Steps for Tenants Facing Discrimination from Other Tenants in PEI

Experiencing discrimination from other tenants in your rental building can be distressing and isolating. In Prince Edward Island, all tenants are protected under provincial law from discrimination based on characteristics such as race, gender, religion, disability, or family status. Understanding how to address this issue is important for your safety and wellbeing.

Recognizing and Understanding Discrimination

Discrimination occurs when you are treated unfairly or harassed by another tenant because of a protected ground—race, colour, sex, disability, or other aspects listed under the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act^[1]. In a rental situation, this might include:

• Verbal harassment or slurs
• Exclusion from common areas
• Bullying, intimidation, or threats
• Intimidation due to a physical or mental disability

If you feel discriminated against, it's important to document each incident, including dates, times, what occurred, and any witnesses.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Prince Edward Island

Both the Residential Tenancy Act and the Human Rights Act protect tenants from any form of discrimination in housing. Landlords have clear responsibilities to provide a safe, harassment-free environment for all tenants. For a full overview of rights and responsibilities, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

While landlords directly oversee the rental property, they are also expected to take reasonable steps to stop discrimination when informed about issues between tenants.

What To Do If You Experience Discrimination from Other Tenants

If another tenant discriminates against you, it's essential to act promptly but calmly. Here’s a practical approach:

• Document every incident of discrimination.
• Inform your landlord in writing with details. The landlord should address the behaviour and remind all tenants of conduct expectations.
• If the discrimination continues, consider filing a formal complaint with the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC), which is the tribunal in charge of residential tenancy issues in PEI.
• You may also file a complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission if you believe your human rights have been violated.

Please note: If you ever feel physically threatened or unsafe, contact local law enforcement immediately.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Complaint Form – Human Rights Commission, PEI:
  • When to use it: If another tenant is harassing or discriminating against you and the landlord has not resolved the situation, file this form with the PEI Human Rights Commission.
  • How to complete: Clearly describe what happened and attach supporting evidence.
  • Download the Complaint Form (PDF)
• Application for Order (IRAC Residential Property Section):
  • When to use: If the discrimination has disrupted your right to peaceful enjoyment of the rental, and your landlord has failed to help, you may apply to IRAC for an order forcing the landlord to act.
  • How to complete: Explain the issue and request an order under the Residential Tenancy Act.
  • Application for Order Form

This process can help resolve repeated discrimination while documenting your actions and protecting your tenancy. For more information on your responsibilities and your landlord’s, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How Landlords Should Respond

If you report discrimination by another tenant, your landlord is expected to:

• Investigate your concerns promptly
• Remind tenants of respectful conduct and building rules
• Take steps to resolve the situation and ensure a safe environment

Failure to act may result in a formal complaint against the landlord as well.

Additional Steps and Documentation

Maintaining thorough documentation is key. Save all correspondence, witness statements, and photographs related to incidents. If you escalate your complaint, this evidence will be vital for tribunals or commissions reviewing your case.

For tips on how to work through common problems with other tenants and your landlord, you may find How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide useful.

For other housing options in Prince Edward Island or across the country, you can Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to find communities that suit your needs and offer supportive living environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord ignores my complaint about another tenant discriminating against me?
   Your first step is to follow up with the landlord in writing, detailing the problem. If the landlord still fails to act, you can submit an Application for Order through IRAC or file a complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission for further assistance.
2. Can I be evicted for reporting discrimination?
   No. It is illegal for a landlord to evict or threaten you for exercising your rights under the Human Rights Act or Residential Tenancy Act. If you feel retaliated against, contact IRAC or the Human Rights Commission immediately.
3. What if I feel unsafe because of another tenant?
   If you ever feel immediately threatened or unsafe, contact the police right away. For ongoing issues, document the behaviour and use both the IRAC and Human Rights Commission processes for support.
4. Can I move out early if the discrimination is severe?
   If your living conditions are untenable due to discrimination, you may seek an early termination of your lease through IRAC. Your documentation and any official complaints or findings will help your application.

Key Takeaways

• Document everything if you face discrimination. Always inform your landlord in writing.
• Use the appropriate complaint forms for IRAC and the PEI Human Rights Commission if needed.
• Provincial law protects tenants from discrimination—support is available at each stage.

If unsure, seek support from tenant advocacy services. Quick and informed action can help restore your comfort and safety in your home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) – Residential Property: Tenancy disputes and applications
  Phone: 1-800-501-6268
• PEI Human Rights Commission: Human rights complaints
  Phone: 1-902-368-4180
• Community Legal Information PEI – Tenant Support: Free legal info and referrals
• For a detailed guide, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island

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1. Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act, RSPEI 1988, c H-12
2. Prince Edward Island Residential Tenancy Act
3. Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) Residential Property

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