What tenant retaliation means in PEI
Retaliation is any landlord action meant to punish a tenant for exercising a legal right, such as reporting a health or safety hazard or asking for repairs. Examples include sudden notices to vacate, unexplained rent increases, or threats after a tenant reports a problem. Tenants should know that PEI law forbids reprisal for reporting hazards and offers a route to ask the Residential Tenancies Board for remedies.[2]
How to report hazards and protect yourself
Follow a clear sequence: document the problem, notify your landlord in writing, allow reasonable time for repairs, and if needed file with the Board. Keep calm, stay factual in writing, and use official channels when possible. For more on common health and safety problems and what to watch for, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
- Take dated photos and short video of the hazard and write a brief log of when you discovered it and any effects on the unit or occupants.
- Tell your landlord in writing (email or letter) describing the hazard, request repairs, and keep a copy of the message and any replies.
- Give the landlord a reasonable deadline to make the repair; note the date you reported it and any promised timelines.
- If the hazard presents immediate danger to health or safety, contact emergency services or the appropriate provincial inspector right away.
- If repairs are not made or you face retaliation, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Board[1] to request an order requiring repairs or stopping retaliatory action.
Official forms and contacting the Residential Tenancies Board
The Residential Tenancies Board is the official PEI body that handles disputes between landlords and tenants. Use the Board to request orders for repairs, compensation, or protection from retaliation.[1] For background on tenant and landlord rights specific to this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Board (Application for Order) — Use this form when you ask the Board to order repairs, compensation, or to stop retaliation. Example: you file this form after written repair requests are ignored and you have photos and messages showing the problem. See the Board's application guidance and forms.[3]
- Written Repair Request / Notice to Landlord (no formal numbering) — A dated written notice asking for repairs is often required before the Board will act; keep a copy as evidence and include requested timelines and photos. Use the Board's guidance on preparing evidence when you file.[3]
If you are unsure about immediate health risks or need inspection by a public officer, contact the provincial public health or environmental health authority for advice and possible inspection.
FAQ
- Can my landlord legally retaliate if I report a hazard?
- No. Landlords are prohibited from taking retaliatory action for a tenant's lawful complaints about health or safety; you can file with the Residential Tenancies Board and seek orders.
- What evidence should I collect when a hazard appears?
- Collect dated photos or video, copies of written notices, emails and text messages, receipts for repairs, and a brief incident log describing dates and effects on you or the unit.
- How quickly should I expect a response from the Board?
- Timelines vary by issue and workload; emergency or urgent health hazards may be prioritized, but you should act promptly to document and file so the Board can consider your application.
How-To
- Document the hazard with photos, video, and a dated log describing the problem and any impacts on health or safety.
- Send a clear written notice to your landlord explaining the hazard and asking for repairs; keep a copy for your records.
- Allow the landlord a reasonable time to respond and complete repairs, noting any promised dates and follow up if needed.
- If repairs are not completed or you face retaliation, file an Application to the Residential Tenancies Board with your evidence and explain the relief you want.
- Attend any Board hearing with your documents and be prepared to explain the timeline and show the evidence you collected.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Board - Government of Prince Edward Island
- Residential Tenancies Act - Prince Edward Island legislation
