Prince Edward Island Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Guide

Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Prince Edward Island helps you protect your home and make informed decisions. The province’s rental laws set out clear rules to ensure safe housing, fair rent, and respectful landlord-tenant relationships. This guide offers a practical overview of key issues—like deposits, repairs, moving out, and resolving disputes—so you can feel more secure in your rental journey.

Where Tenant Rights Come From in Prince Edward Island

Tenant rights in PEI are protected by the Rental of Residential Property Act^[1]. This law covers everything—from moving in and deposits, through paying rent, to how you and your landlord must handle repairs and ending a tenancy.

Rental disputes are handled by the PEI Residential Tenancy Office.

Key Rights and Responsibilities for PEI Tenants

Here are the most important rights and obligations you should know about:

• Right to a safe, healthy, and secure home: Your landlord must keep your unit in a good state of repair as required by law. They can’t shut off essential services like water or heat.
• Paying Rent: You must pay your rent on time, in full, and as outlined in your lease. If you have questions about rent payments or what happens if you fall behind, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.
• Security Deposits: Landlords in PEI can collect a security deposit (sometimes called a damage deposit), but there are limits. For more, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Privacy: Your landlord needs to give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your rental unit, except in emergencies.
• Repairs: You are responsible for keeping the unit reasonably clean and not causing damage. If repairs are needed, tell your landlord right away.
• No Discrimination: It’s illegal for a landlord to treat you unfairly due to race, gender, family status, or other protected grounds.

What Happens After You Sign a Lease?

Once you sign a rental agreement, you agree to the terms set by PEI law and the contract itself. For a deeper breakdown, check What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Deposits and Moving In

Landlords may ask for a security deposit, but not more than one month's rent. They must appropriately protect your deposit, and there are clear rules about returning it when you move out.

Before you move in, it's smart to do a walk-through with your landlord and note any problems in writing. PEI does not require an official inspection form, but documenting the condition protects both you and the landlord.

Health, Safety, and Repairs

Your landlord is required to maintain the rental in a condition that's safe, healthy, and habitable. Report problems such as mold, pests, or broken heat immediately.

If your landlord does not act, or if the problem is serious, you can contact PEI Environmental Health (902-368-4970) or consult Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Rent Increases and Ending Your Tenancy

Landlords can raise rent only once every 12 months, must use official forms, and must provide at least three months written notice. The Residential Tenancy Office sets the annual allowable rent increase.

• To object to a rent increase, you need to apply to the Tenancy Office within a set period, using the correct form.
• If you need (or want) to move out, you must give your landlord written notice using an official Notice of Termination form. The amount of notice depends on your lease type.

Key Official PEI Forms for Tenants

• Form 6 - Notice of Termination by Tenant:
  Use this if you wish to end your tenancy. Deliver it to your landlord with the appropriate notice period (generally one month for month-to-month leases).
  Download Form 6
• Form 2 - Objection to Rent Increase:
  Submit this if you want to formally challenge a proposed rent increase within ten days of receiving the notice.
  Download Form 2
• Form 6A - Application by Tenant:
  Use this for disputes or to ask the Residential Tenancy Office for a decision, such as if repairs remain unfinished or if you feel your rights have been breached.
  Download Form 6A

Please refer to the PEI Residential Tenancy Office for more forms and guidance.

Dispute Resolution and Support

If you can’t solve a problem directly with your landlord, the Residential Tenancy Office offers a complaint process. You may make an application for dispute resolution using their official forms and instructions. Usually, both sides will attend a hearing before a decision is issued.

If you feel uncertain or your living situation feels at risk, reach out for help early. There are resources available—don’t wait until small issues become big problems.

For more about rights in other provinces, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and compare listings to discover your next home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my unit without notice in PEI?
   Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit, except for emergencies (like fires or urgent repairs).
2. How much notice do I have to give before moving out?
   Most tenants need to give at least one full rental month’s written notice using Form 6 – but check your specific lease terms to be sure.
3. What can I do if my landlord doesn’t make repairs?
   Notify them in writing first. If nothing happens, you can submit an Application by Tenant (Form 6A) to the Residential Tenancy Office for help.
4. How often can my landlord raise the rent?
   Not more than once in 12 months, and only with three months’ written notice. If you think the increase is too high, you can file an objection (Form 2) within the legal timeframe.
5. Will I get my deposit back?
   You’re entitled to your deposit back (with possible deductions for damage or unpaid rent) within 10 days of moving out, as long as there are no legitimate claims against it.

How To: Common Tenant Situations

1. How to Object to a Rent Increase in PEI
   
   • Review the rent increase notice for accuracy.
   • Complete Form 2 – Objection to Rent Increase and submit it to the Residential Tenancy Office within 10 days of receiving the notice.
   • Wait for your hearing date notice and prepare any evidence you wish to present.
2. How to End Your Lease Properly
   
   • Check your lease to see the required notice period.
   • Fill out Form 6 – Notice of Termination by Tenant and deliver it to your landlord on time.
   • Keep a copy for your records.
3. How to Request Repairs Effectively
   
   • List the repair issues and send your landlord a dated written request.
   • Keep a copy of the request.
   • If there’s no action, submit Form 6A – Application by Tenant to the Tenancy Office.

Key Takeaways for PEI Tenants

• Understand and use the official PEI rental forms to protect your rights.
• Your landlord can’t raise rent unfairly or withhold essential services.
• Reach out for help early—local tenant support services and the PEI Residential Tenancy Office are here to assist.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Residential Tenancy Office: Inquiries, forms, complaints, and dispute resolution
• PEI Government - Tenants and Landlords Information
• Community Legal Information PEI: Tenant information and support (1-800-240-9798)

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1. ^[1] Prince Edward Island Rental of Residential Property Act
2. All forms available via the PEI Residential Tenancy Office.

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