Tenants in Prince Edward Island often need to know whether a change is a reasonable modification or a routine repair. This guide helps renters and tenants understand their rights when asking for changes related to accessibility, mental health supports, or habitability, and explains how to document requests, what landlords must do, and which official channels to use in PEI. It focuses on practical steps you can take, examples of typical requests, and when to involve the Residential Tenancies office or follow formal application processes to resolve disputes.
Understanding the difference
A reasonable modification is a change to the physical property or to rules that enables a tenant to fully use the rental unit because of a disability or medical need; routine repairs are maintenance tasks required to keep the unit safe and in good working order. Reasonable modifications often include permanent or semi-permanent adjustments (for example, grab bars or a lowered counter) requested by a tenant for accessibility or mental health reasons, while routine repairs include fixing plumbing, heating, or mold issues that affect all tenants. If a modification affects the structure or increases costs, landlords can sometimes request assurances or require the tenant to pay for restoration at move-out, depending on the rules in Prince Edward Island.[1]
When a modification is reasonable
In PEI a modification is typically reasonable if it is necessary for a tenant to access or use their home because of a physical or mental health condition, and it does not impose undue financial or administrative hardship on the landlord. Examples include installing a ramp for wheelchair access, adding motion-activated lighting for safety, or making small sensory adjustments that support mental health. Include dated medical or professional recommendations when possible and suggest less intrusive options first. If a landlord refuses, tenants may apply to the provincial Residential Tenancies office for help with disputes.[1]
Routine repairs: landlord and tenant responsibilities
Routine repairs are generally the landlord's responsibility when they affect habitability, such as heat, hot water, structural issues, plumbing, or major appliance failures. Tenants should report problems in writing and keep copies. For minor damage caused by a tenant, the lease may assign responsibility to the tenant. When making a repair request, state the problem, when it began, and any safety risk so the landlord can act promptly. For more on routine repair responsibilities, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and check health and safety considerations in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
How to request a modification or repair in PEI
Start by writing a clear, dated request describing the change, the reason (for a modification, note the disability or medical need), and a proposed timeline. Offer to provide documentation from a health professional if helpful. If you are asking for a repair that affects safety or habitability, say so and request a specific timeline for completion. If the landlord does not respond or denies a reasonable modification, tenants can file an application with the provincial Residential Tenancies office or follow the official dispute process under the Residential Tenancies Act.[1][2]
Documentation and evidence
Good documentation improves the chance of a positive outcome: include dated photos, repair or incident logs, medical notes when requesting a modification for health reasons, and copies of written requests and any responses. When you rely on professional recommendations, keep the contact details and a short letter describing the suggested modification. If you pay for an urgent repair that the landlord should have done, save receipts and ask the landlord in writing whether they will reimburse you; you may need receipts to support an application to the Residential Tenancies office.[3]
FAQ
- Can my landlord refuse a reasonable modification?
- Landlords must consider reasonable modification requests, but they can refuse if the change would cause undue hardship; tenants can file an application with the Residential Tenancies office to challenge a refusal.[1]
- Who pays for routine repairs?
- Landlords are usually responsible for repairs affecting habitability; tenants may be responsible for damage they or their guests caused.
- What if I need an urgent repair that affects safety?
- Report the issue to your landlord immediately in writing and document the problem; if the landlord does not act, contact the Residential Tenancies office for guidance and consider emergency services if there is immediate danger.[1]
How-To
- Document your need with dated notes, photos, and a supporting letter from a health professional when relevant.
- Send a clear written request to the landlord describing the modification or repair, the reason, and a reasonable timeline for completion.
- Keep a copy of the request and any responses, and ask for confirmation in writing if the landlord agrees to changes.
- If the landlord refuses or ignores you, contact the Residential Tenancies office to learn how to file a formal application or complaint.
- If you pay for an emergency repair, keep all receipts and request written reimbursement from the landlord before applying to the tribunal.
Key Takeaways
- Reasonable modifications address accessibility or health needs, while routine repairs maintain habitability.
- Always document requests, keep copies, and provide supporting medical or professional notes where appropriate.
- If a dispute arises, use PEI's Residential Tenancies office and official forms to seek resolution.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies office — Prince Edward Island Government
- Residential Tenancies Act — Prince Edward Island
- Residential Tenancies forms and guides — PEI Government
