Landlord Cleanliness Inspections: Tenant Rights in PEI

If you’re renting in Prince Edward Island, you may wonder if your landlord can require regular inspections to check the cleanliness of your home. While landlords do have certain rights to inspect rental units, there are legal conditions and notice requirements that protect your privacy and dignity as a tenant.

Your Rights and Landlord Inspection Limits in PEI

Landlords in Prince Edward Island must follow the Prince Edward Island Rental of Residential Property Act^[1]. This law says landlords can only enter your unit for specific reasons:

• To make repairs or do work in the unit
• To show the property to potential new tenants or buyers
• To complete a move-in or move-out inspection
• If there is an emergency

Routine cleanliness inspections are not automatically listed as a permitted reason for entry under PEI legislation. However, if the cleanliness issue affects the health or safety of the property—for example, attracting pests or causing mold—the landlord may have a valid reason to check on the condition of the unit.

When Can a Landlord Enter for a Cleanliness Inspection?

Your landlord can only enter your rental:

• With at least 24 hours’ written notice, stating the date, window of time (not exceeding 4 hours), and the reason for entry
• Between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., unless you agree otherwise

If a landlord is concerned about cleanliness affecting health and safety, they must make their inspection request in writing and comply with notice rules. Entry without your permission or proper notice is only allowed in emergencies.

What is a "Reasonable" Standard of Cleanliness?

Tenants are expected by law to keep their rentals "reasonably clean and undamaged." This doesn’t mean your home must be spotless, but it should not threaten health or cause property damage. What counts as "reasonable" can differ—generally, trash, rot, vermin, or fire hazards should be avoided.

For more details, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Handle a Cleanliness Inspection Request

If you receive a notice for cleanliness inspection:

• Verify the written notice provides at least 24 hours' warning and a valid reason
• Prepare your unit to ensure health and safety standards are met (remove trash, address spills or pests)
• If you disagree with the reason or feel harassed, keep records and seek advice from the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC)

If a landlord does not follow the law, you have the right to file a complaint or apply to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) Rental Office.

Official Forms for Tenants

• Form 6 – Application by Tenant: Used if you believe your landlord has entered your unit improperly or is conducting unwarranted inspections.
  Download Form 6. Tenants can submit this form to IRAC to request a hearing. Example: If a landlord is conducting frequent or unscheduled "cleanliness" checks, submit this form explaining the situation.
• Form 9 – Request for Hearing: If issues persist and you need a formal decision about inspections or privacy concerns.
  Access Form 9 here and include details about your complaint.

You can find more forms and instructions on the IRAC Rental Forms Page.

Health and Safety Concerns

If cleanliness becomes a health or pest risk, landlords may take further action, but must follow all legal procedures. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

For more information on your rights in PEI, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

To discover a clean and comfortable rental, Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my apartment to check for cleanliness at any time?
   No. Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice and have a legitimate reason related to health, safety, or fulfilling legal responsibilities.
2. Do I have to let my landlord in if I don’t agree with the inspection reason?
   If proper notice is given and the reason is valid under the law, you must allow entry. If you believe the inspection is unjustified or too frequent, contact IRAC for support.
3. Can I refuse an inspection if the notice isn’t in writing?
   Yes. Verbal notice is not sufficient; you are entitled to written notice at least 24 hours in advance except in emergencies.
4. What can happen if I refuse entry?
   Refusing legal entry may lead to issues with your landlord or even a hearing at IRAC. It’s best to document your reasons and seek advice if in doubt.
5. How can I make a complaint if my landlord is not following inspection rules?
   Use IRAC’s Form 6 or Form 9 to start a complaint or hearing process, explaining the situation clearly and providing any evidence or documentation you have.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Your landlord cannot force random cleanliness inspections—there must be a valid reason and written notice.
• Always review inspection notices for proper timing and reasoning.
• If you feel your rights are violated, you can file a complaint with IRAC in Prince Edward Island.

Understanding these rules helps you protect your privacy and maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) Rental Office — for information, complaints, and dispute resolution
• Landlord and Tenant Act: Informational Resources
• Community Legal Information PEI: www.legalinfopei.ca, offering tenant advice
• For a refresher on your legal protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island

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1. Rental of Residential Property Act (Prince Edward Island) - sections 19, 20 (Landlord entry and tenant privacy)

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