PEI Rental Maintenance & Repairs: Tenant Guide

Moving into a new rental in Prince Edward Island can be exciting—but understanding who’s responsible for maintenance and repairs is essential for a happy tenancy. This guide breaks down your rights and responsibilities, what to do when repairs are needed, and how the law protects you as a tenant.

Who Handles Maintenance and Repairs in PEI Rentals?

Under the Rental of Residential Property Act, both tenants and landlords have specific obligations. While landlords are generally responsible for keeping your rental safe and in good repair, tenants have duties too.

• Landlord duties: Ensure the premises meet health, safety, and housing standards, and perform necessary repairs.
• Tenant duties: Keep your rental reasonably clean, avoid damaging property, and report problems quickly.

For a more complete overview of landlord and tenant roles, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Repairs Are Landlords Responsible For?

• Plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Doors, windows, locks, and roofs
• Major appliances supplied with the rental
• Common areas (if you live in an apartment building)

Landlords must also fix anything that makes your unit unsafe or unhealthy. For more, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Repairs Are Tenants Responsible For?

• Everyday cleanliness in your unit
• Minor maintenance (such as changing light bulbs or keeping drains clear, unless otherwise agreed in writing)
• Repairing damage you, your guests, or pets cause (except normal wear and tear)

How to Request Repairs: Steps for Tenants

If something needs fixing, tell your landlord or property manager as soon as possible, preferably in writing. Emails or dated letters work best to create a record.

• Clearly describe the issue (e.g., “The heat isn’t working in the living room.”)
• Request a reasonable timeline for repair
• Save a copy of your message or letter

Emergency Repairs and What To Do

Emergencies include issues that threaten your health and safety, like flooding, gas leaks, or loss of essential services (heat, electricity, water). Contact your landlord or property manager right away.

If your landlord doesn’t act promptly and the problem puts you or your home at risk:

• You may arrange for necessary repairs yourself and subtract reasonable costs from the rent—but only after making reasonable efforts to contact your landlord. Keep all receipts.
• Always check current PEI tenancy laws or call the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) before taking action.

For more on urgent maintenance, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Official Forms for PEI Tenants

• Form 2 – Tenant’s Application: Use this form to apply for an order if your landlord is not fulfilling repair obligations. Example: If the heating system stays broken for several days, fill out Form 2 and submit it to IRAC. Find PEI rental forms here.
• Form 6 – Notice to Remedy: Use this form to formally request repairs. Example: You notice mould in the bathroom and want to make your request official. Complete Form 6 and deliver it to your landlord. Download official PEI repair notice forms.

Visit the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission's rental page for full instructions and contact options.

What If Repairs Aren’t Done?

If your landlord doesn’t respond to repair requests, you can:

• Send a formal Notice to Remedy (Form 6) and keep a dated copy
• Apply to IRAC using Form 2 – Tenant’s Application for an order or rent abatement
• Contact the rental tribunal for guidance before withholding rent or arranging repairs yourself

Important: Never stop paying your rent without legal advice, as this could lead to eviction proceedings.

Moving In? Record the Condition of Your Rental

Detailed move-in inspection reports help avoid disputes later. Document everything (photos are great) and share your notes with your landlord. For PEI, there’s no mandatory government inspection form, but it’s recommended to create one or check out Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Where to Get More Info on PEI Tenant Responsibilities

Learn more about your rights and maintenance requirements on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island. For rental listings in your area, Explore rental homes in your area with Houseme’s national platform.

1. What do I do if my landlord won’t fix an urgent problem?
   If your landlord ignores urgent repair requests, document the issue, send a formal Notice to Remedy (Form 6), and if unresolved, apply to IRAC with Form 2.
2. Can a landlord make me pay for broken appliances?
   Landlords are usually responsible for fixing major appliances that came with your unit, unless you or your guests caused the damage.
3. Do I need to tell my landlord before making repairs?
   Yes, always notify your landlord in writing and give them a reasonable chance to fix the issue.
4. Is a move-in inspection required on PEI?
   No, but keeping detailed records of the rental’s condition when you move in is highly recommended to avoid disputes later.
5. Can I stop paying rent if repairs aren’t done?
   No, do not withhold rent without advice from IRAC, as it could lead to eviction.

1. How do I submit a repair request in PEI?
   Write to your landlord describing the issue and keep a copy. For formal notice, use Form 6 – Notice to Remedy.
2. How do I apply to IRAC if repairs aren’t made?
   Fill out Form 2 – Tenant’s Application with proof of your request. Submit it to IRAC by mail or in person; call IRAC for support if needed.
3. How do I document rental damages?
   Write down all maintenance issues, date your notes, and take photos. Share this documentation with your landlord and keep copies.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must keep rentals safe, healthy, and in good repair; tenants are responsible for general cleanliness and reporting problems.
• Always document repair requests and use PEI’s official forms for unresolved issues.
• Never stop paying rent over repairs without IRAC approval to avoid risking eviction.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) - Rental Properties: Main tribunal for all PEI rental disputes
• PEI Rental Forms: Download official forms for repair orders, applications, and more
• PEI Tenant & Landlord Rights – Official Government Info
• Local legal clinics and housing advocacy organizations (contact IRAC for a referral)

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1. Rental of Residential Property Act (PEI)
2. Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) – Rental Properties
3. PEI Official Rental Forms
4. PEI Government: Tenant and Landlord Rights

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