PEI Tenant Protections: Harassment, Roommates & Shared Housing

Living with roommates or in shared housing can be rewarding, but it can also bring challenges—particularly if harassment occurs. In Prince Edward Island (PEI), tenants are protected by specific laws designed to ensure everyone’s right to safe, peaceful enjoyment of their home. If you’re a tenant in PEI and experiencing harassment from a landlord, property manager, or another occupant, it’s important to know your rights and the steps you can take to address the situation.

What Is Harassment in a Rental Context?

Harassment includes any repeated behaviour by a landlord, property manager, or fellow tenant that threatens, intimidates, or significantly disturbs your comfort or safety in your rental home. Examples may include:

• Unwanted and repeated calls or visits at unreasonable times
• Threats or aggressive language
• Entering your private space without proper notice
• Discriminatory remarks or actions
• Any behaviour that interferes with your legal rights as a tenant

Everyone has a right to rental housing free from harassment, regardless of whether you’re renting an apartment, a room, or living in shared accommodations.

The Law: Tenant Protections in PEI

Tenant rights and protections in Prince Edward Island are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (PEI). This legislation clearly outlines the responsibilities of landlords and the rights of tenants, specifically the right to quiet enjoyment and freedom from harassment^[1].

Disputes relating to harassment or breaches of tenant rights are handled by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) – Residential Rental Property Office.

Harassment in Shared Housing and with Roommates

In shared housing situations, harassment can come from either the landlord or from fellow tenants/roommates. The Act extends protection to all tenants, but if your rental agreement is with the landlord (not directly with the roommate causing issues), you can ask the landlord to intervene. If the landlord is the source of harassment, you have clear rights and routes for complaint.

Recognizing and Documenting Harassment

• Keep a written journal of incidents (date, time, description, people involved)
• Retain copies of any messages, emails, or letters
• Save voicemails or record details if you experience verbal threats (where lawful)

Careful documentation builds the foundation for a formal complaint if the situation does not improve after first addressing the issue informally. For more on handling ongoing rental issues, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Steps for Tenants Experiencing Harassment

If harassment occurs, follow these steps to assert your rights and work toward resolution:

• Communicate calmly. If safe, let the person know their behaviour is unwelcome and ask them to stop.
• Notify your landlord. If it’s another tenant, the landlord may intervene. Contact them in writing and describe the issue clearly.
• Keep records. As above, logging every incident helps if you file a formal complaint.
• Consider dispute resolution. If informal steps do not resolve the problem, you may apply to IRAC for a formal hearing.

Key Form: Application for Dispute Resolution

• Form Name: Application for Hearing (Form 2 – Application of Tenant or Landlord to Director)
• Purpose: To request a formal hearing before the Residential Rental Property Office in cases of unresolved harassment or other disputes.
• Practical Example: You’ve asked your landlord to address a roommate’s repeated intimidating behaviour, but nothing has changed. You can complete this form to request an official review and decision.
• Where to Find: The form is available on PEI’s official government website: Application for Hearing – Residential Rental Property Act

What Happens Next?

After you submit your application, you will be notified of a hearing date. Gather your documentation and evidence, and be prepared to describe your experiences clearly. The Residential Rental Property Office will then make a decision and, if necessary, issue orders to protect your rights as a tenant.

For a deeper understanding of what PEI tenants can expect after signing a lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Roommates, Shared Responsibilities, and Your Rights

If you share your home, it’s important to know how responsibilities are divided—all roommates are generally expected to:

• Respect each other's quiet enjoyment of their rental space
• Share rent and utility obligations as agreed in your lease
• Report issues to the landlord as needed

For more detail on legal rights and obligations in PEI, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

Additional Tips for Tenants in PEI

• Try to resolve disputes amicably when safe and possible
• Respond to official forms and notices in a timely manner
• Know your right to safe, secure, and quiet enjoyment of your home
• Consider exploring Canada's best rental listings platform if you need a new place to call home

Understanding your protections is the first step in addressing harassment, whether it comes from a landlord or another tenant. If you need more guidance, provincial resources and advocacy services are available to support you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord is harassing me?
   You should document the incidents, notify the landlord in writing, and if unresolved, apply to the Residential Rental Property Office using the Application for Hearing form.
2. Can I be evicted for reporting harassment?
   No, the law protects tenants from retaliation for exercising their rights, including reporting harassment.
3. Is harassment by roommates covered under PEI tenancy laws?
   The Act protects tenants against harassment. If your lease is with the landlord, you can ask the landlord to intervene; if not resolved, you may file a complaint.
4. How do I prove harassment has occurred?
   Keep detailed notes of every incident, date, time, witnesses, and preserve any physical evidence like texts or emails.
5. Can I move out early if I feel unsafe?
   If safety is at risk, contact authorities. To legally end your tenancy, consult the Residential Rental Property Office for proper procedures and forms.

Key Takeaways for PEI Tenants

• Harassment is against the law—tenants in PEI have strong protections
• Always document incidents and use official complaint processes when needed
• Support is available through provincial resources and the Residential Rental Property Office

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Rental Property Office (IRAC) – PEI: For dispute resolution, complaint forms, and information
• Legal Aid PEI: Free or low-cost legal assistance
• PEI Peacemaker Program: Mediation services for tenant-landlord disputes

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (PEI)

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