written notice explaining what you intend to keep, how you will store it, and why it is needed. Include photos and a brief safety plan. A written notice creates a record if the situation later becomes a dispute.

• Include the item name, quantity, storage location, and date in your notice.
• Attach dated photos showing the storage method.

How to raise a safety concern and official forms

If a storage practice creates a safety risk, raise the issue in writing to your landlord and request remedial action. If the landlord does not respond or the response is inadequate, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Board or the appropriate provincial office for help. The primary legislation in PEI is the Residential Tenancies Act^[1], which sets out rights and remedies, and the government provides pages about residential tenancies and forms online^[2][3].

Practical examples

• Small amounts of household cleaners stored in a locked cupboard are usually acceptable with proper labelling.
• Storing multiple large jerry cans of gasoline in a basement or unit is typically unsafe and may be prohibited under lease terms or local code.

FAQ

Can my landlord ban all hazardous materials?

Landlords can set reasonable limits to protect safety and comply with building codes, but bans must be applied consistently and cannot breach tenancy laws.

What if I need certain chemicals for work or hobbies?

Tell your landlord in writing, provide a safety plan, and be ready to show how you will prevent risks. A landlord may require additional precautions or refuse unsafe storage.

Where do I file a complaint if a hazardous storage issue is ignored?

If your landlord does not address a serious safety hazard, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Board for help after you document the issue and give the landlord reasonable notice to act.

How-To

1. Assess the risk and, if an immediate danger exists, leave the area and call emergency services.
2. Document the hazard with dated photos and a brief written log.
3. Give your landlord a written notice describing the items, their location, and the risk, and request remediation.
4. If the landlord does not fix the issue, prepare and submit the official application form to the Residential Tenancies Board.
5. Follow up with the board and keep copies of all communications and evidence for hearings or inspections.

Key Takeaways

• Store only small consumer-sized hazardous items and follow label instructions.
• Notify your landlord in writing before storing larger quantities or uncommon chemicals.
• Document storage and communications to protect your rights if the situation escalates.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential tenancies information (PEI)
• Residential Tenancies Act (PEI)
• Residential tenancies forms (PEI)

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (PEI)
2. [2] Residential tenancies information (PEI)
3. [3] Residential tenancies forms (PEI)

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