Tenants in Prince Edward Island may need a support person — someone who helps with communication, mobility, or medical needs — to fully access their rental home. Whether you use a personal aide, family member, or disability support worker, landlords must consider reasonable accommodations and privacy. This guide explains when to ask for a support person, how to make a written request, what documentation can help, and what steps to take if a landlord refuses. It also points to the province's tenancy tribunal and the most useful forms and resources so you can resolve disputes and keep records. The language is plain and practical for renters navigating PEI tenancy rules.
When you can request a support person in PEI
Requesting a support person is typically appropriate when a tenant needs assistance to access or enjoy the rental unit because of a disability, medical condition, or mobility limitation. Common examples include help with communication during meetings with a landlord, assistance with mobility in common areas, or a caregiver who provides daily medical care. Asking for a support person is a request for a reasonable accommodation under provincial tenancy expectations and privacy rules. If a landlord has concerns about safety or insurance, those should be discussed, but they do not automatically override a tenant's accommodation needs.[2]
How to make a clear request
Follow a simple, written process so your request is clear and documented. A written request helps both parties understand the reason, the type of support person needed, and any temporary or ongoing adjustments requested. Keep tone neutral and focus on function: explain what assistance the support person provides and how it helps you access the unit or services.
- Write a short, dated letter or email stating the accommodation you need and why.
- Include supporting documentation when available, such as a note from a health professional, but do not include unnecessary medical details.
- Offer to discuss reasonable safety measures or scheduling to address landlord concerns.
- Keep copies of all communications, receipts, photos, or visitor logs that show the support person has a role.
Documents and official forms to consider
There is no single mandatory provincial “support person” form in PEI. In most cases a written request from the tenant plus any relevant documentation from a medical or allied health professional will be sufficient. If the landlord refuses or the parties cannot agree, tenants may apply to the provincial dispute body for tenancy issues to have the matter reviewed.[1] Practical documents to prepare include:
- Application to the tenancy tribunal or appeals commission to resolve a dispute (use when a landlord refuses and the issue cannot be resolved informally).
- Written request with dates and a brief explanation from a health professional (if comfortable sharing).
- Records of meetings, emails, and any safety plans agreed between tenant and landlord.
What to do if a landlord refuses
If a landlord refuses your request, try these steps: ask for written reasons, suggest reasonable safety measures, and propose a trial period to demonstrate that the support person does not harm property or safety. If communication fails, you can file an application with the province's tenancy dispute body for a decision. In any application, clear documentation and a record of efforts to resolve the matter inform a fair outcome.[1]
Privacy and reasonable limits
Landlords may ask for information tied to safety or legitimate business needs, but they should not demand excessive medical detail. Discuss reasonable boundaries: you can provide a note confirming the need for a support person without sharing full medical records. Similarly, insurers or building rules must be balanced against the tenant's right to accommodation.
Finding accessible rentals and local supports
When searching for housing that will welcome a support person or already has accessible features, use dedicated rental tools and local listings. You can also search for units with accessible entrances, wider doorways, or ground-floor layouts to reduce mobility barriers. For a nationwide rental search tool with map features and filters, consider Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings. For local guidance and examples of common tenancy problems, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them and read about safety considerations in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
FAQ
- Can my landlord refuse my support person?
- Not automatically; a landlord must consider reasonable accommodation. They can raise safety or insurance concerns that must be addressed, but refusal without discussion may be disputed through the tenancy tribunal.[1]
- Do I have to share medical records to get a support person?
- No. You can provide a brief note or letter confirming the need without sharing detailed medical history; disclose only what is necessary to explain the accommodation.
- Where can I apply if the landlord and I can't agree?
- You can apply to the province's tenancy dispute body for an order or decision; include your written request and supporting documents in the application.[1]
How-To
- Prepare a short, dated written request explaining the support person's role and the accommodation you need.
- Attach any relevant supporting documentation, such as a brief note from a health professional.
- Discuss the request with your landlord and propose reasonable safety steps or a trial period if needed.
- If the landlord refuses, file an application with the tenancy dispute body and include your records and correspondence.
Help and Support / Resources
- Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (tenancy information)
- Government of Prince Edward Island — Housing and tenancy topics
- Legal Aid PEI — tenant legal help
