Reporting a Landlord to Public Health in Prince Edward Island

If you are a tenant in Prince Edward Island and facing health or safety concerns in your rental home, such as mold, pests, lack of heat, or unsanitary conditions, you have a right to a safe living environment. This guide, focused on Prince Edward Island, explains exactly how to report your landlord to public health authorities, what to expect, and how to protect your rights.

When Should You Report a Landlord to Public Health?

The most common reasons tenants contact public health authorities include:

• Persistent mold or dampness
• Pest infestations, such as mice, rats, or bedbugs
• Lack of heat, hot water, or electricity
• Unsafe or unsanitary conditions (e.g., sewage leaks, no working toilets)
• Broken smoke or carbon monoxide detectors

As a tenant, your landlord is legally obligated to maintain your rental unit in a condition that complies with health and safety standards under the Rental of Residential Property Act.^[1]

Before Making a Report: Steps to Take

Before involving public health, try the following:

• Contact your landlord in writing to explain the issue and ask for repairs or remediation.
• Keep records of your requests and any responses.
• Document the problem with photos, videos, and notes of when issues occur.

If your landlord does not respond, refuses to fix the issue, or if the situation is urgent or endangers health, you can contact public health directly.

How to Report Your Landlord to Public Health in Prince Edward Island

The Environmental Health Section of Health PEI is responsible for inspecting rental housing conditions when health and safety concerns arise.

Step-by-Step Reporting Process

• 1. Gather Documentation: Collect photos, correspondence, and notes that show the problem and your attempts to resolve it.
• 2. Contact Environmental Health (Health PEI): You can file a complaint by phone or online. Visit the official Health PEI reporting page to access the online complaint form.
• 3. Complete the Complaint Form: Fill in your contact details, rental address, and describe the issue clearly. Attach your documentation where possible.
• 4. Wait for Inspection: Health PEI will typically contact you to arrange an inspection. If the violation is confirmed, your landlord may be ordered to make repairs.

Official Form: Report an Environmental Health Concern (Online Form)
Use this form if your landlord has failed to address health or safety issues after you've alerted them. Provide as much detail as possible to assist the inspector.

What Happens After You Report?

After your report is submitted:

• An Environmental Health Officer will review your complaint and may schedule an inspection of your rental unit.
• If health code violations are found, Health PEI can issue an order to your landlord to make the required fixes.
• If your landlord does not comply, further penalties or enforcement actions may apply.

If your living situation becomes unsafe or uninhabitable, you also have the right to file a formal application or complaint with the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) – Rental Office, the tribunal overseeing tenant-landlord issues in PEI.^[2]

Additional Actions and Tenant Rights

Besides reporting to public health, tenants may:

• Apply to IRAC for an order directing the landlord to perform repairs
• Request rent reductions if the unit is unfit for normal use due to the health violation (with evidence)
• Seek other remedies allowed under the Rental of Residential Property Act

Familiarize yourself with your rights by reviewing Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

For more about finding safe rental housing, browse apartments for rent in Canada on trusted platforms.

FAQ: Reporting Landlords to Public Health in PEI

1. Who do I contact if my apartment is unsafe or unhealthy?
   Contact Health PEI Environmental Health by phone or submit a complaint via the official online reporting form.
2. Does my landlord have to provide proof they fixed the problem?
   If a public health order is issued, the landlord must show the problem has been fixed. Health PEI may reinspect the property to confirm compliance.
3. Can my landlord evict me for making a complaint to Health PEI?
   No. Retaliation for reporting health or safety violations is prohibited under PEI law. If you face eviction after complaining, contact IRAC for assistance.
4. What kind of evidence should I include with my complaint?
   Photos, written communication with your landlord, and detailed descriptions of the problem will help your case.
5. Can I apply to IRAC if my landlord doesn't fix the issue?
   Yes. If the landlord refuses to comply with public health or the repairs remain unaddressed, you can apply to IRAC for further remedies.

Conclusion: What Every Tenant Should Remember

• You have the right to a safe and healthy rental unit in Prince Edward Island.
• Document issues, communicate with your landlord, and act quickly if problems are not resolved.
• Reporting to public health is a formal step if your landlord does not address serious health or safety concerns.

Knowing the process can empower you to secure a safe living space and escalate issues when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Health PEI Environmental Health: Report an Environmental Health Concern – Online Form or phone 902-368-4970
• Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) – Rental Office: Rental Property Office for dispute resolution and tenant-landlord matters
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island
• Legal aid or tenant advocacy (PEI) for further support if facing eviction or retaliation
• For more tenant advice and guides, explore Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions

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1. Prince Edward Island, Rental of Residential Property Act
2. IRAC Rental Property Office – Tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes in PEI
3. Health PEI Environmental Health: Report an Environmental Health Concern (Official form and complaint process)

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