Everyone renting in Prince Edward Island deserves fair treatment. If you believe you were refused housing, charged different terms, or otherwise treated unfairly because of disability, family status, race, sex, age or another protected ground, you have options as a tenant. This guide explains the kinds of discrimination that commonly arise in rentals, the remedies and compensation that may be available in PEI, which official forms you may need, and practical steps you can take to preserve evidence and meet deadlines. The goal is to help renters understand next steps, whether that means negotiating with a landlord, filing a human rights complaint, or applying to the residential tenancies body for a remedy.
What is rental discrimination in PEI?
Rental discrimination happens when a landlord or property manager treats a renter differently because of a protected characteristic identified under provincial human rights rules. Examples include refusing to rent to someone because of a disability, charging different deposits because of race, or denying a reasonable accommodation request for an assistive animal. Not all unfair behaviour is discrimination; some disputes are contract or maintenance issues and are handled by the residential tenancies process rather than human rights procedures. For guidance on general tenant problems, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
Where to bring your complaint
Two separate official routes are commonly used in PEI:
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Board for disputes about tenancy terms, deposits, evictions, and repairs that may arise alongside discrimination allegations.[1]
- File a human rights complaint with the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Commission when the central issue is discrimination on a protected ground, or when you seek accommodations for disabilities or family status.[3]
Common remedies and compensation
Possible outcomes depend on where you file and the evidence you present. Remedies can include orders to stop discriminatory practices, monetary compensation for injury to dignity or out-of-pocket losses, changes to a tenancy agreement, or orders for the landlord to provide reasonable accommodation. The residential tenancies process may also award refunds of deposits, rent adjustments, or orders to repair or maintain habitability.
- Monetary compensation for injury to dignity or actual financial losses (e.g., extra moving costs or higher rent paid because of discrimination).
- Orders for reasonable accommodation (for disability-related needs) or to change discriminatory rules or screening practices.
- Refunds, rent adjustments, or other tenancy remedies if a tenancy body finds unlawful treatment tied to the rental agreement.
Key documents and official forms
Use the correct official forms when starting a process. Two commonly used forms are described below with practical examples.
- Human Rights Complaint Form — use this to start a discrimination complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission. Example: if a landlord repeatedly refuses to rent because you use a mobility aid, complete and submit this form to explain the dates, names, and the conduct you experienced.[3]
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Board — use the Board's application form when seeking tenancy-specific remedies like deposit refunds, rent adjustments, or orders related to eviction or repairs. Example: if you were denied entry or unfairly charged an extra deposit tied to a protected ground, apply to the Board and attach evidence such as photos, messages, and receipts.[1]
How to prepare your evidence
Gather clear, dated evidence and a short chronology before filing. Examples of helpful evidence are written messages, photos, receipts, witness names, and the exact wording of any notices or listings that show discriminatory terms.
- Keep copies of all communication (texts, emails, ads) that show the landlord's statements or policies.
- Save receipts for moving costs, alternate housing expenses, or other out-of-pocket losses tied to discriminatory treatment.
- Note dates and times of incidents and any witnesses who can confirm what happened.
Time limits and deadlines
Deadlines differ by process. Human rights complaint timelines and tenancy application deadlines are set in statute or rules; acting promptly preserves options. If you miss a first deadline, ask the office whether an extension or late filing is possible and why.
- File human rights complaints as soon as reasonably possible after the incident to keep strong evidence available.
- Apply to the Residential Tenancies Board within the timeframes specified on their forms or guidance pages to avoid procedural dismissal.[1]
Practical steps to take now
- Record the facts: dates, names, messages and supporting photos or receipts.
- Decide the right route: human rights complaint for discrimination or tenancy board for contractual remedies, or both.
- Contact the appropriate office for procedural guidance before filing the official form.[1]
- Consider informal resolution or mediation if available and appropriate to save time and costs.
FAQ
- Can I file both a human rights complaint and a tenancy application?
- Yes. In some situations both processes are available; human rights complaints focus on discrimination, while tenancy applications address contract issues, deposits, repairs or eviction. You may pursue both but be aware of different procedures and timelines.
- What compensation can I realistically expect?
- Compensation varies: human rights outcomes can include injury-to-dignity awards and costs, while tenancy boards can order refunds, rent adjustments, or repair orders. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence.
- Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
- No, many tenants file without a lawyer using official forms; however you can obtain legal advice or community legal clinics if the case is complex or you want representation.
How-To
- Gather evidence: save messages, photos, receipts and a dated timeline of events.
- Choose the correct form (human rights complaint form or residential tenancies application) and read the filing instructions on the official site.[3]
- Complete the form carefully, attach copies of evidence, and submit as directed (online, mail, or in-person where allowed).
- Respond to any follow-up requests and prepare a concise statement of events for any mediation or hearing.
- Attend scheduled hearings or mediation sessions and bring originals and copies of all documents and witness contact details.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Board - Prince Edward Island
- Residential Tenancies Act - Prince Edward Island (legislation and forms)
- Prince Edward Island Human Rights Commission
