Many tenants and renters in Prince Edward Island wonder whether the security deposit they paid should earn interest and how to get any interest owed. This guide explains the practical steps tenants can take: how to check provincial rules, what records to keep, and when to raise the issue with your landlord or the Residential Tenancies Board. It also shows which official forms to use and how to prepare a clear, evidence-based claim so you can resolve disputes faster. Whether you are moving out or preparing an annual statement request, these tips are written for tenants without legal training who need straightforward, reliable steps in PEI.
What the law covers and where to check
Prince Edward Island’s residential tenancy rules explain what landlords can charge and how deposits must be handled. Read the official Residential Tenancies Act (PEI)[1] for exact wording, and contact the province’s Residential Tenancies Board for case-specific guidance. [2] If the Act or published guidance requires interest on deposits, it will also say how interest is calculated and when it must be paid.
Quick checklist for tenants
- Gather your lease, deposit receipt, bank statements showing the deposit, and any written rental notices.
- Look for any clause in your rental agreement that mentions deposit interest or annual statements.
- Check whether the landlord has provided an annual interest payment or written calculation for the deposit.
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Board if you cannot resolve the issue with the landlord.
If you are unsure whether interest is required in your situation, your first step is to check the legislation and any official guidance published by the province. You can also request a written statement from your landlord showing how the deposit has been treated.
How to ask for interest from your landlord
Send a polite, written request that includes the amount of the deposit, the date it was paid, and any supporting evidence such as the lease clause or past statements. If the landlord does not respond or refuses a lawful payment, you can file an application with the Residential Tenancies Board explaining the amount you believe is owed and why.
What to include in your request or application
- Exact dates of move-in and move-out and the deposit amount.
- Relevant lease clauses or written promises about interest or accounting.
- Any prior payments of interest or landlord statements about deposit handling.
- Photos or documents showing the unit’s condition if the dispute also involves deductions.
If you need step-by-step help preparing documents, see our primer on deposits: Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
FAQ
- Do landlords in Prince Edward Island have to pay interest on security deposits?
- Check the Residential Tenancies Act and official guidance; requirements vary by case and are set out in provincial rules. If interest is required, the Act will explain the rate and timing.[1]
- How do I prove a deposit wasn’t handled correctly?
- Keep the lease, receipts, bank records, and written requests for interest or statements. These documents form the core of a landlord-tenant claim and will help the Board understand your case.
- Where do I file a complaint about unpaid deposit interest?
- You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Board in Prince Edward Island. The Board handles disputes about deposits and may order repayment if the law requires it.[2]
How-To
- Gather evidence: lease, deposit receipt, payment records, and any landlord statements.
- Write a clear request to the landlord asking for interest, with dates and amounts, and keep a copy.
- If no response, contact the Residential Tenancies Board to ask about filing an application.
- Complete the Board’s application form (see the official form link) and attach your evidence.
- Attend any hearing or mediation the Board schedules and bring originals of all documents.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Act (PEI)
- Residential Tenancies Board (PEI)
- How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out
