Landlord Entry Rules During Health Orders in PEI

Understanding your rights as a tenant in Prince Edward Island regarding landlord entry is essential, especially during public health orders or emergencies like COVID-19. While landlords usually have a right to enter rental units for specific reasons, these rights may be subject to new rules during health crises. This article explains updated entry procedures, tenant privacy protections, and where to seek help if you feel your rights have been violated in PEI.

Landlord Entry Rights and Tenant Privacy in Prince Edward Island

Under normal circumstances, landlords in PEI have limited rights to enter your rental unit and must follow the requirements set out in the Rental of Residential Property Act (RRPA)^[1]. Entry is allowed for reasons such as repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers. However, clear rules protect your privacy:

• Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering.
• Entry can only occur between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless agreed otherwise.
• Entry is generally not allowed on holidays unless it is an emergency.

During periods of public health emergencies, such as COVID-19, extra precautions and potential temporary measures may apply. The goal is to balance your right to safe housing with necessary landlord access.

What Changed During COVID-19 and Public Health Orders?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health directives impacted many rental rights, including landlord entry. For example, landlords were asked to minimize in-person visits and rely on virtual tours or remote communication when possible. In certain cases, entry may be restricted altogether if government health orders prohibit non-essential contact.

• Screening: Landlords could ask tenants about COVID-19 symptoms or exposure before scheduling entry.
• Postponement of Non-Urgent Visits: Non-essential repairs or showings might be delayed until it is safe.
• Cleaning Protocols: If an entry was essential, both parties were encouraged to wear masks, sanitize hands, and keep physical distance.

Emergencies and Essential Repairs

Even during a public health order, landlords are typically permitted to enter for emergencies, such as urgent repairs or health and safety issues. Examples include burst pipes, no heat in winter, or severe leaks. Landlords are expected to use extra health precautions during entry and limit time spent inside.

For urgent repair needs, learn more in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What If You Disagree With an Entry?

If you believe your landlord is not following pandemic entry protocols or is entering without proper notice, you can file a complaint or contact the Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property, which oversees tenancy issues in PEI. Documentation, such as copies of entry notices and communications, can help resolve disputes.

Tip: If you are immunocompromised or have health concerns, let your landlord know promptly and in writing.

Forms and How to Take Action

There are official forms available for tenants in Prince Edward Island who need to object to entry or file a complaint about landlord conduct. The most commonly used form is:

• Application by Tenant (Form 2A): Used when a tenant has a dispute, such as unauthorized entry or breaches of privacy.
  Where to find: Application by Tenant (Form 2A) - PEI Government
  Example: If your landlord enters your apartment during a health order without notice, submit this form to the Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property.

Summary of Key Steps if You Have Entry Concerns

• Document all landlord communications and entries
• Refer to the PEI Rental of Residential Property Act for your rights
• Contact the Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property for guidance or to submit a formal complaint

Tenants' Health, Safety, and Privacy

Your health and safety are protected not only by public health orders, but also the rental law’s requirement for "quiet enjoyment" of your home. Landlords cannot use emergencies or health crises as a reason to disregard standard notice requirements, except in genuine emergencies.

For an overview of common, every-day issues tenants face—including entry and repairs—see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Are you looking to move to another home during or after a health emergency? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

For a broad overview of local rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my unit during a pandemic without my permission?
   Landlords must follow standard notice requirements, even during a pandemic, unless it’s an emergency.
2. What counts as an "emergency" for landlord entry in PEI?
   Emergencies typically include urgent repairs like gas leaks, fires, or water damage that threaten health or safety.
3. Can I refuse entry if I feel unsafe because of COVID-19?
   You can voice your concerns and request alternatives, but outright refusal could be challenged if the landlord follows legal notice and the entry is essential.
4. Where do I file a complaint about improper entry?
   Contact the Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property and use the Application by Tenant (Form 2A).
5. Do pandemic-related entry rules apply if there is no government health order in place?
   Once health orders are lifted, standard RRPA rules return—landlords must give proper notice and reasons to enter.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Landlords in PEI must generally provide 24 hours' written notice to enter
• During health emergencies, extra safety steps apply, but standard privacy rights remain
• If you feel your rights are violated, document everything and contact the rental office using Form 2A

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Housing Services (Government of PEI)
• Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property (Tribunal & Complaints)
• Telephone support: 1-800-501-6268 (Government PEI Tenant Assistance)
• For updated legal information and advocacy: Community Legal Information (PEI)

1. Rental of Residential Property Act (PEI). Read the full legislation
2. Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property. Official rental tribunal information
3. COVID-19 and rental guidelines: PEI Government COVID-19 Response