As a tenant or renter in Prince Edward Island, you can ask your landlord for accessibility changes that help you use your home safely and independently. Whether you need grab bars, a ramp, wider doorways, or a service-animal exception, knowing how to document your need, make a clear written request, and use provincial processes will make the outcome more likely to be positive. This guide explains practical steps for communicating with your landlord, what paperwork or medical notes to gather, when to involve the Residential Tenancies Board[1] or Human Rights processes[3], and what official PEI forms or resources to use. It also covers timelines, what to do if a landlord refuses, and how to prepare for a possible hearing so you can protect your rights and stay housed.
What counts as an accessibility change?
Accessibility changes are reasonable adjustments to a rental unit or building that remove barriers for people with disabilities. Common requests include grab bars, ramps, lowered countertops, widened doorways, visual alarm systems, or permission for an assistance animal. Some changes are minor and reversible; others are structural. If a change affects a shared building area you may need building-owner or strata approval in addition to your landlord.
Your rights in Prince Edward Island
PEI tenants have rights under provincial tenancy rules and human rights law. The Residential Tenancies Act[2] governs many landlord and tenant duties, while the PEI Human Rights Commission handles discrimination and accommodation complaints related to disability. If a landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation, you can use the Residential Tenancies Board[1] or the Human Rights process to seek resolution.
Document what you need
- Photos or video showing the barrier you face.
- Medical or allied-health note explaining the functional need (dates, limitations, suggested accommodation).
- Estimates or quotes for the proposed work from contractors.
- Copies of any previous written requests or landlord responses.
How to make the request
Start with a polite, written request that describes the change, explains why it is needed, and proposes reasonable options or timelines. Offer to pay for reversible changes or to restore the unit at move-out if you can. Keep copies of everything and follow up in writing if the landlord responds by phone. For health or safety concerns also see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
If the landlord refuses or delays unreasonably, you can file a complaint. Consider early mediation or using PEI's dispute process before a hearing to save time. For help with disagreements, this site explains formal complaint steps in more detail: How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide. You can also check available rental listings when planning moves or alternatives with Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.
FAQ
- Can a landlord say no to accessibility changes?
- No. A landlord must consider reasonable accommodation requests; refusal may be unlawful if the change is reasonable and supported by documentation.
- Who pays for the change?
- Often the tenant and landlord negotiate. Landlords may agree to pay, agree to share costs, or the tenant may fund reversible changes or offer to restore the unit when they move out.
- How long will the process take?
- Timelines vary. Start in writing and allow a few weeks for negotiation; formal board processes may take longer. Keep records of dates and communications.
- When should I involve the Residential Tenancies Board or Human Rights Commission?
- If negotiation and mediation fail, file with the Residential Tenancies Board or Human Rights Commission to seek an order or decision. Use official forms to start a claim.
How-To
- Gather evidence: photos, videos, dated notes, and a medical or allied-health note explaining the accommodation.
- Write a clear written request that describes the change, why it is needed, and any suggested timelines or contractors' quotes.
- Send the request by email or registered mail and keep a copy; ask for confirmation of receipt and a reasonable reply deadline.
- Negotiate: propose reasonable alternatives, offer to pay for reversible work, or offer to restore on move-out to reach an agreed solution.
- If the landlord refuses, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Board[1] using the official form and include your documentation and quotes.
- Prepare for a hearing: organize documents, witness statements, and a short written timeline of events; attend the hearing or arrange representation.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Board (PEI)
- Residential Tenancies Act (PEI) - legislation
- PEI Human Rights Commission - accommodation help
