How to File a Retaliation Complaint for Tenants in PEI

If you’re renting a home in Prince Edward Island and you believe your landlord is retaliating against you after you’ve exercised your rights—such as asking for repairs or complaining about maintenance—it’s important to know that the law is on your side. Retaliation is not allowed under the Rental of Residential Property Act, and there are official ways to protect yourself and resolve these kinds of disputes.

What Is Landlord Retaliation in PEI?

Landlord retaliation is when a landlord tries to punish or disadvantage a tenant for asserting their legal rights. Retaliation can take several forms, including:

• Raising your rent right after you complain about repairs
• Issuing an eviction notice soon after you contact the landlord about maintenance
• Refusing to renew your lease for non-legitimate reasons after you file a complaint
• Threatening or harassing you after you report health or safety issues

In Prince Edward Island, these practices are not only unfair—they are explicitly prohibited by law.

Your Rights as a Tenant

As a tenant, you have the right to request basic repairs, raise Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting, and submit formal complaints without fear of retaliation. The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island page explains your core protections.

Punishing tenants for exercising these rights is not allowed. The rental board in PEI, known as the Residential Tenancy Office, is the main authority for resolving landlord-tenant disputes, including complaints about retaliation.

Filing a Complaint About Retaliation: What Tenants Need to Do

If you suspect retaliation, it’s important to act quickly and document everything. Here are the usual steps:

• Keep a detailed record of events, including dates when you made requests or complaints and any landlord responses.
• Collect supporting evidence, such as emails, written notices, or photos of repairs/conditions.

To officially file your complaint, submit the proper form to the PEI Residential Tenancy Office.

Official Form for Tenant Complaints

• Form 2 – Application by the Tenant (Application by the Tenant (Form 2)):
  Use this form if you believe your landlord has acted illegally, such as retaliating after a complaint. For example, if your landlord gives you a termination notice the day after you request repairs, fill out Form 2 to ask the Residential Tenancy Office to review your case. Submit the completed form either in person, by mail, or by email to the contact provided on the form’s instruction page.

Filing Steps: How to Submit a Retaliation Complaint

• Download Form 2 – Application by the Tenant from the Residential Tenancy Office
• Fill out your contact details, your landlord’s information, and describe your concern (make sure to note all dates and provide evidence).
• Gather all supporting documents, like email records or photographic evidence.
• Submit the form to the Residential Tenancy Office (in person, by mail, or electronically as noted on the form).
• The Residential Tenancy Office will notify your landlord and schedule a hearing, if needed.
• During the hearing, you’ll have a chance to explain your situation and provide evidence for why you believe the landlord retalitated.

For more information about the general rights and obligations of both parties, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Happens After You File?

Once your complaint is received, the Residential Tenancy Office will review it and may schedule a hearing. You and your landlord may be asked to attend. An order will be issued based on the findings—if the Office determines your landlord retaliated, you could be entitled to remedies such as the cancellation of an eviction or compensation.

Learn more about common rental issues on Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Need a new home during or after a dispute? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered landlord retaliation in PEI?
   Landlord retaliation includes any negative action (like eviction, rent increases, or threats) taken against a tenant for asserting legal rights, such as requesting repairs or filing complaints.
2. Can my landlord evict me for filing a complaint?
   No, eviction in response to an official complaint is not allowed in PEI. You have the right to challenge any such eviction by filing a Form 2 with the Residential Tenancy Office.
3. How long do I have to file a retaliation complaint?
   It’s best to file as soon as possible after the retaliatory action. Contact the Residential Tenancy Office if you’re unsure about the deadline or have questions.
4. What if my landlord won’t renew my lease because I made a complaint?
   This could be retaliation. Document what happened and use Form 2 to ask the Residential Tenancy Office to intervene.
5. What evidence should I include with my complaint?
   Include emails, written notices, records of repairs, photos, and any correspondence related to your complaint or landlord's actions.

Conclusion: Key Points for Tenants

• Retaliation by landlords (for complaints or asserting rights) is illegal in Prince Edward Island.
• Always document what happens and keep records of communication and requests.
• Use Form 2 to file a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancy Office if you suspect retaliation.

Understanding your rights and following the proper procedure gives you the best chance at resolving disputes and protecting your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Residential Tenancy Office – Main provincial authority for rental disputes
• PEI Housing Services – Housing support and information
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island

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1. Rental of Residential Property Act, official PEI legislation
2. PEI Residential Tenancy Office
3. Form 2 – Application by the Tenant

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