PEI Tenant Guide: Navigating Maintenance & Repairs Issues

Dealing with maintenance and repairs is one of the most common challenges for tenants in Prince Edward Island. Whether you’re facing a leaky faucet, heating issues, or urgent repairs that threaten your health and safety, it’s important to understand your rights, your landlord’s obligations, and the steps you can take to resolve these problems quickly and effectively. This guide explains everything PEI tenants need to know about routine and emergency repairs, official forms, and seeking help if things aren’t fixed in a timely manner.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant in PEI

In Prince Edward Island, residential tenancies are governed by the Rental of Residential Property Act^[1]. This legislation outlines how landlords must maintain their rental units and what tenants can do if repairs are neglected. Both parties have specific duties:

• Landlords must maintain the property in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and comply with health, safety, housing, and building standards.
• Tenants must keep the unit reasonably clean and not deliberately cause damage.

For a deeper look at these responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Types of Repairs: Routine vs. Emergency

It’s important to know the difference between routine and emergency repairs:

• Routine repairs include non-urgent issues that do not endanger health or safety (e.g., fixing a window, minor plumbing issues).
• Emergency repairs cover urgent problems impacting safety or habitability, such as no heat in winter, water leaks, or dangerous electrical faults.

For common issues like pests, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Health and Safety Standards

Landlords must ensure the rental unit complies with all health and safety standards set by the province and local municipality. If an issue puts your health or safety at risk, it could qualify as an emergency repair. To better understand these standards, refer to Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Request Repairs in Prince Edward Island

In most cases, tenants must inform their landlord about maintenance issues in writing. Here’s how to proceed:

• Describe the problem clearly and specify if it is urgent or affects health and safety.
• Keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord.
• If repairs are not made in a reasonable time, you may escalate to the Residential Tenancy Office.

Tip: Routine problems should be reported as soon as noticed to prevent further damage.

Official Forms for Maintenance Issues

• Application for Enforcement of Tenant’s Rights (Form 9)
  Use this form if your landlord fails to carry out required repairs after you’ve notified them. Submit it to the PEI Residential Tenancy Office for a formal hearing.
  Download Form 9: Application for Enforcement of Tenant’s Rights ^[2]
  Example: If you reported persistent mould to your landlord and no action is taken after reasonable notice, you can file Form 9 for the tribunal to order repairs.

What If Repairs Aren’t Done?

If your landlord fails to address repairs after you’ve notified them:

• Contact the Residential Tenancy Office (RTO PEI) for advice or to start an application.
• You must continue to pay rent even if repairs are outstanding, unless the RTO decides otherwise.

The RTO can order landlords to complete repairs or, in certain situations, allow tenants to pay for necessary repairs and deduct costs from rent—but always get official approval first.

After Repairs: Inspection and Ongoing Issues

After repairs are completed, inspect the work to make sure all issues are resolved. Follow up with your landlord or property manager in writing if problems persist.

For a complete overview of the steps after your rental agreement begins, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Looking for a new home in PEI or across Canada? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maintenance and Repairs in PEI

1. Who is responsible for repairs in a PEI rental unit?
   Landlords are responsible for general maintenance and repairs, but tenants must keep the unit clean and not cause damage.
2. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t completed?
   No, tenants must pay rent as usual unless the Residential Tenancy Office approves otherwise through a formal decision.
3. What should I do if my landlord refuses to fix an urgent problem?
   Notify your landlord in writing. If they don’t respond promptly, use Form 9 to apply to the RTO for enforcement.
4. How quickly must emergency repairs be done?
   Landlords should act without delay when a problem puts health or safety at risk. If not, contact the RTO immediately.
5. Are there official rules for move-out inspections?
   Yes. It’s advised to conduct a joint inspection with your landlord at the end of your tenancy to document the property’s condition.

How To: Resolve Maintenance & Repairs Issues in PEI

1. How do I make a maintenance request?
   Describe the problem and submit your request in writing (email or letter) to your landlord/property manager. Keep a copy for your records.
2. How do I escalate an unresolved repair issue?
   If your landlord does not act in a reasonable timeframe, download and submit Form 9 to the Residential Tenancy Office with supporting documentation.
3. How do I prepare for a tribunal hearing?
   Gather all written communication, photos, and receipts relating to the repair issue. Be ready to present your case clearly and concisely at the hearing.

Key Takeaways

• You have the right to a safe and well-maintained home under the Rental of Residential Property Act.
• Always notify your landlord in writing about repairs and keep documentation.
• If repairs are not completed, use official forms and contact the Residential Tenancy Office for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Residential Tenancy Office (RTO PEI): Official government office for tenant-landlord disputes, maintenance complaints, and applications.
• PEI Residential Tenancy Forms: Download application and complaint forms.
• For detailed local rights and resources, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

---

1. Rental of Residential Property Act (Prince Edward Island)
2. Residential Tenancy Forms – Government of PEI

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy