How Tenants Can File a Human Rights Complaint in PEI

Experiencing discrimination as a tenant is never easy, especially in shared housing or roommate situations. In Prince Edward Island, tenants are protected by human rights laws that ensure fair treatment regardless of race, gender, disability, family status, or other protected grounds. If you believe your rights have been violated while renting a home or room, you may have the option to file a human rights complaint. This guide explains your options, key steps, and where to get help—all with a focus on Prince Edward Island.

Understanding Tenant Human Rights in Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, the Human Rights Act protects tenants against discrimination by landlords, roommates, and others involved in housing. This applies to both individual rental units and shared housing situations.

Your rights under this law mean you cannot be treated differently or unfairly because of things like:

• Race, national or ethnic origin
• Religion or creed
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Family or marital status
• Age or source of income

Protected Situations in Rental Housing

Discrimination can occur at any point in your rental experience, including:

• Being refused a rental because of a protected ground
• Harassment or unequal treatment by a landlord or roommate
• Evictions, rent increases, or rules that specifically target a protected group

For an overview of general tenant and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Filing a Human Rights Complaint as a Tenant

If you have faced discrimination, Prince Edward Island has a clear process you can follow to make a formal complaint.

The PEI Human Rights Commission

The Prince Edward Island Human Rights Commission is the official body that reviews and investigates human rights complaints related to housing. This commission is separate from the PEI Rental Office, which handles disputes about rental agreements, repairs, and other tenancy issues under the Residential Rental Act¹.

Common Examples of Discrimination in Rentals

• A landlord refuses to rent to you because you have children
• A roommate harasses you due to your religion or disability
• You are threatened with eviction after asking for accessibility accommodations

How to File a Complaint: Step-by-Step for Tenants

To start a human rights process, you must submit a complaint to the PEI Human Rights Commission. Here’s what tenants should know.

1. Gather Documentation

• Keep all emails, texts, notices, or other proof of events
• Write down dates, places, and what was said or done
• Collect names of witnesses if possible

2. Get the Official Complaint Form

The official form you need is: PEI Human Rights Commission Complaint Form

• When to use: If you have experienced discrimination covered by the PEI Human Rights Act
• How to use: Download the form from the Commission’s website, fill it out with your information, details of what happened, and your supporting evidence

Practical example: If your landlord denied your application after learning you use a wheelchair, you would record all relevant details and file the Complaint Form as soon as possible after the event.

3. Submit the Form

• You can mail, email, or deliver the completed form to the PEI Human Rights Commission
• Details for submission and contact are listed on the Commission's contact page

4. Next Steps: Investigation and Resolution

• A Human Rights Officer will review your complaint and may contact you for more details
• The Commission might offer early mediation to help resolve the issue
• If not resolved, a full investigation and possibly a hearing will follow

The Commission may direct your landlord to stop the discrimination, make accommodations, or pay damages if your rights were violated.

Key Legal Protections for PEI Tenants

Every tenant in PEI is protected by the Human Rights Act and the Residential Rental Act. Shared accommodations, such as when you rent a room in a house or share an apartment, are covered by these laws unless the landlord is living with you and sharing common areas. If unsure, always check with the Commission.

Learn more about what you’re entitled to as a renter on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

For those seeking a new place or needing to move after facing discrimination, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada quickly and efficiently using Houseme’s search tools.

Frequently Asked Questions: Human Rights Complaints & Tenancy in PEI

1. What qualifies as discrimination in residential rentals?
   Discrimination includes being denied a rental, evicted, or harassed because of your race, religion, disability, family status, age, or other protected grounds listed in the Human Rights Act.
2. Can roommates be held responsible for human rights violations?
   Yes. If a roommate discriminates against you in a way that impacts your right to housing, you can include that in your complaint to the PEI Human Rights Commission.
3. How long do I have to file a human rights complaint in PEI?
   You must file a complaint within one year of the event or last incident of discrimination. It is best to act as soon as possible.
4. Does filing a human rights complaint affect my tenancy?
   Your landlord cannot legally retaliate against you for filing a human rights complaint. If they do, report it to the Human Rights Commission right away.
5. Who handles ordinary rental disputes in PEI?
   The PEI Rental Office resolves disputes about rent, deposits, repairs, and evictions according to the Residential Rental Act.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• You are protected against discrimination in housing by PEI law, including roommate situations.
• If you experience discrimination, file a complaint quickly using the PEI Human Rights Commission’s form.
• For other tenancy-related issues, additional dispute resolution options are available through the PEI Rental Office.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Human Rights Commission: Get complaints forms, guides, and legal information
• PEI Rental Office: For rental disputes and questions about tenancy law
• Community Legal Information: Free and low-cost legal support for tenants
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island: Learn about rental laws and protections in PEI

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1. Residential Rental Act (PEI)
2. Human Rights Act (PEI)
3. PEI Human Rights Commission: Complaint Forms

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