Roommate Discrimination and Immigration Status: Tenant Rights in PEI

Finding a place to live in Prince Edward Island can be challenging, especially for newcomers and immigrants seeking shared housing or roommates. Discrimination based on immigration status is a concern for many. This guide explains your tenant rights under PEI law, how to recognize discrimination, and the steps you can take if you face unfair treatment when searching for or living in shared rental accommodation.

Understanding Discrimination: Immigration Status and Tenancy

Discrimination occurs when a landlord, roommate, or housing provider treats you unfairly because of a protected characteristic—like your immigration status or citizenship.

• Denying your application or room simply because you are a newcomer, refugee, or international student
• Charging higher rent or extra deposits because of your immigration status
• Making rules that single out or disadvantage you due to your origin or status in Canada
• Evicting or threatening eviction on these grounds

Prince Edward Island protects renters from discrimination under the Human Rights Act^[1]. This protection applies to most rental situations, including shared housing and roommate arrangements, whether you are on the lease or renting a room.

Your Rights When Renting Shared Housing in PEI

All tenants in shared housing have the right to be treated fairly. Landlords and primary tenants must follow fair practices when choosing tenants or roommates. In Prince Edward Island:

• It is illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to you based solely on your immigration status or citizenship
• You cannot be treated less favourably, forced to pay more, or subjected to stricter rules for this reason
• Roommate selection by individuals may be allowed based on personal preference, except when they are acting as landlord or sub-landlord and advertising publicly

When you sign a rental agreement—even a verbal or informal one—you are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (PEI)^[2].

Recognizing Discriminatory Practices

• Advertisements stating "Canadian citizens only" or similar
• Landlords requesting unnecessary immigration documents, or only asking non-citizens for references
• Refusal to renew your lease or accept you as a subtenant based only on your status

If any of these occur, you have the right to file a complaint.

What to Do If You Face Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against due to your immigration status when applying for or residing in shared accommodation, follow these steps:

• Document Everything: Save communications, emails, and screenshots of ads or messages.
• Contact the PEI Human Rights Commission: They investigate discrimination complaints. Visit the PEI Human Rights Commission for resources and complaint forms.
• Consider Mediation: Sometimes, issues can be resolved through discussion or mediation provided by the Commission or the PEI Residential Tenancy Office.

The official complaint form is called Human Rights Complaint Form. Submit it to the PEI Human Rights Commission within one year of the incident. Detailed instructions are available on the official complaint process page.

Other Important Tenant Rights

• Security deposits and refunds must follow the law. Read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for more information.
• Know your rights and obligations—whether on a lease or in informal arrangements. Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island for a legal overview.

For alternative rental options across the country and to avoid discriminatory listings, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQs About Immigration Status Discrimination in Shared Housing

1. Is it legal for a landlord to refuse to rent to me because I am not a Canadian citizen?
   No. PEI law prohibits discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status when renting housing.
2. If I am subletting a room, do I still have rights?
   Yes. Subtenants are protected under both the Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act, as long as there is an agreement (written or verbal).
3. What forms do I use to file a discrimination complaint?
   Use the Human Rights Complaint Form from the PEI Human Rights Commission. Full details and the form are at their official complaint process page.
4. Who handles tenancy-related discrimination disputes in PEI?
   The PEI Human Rights Commission handles discrimination cases. For tenancy terms or eviction issues, contact the PEI Residential Tenancy Office.
5. Can a roommate discriminate against me if I’m not on the lease?
   If the roommate is also acting as landlord, or advertising rentals publicly, the law likely applies. For private roommate arrangements, human rights law may still provide some protection depending on circumstances.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Discrimination based on immigration status is illegal in PEI housing under the Human Rights Act.
• Always document evidence and file a timely complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission if needed.
• Your tenancy rights remain protected in shared housing—even as a subtenant or roommate.

Understanding your rights and acting quickly helps create a fair rental experience for all.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Human Rights Commission – Discrimination complaints and inquiries
• PEI Residential Tenancy Office – Rental disputes, forms, and tenant information
• Government of PEI Housing Services – Provincial housing programs and support
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island – Legal guidelines and summaries

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1. Human Rights Act (Prince Edward Island)
2. Residential Tenancies Act (Prince Edward Island)

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