If you are a renter in Prince Edward Island and suspect a landlord has discriminated against you, this guide explains what discrimination looks like, what steps you can take, and which official forms and boards handle complaints. It uses plain language for tenants and renters so you can act quickly, gather the right evidence, and meet filing deadlines. The information covers human-rights-based discrimination (for example on the basis of disability, family status or race), where to file, typical outcomes including fines or orders, and how tenancy disputes may intersect with human rights claims in PEI.
What counts as landlord discrimination in Prince Edward Island?
Landlord discrimination means treating a tenant or applicant differently because of a protected ground like disability, family status, sex, race or religion under the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act[3]. Examples include refusing to rent to a person because they use a mobility aid, charging different terms to a family with children, or evicting someone after they asked for a reasonable accommodation.
Where to file complaints and which forms you may need
If the issue is discrimination specifically, you can file with the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Commission using the official Human Rights Complaint Form[1]. If the problem is a tenancy dispute like eviction, unpaid rent, or repairs, the Residential Tenancies Board handles those cases and has application forms for dispute resolution[2]. In some situations you may file both a human rights complaint and a tenancy application — for example, if a landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation and also issues an eviction notice.
Official form example — Human Rights Complaint Form: Human Rights Complaint Form (file a complaint) — use this when you believe a landlord treated you differently because of a protected ground. Practical example: your landlord refuses to allow a small, documented emotional-support animal despite medical evidence. Complete the complaint form and submit as instructed on the Commission website[1].
Official form example — Residential Tenancies application: Application to the Residential Tenancies Board (dispute application) — use this when you need an order about rent, eviction, repairs or possession. Practical example: your landlord served a termination notice after you requested a maintenance-related accommodation; file an application to preserve tenancy rights while the claim is decided[2].
How investigations and penalties typically work
- Complaint received and reviewed for jurisdiction and completeness.
- Investigation or intake mediation may follow; you may be asked to provide documents, emails, texts, photos or witness names.
- If a formal hearing is needed, a tribunal or board may hold a hearing to decide whether discrimination occurred.
- Outcomes can include orders to stop discriminatory conduct, remedies like compensation, and in some cases fines or administrative penalties.
Action steps for tenants who suspect discrimination
- Record what happened: date, time, exact words or text messages, who was involved and any witnesses.
- Gather evidence: emails, photos, medical notes (if relevant), rental ads, and the written lease or application.
- Contact the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Commission to confirm if your situation meets human rights criteria and to get the appropriate complaint form[1].
- File the Human Rights Complaint Form or the Residential Tenancies application as appropriate and keep proof of submission.
- If you need to move or find alternate housing while matters are resolved, search listings and local options — Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
For help with drafting a clear complaint and understanding timelines, see practical guidance on how to handle complaints and tenant-facing templates in the provincial and tenant-help resources. You can also read local tenant basics at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island or follow step-by-step complaint guidance in How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide.
FAQ
- How long do I have to file a human rights complaint in PEI?
- Time limits vary; file as soon as possible after the incident and contact the Human Rights Commission to confirm deadlines for your situation. Early filing preserves evidence and options.
- What evidence helps a discrimination claim?
- Documentation such as photos, emails, texts, medical or support letters, witness names, and dated notes about conversations are most helpful.
- Can the Residential Tenancies Board and Human Rights Commission both handle my case?
- Yes. The Commission handles discrimination claims while the Board handles tenancy issues; sometimes both processes run in parallel depending on the facts.
How-To
- Identify whether your issue is human-rights-based, tenancy-based, or both and note the relevant dates and facts.
- Collect supporting documents: messages, photos, medical notes and witness contact details.
- Complete and submit the Human Rights Complaint Form to the PEI Human Rights Commission[1] or the Residential Tenancies application to the Board[2], keeping copies for yourself.
- Attend any mediation or hearings, bring originals or certified copies of your evidence, and ask for accommodation if you need it to participate.
- If a remedy is ordered, follow the order instructions and keep records of compliance or further problems to protect your rights.
Help and Support / Resources
- Prince Edward Island Human Rights Commission - File a Complaint
- Residential Tenancies Board - Applications and Forms
- Residential Tenancies Act (Prince Edward Island)
