Human Rights and Rental Housing: Tenant Protections in PEI

Tenants sharing housing or renting with roommates in Prince Edward Island (PEI) are protected by the PEI Human Rights Act and the Rental of Residential Property Act. Understanding how these laws apply is essential for anyone experiencing—or wanting to prevent—discrimination, unfair eviction, or harassment in rental situations.

Understanding Your Human Rights in PEI Rental Housing

Both individual tenants and those living with roommates are protected from discrimination under the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act. This legislation makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate based on:

• Race, colour, or ethnic background
• Religion or creed
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
• Marital or family status
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Age, unless housing is specifically designated for seniors
• Source of income (for example, receiving social assistance)

This means landlords and roommate-seekers must provide equal treatment to all current and prospective tenants. If you think a housing decision was made unfairly because of one of these protected grounds, you may have a right to file a human rights complaint.

Roommates, Shared Housing, and Human Rights Protections

Discrimination in advertisements (such as saying "students only" or "no children") or unequal treatment within a shared rental can violate the Human Rights Act. These rights cover:

• Searching for a place to rent
• Signing a lease or rental agreement
• Evictions and notices to move
• Services and amenities included with your rental

However, there are some exceptions. For example, if a landlord lives in the same home and rents out only one room, the Human Rights protections may be more limited. Check with the PEI Human Rights Commission if you are unsure.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Responsibilities

The Rental of Residential Property Act governs most residential tenancies in the province. It outlines how leases are managed, the process for rent increases, and procedures that both landlords and tenants must follow.

For a detailed overview of both tenant and landlord obligations, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained or review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

Common Human Rights Problems in Rental Housing

• Denying a rental application based on disability or family status
• Evicting a tenant for making a human rights complaint
• Providing different maintenance or services to different tenants based on race, gender, or other protected grounds
• Advertising rentals with statements like “adults only”, unless legally permitted

If you experience any of the above, you have options.

How to Address Discrimination or Harassment

If you believe your landlord or a roommate has violated your rights under the Human Rights Act, you can take action:

• Keep detailed written records of what happened (dates, times, conversations)
• Communicate in writing if possible, so you have a paper trail
• Try to resolve the problem directly, if you feel safe doing so
• Contact the PEI Human Rights Commission

If you wish to file a formal complaint, use the Complaint Form available from the Human Rights Commission:

• Form: PEI Human Rights Complaint Form
• When to use: Use if you believe you were discriminated against in rental housing based on a protected ground
• Where to get it: Download the Complaint Form (PDF)
• Example: You were refused a lease renewal because your family situation changed or because of your disability

Provincial Tribunal for Tenancy Disputes

Rental housing disputes in PEI (not involving human rights) are handled by the PEI Rental Office. The Rental Office can help if you are:

• Disputing an eviction notice
• Addressing unresolved maintenance or repair issues
• Challenging an unfair rent increase

For more on issues like maintenance and landlord access, review Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Legislation That Protects Tenants

• PEI Human Rights Act (protects against discrimination in housing)
• Rental of Residential Property Act (regulates landlord and tenant relationships)

For a national rental search or to compare options, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I am on government assistance?
   No, it is illegal for a landlord to discriminate based on source of income under the PEI Human Rights Act.
2. What should I do if a roommate is harassing me?
   Keep detailed records, notify your landlord (if possible), and contact the PEI Human Rights Commission if the harassment is based on a protected ground.
3. What if I’m evicted for reasons related to my disability?
   If you feel the eviction is discriminatory, you can file a complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission, and contest the eviction through the PEI Rental Office.
4. Are landlords allowed to ask personal questions about my religion or family situation?
   No, such questions are not allowed if used to discriminate. You can refuse to answer and report the incident if needed.
5. Where can I find more information about tenant rights in PEI?
   Read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island for a summary of laws and processes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Human Rights Commission — for complaints about discrimination or harassment in housing
• PEI Rental Office — for rental disputes about evictions, repairs, or tenancy rights
• PEI Housing Services — government supports and affordable housing programs

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1. Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/legislation/human-rights-act
2. Rental of Residential Property Act: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/legislation/rental-of-residential-property-act
3. PEI Human Rights Commission: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/human-rights
4. PEI Rental Office: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/justice-and-public-safety/rental-office

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