Accessibility renovations can change whether a rental unit is safe or usable for the people who live there. If you are a tenant or renter in Prince Edward Island, this guide explains your practical options for temporary housing, what to ask your landlord, timelines to expect, and the forms or tribunal steps you may need to protect your rights while work is done. It also covers who usually pays for alternative accommodation, how to document costs and damage, and where to find official help and forms so you can act quickly and confidently.
Rights and responsibilities during accessibility renovations
Landlords must give proper notice before major work that affects habitability or access; tenants should get notices in writing and request clear timelines. If renovations make the unit unsafe or inaccessible, discuss temporary accommodation or compensation with the landlord, and keep a written record of all communications and receipts. Many disputes can be resolved by negotiation, but you may need to apply to the provincial tenancy body if you cannot agree.[1] [2]
Immediate steps if renovations affect your home
- Notify your landlord in writing asking for the start date, expected duration, and whether temporary housing will be provided or paid for.
- Document the unit and the work with dated photos, videos and notes so you have evidence of condition and impacts.
- Arrange temporary housing that meets your accessibility needs if the landlord cannot provide suitable alternatives.
- Keep all receipts for temporary accommodation, meals, travel and storage — these support any compensation claim.
- Ask the landlord to confirm in writing any agreement about payment or rent adjustments before you move out temporarily.
Who pays and how much?
There is no single rule for every situation: sometimes landlords pay reasonable accommodation costs if the work is their responsibility and makes the unit uninhabitable; other times tenants accept short relocations if the work is minor. If you and the landlord agree on payment, get it in writing. If you cannot agree, you can apply to the provincial tenancy tribunal to decide whether compensation or rent abatement is appropriate based on the circumstances and the relevant legislation.[1]
Common temporary housing options
- Staying with family or friends who can meet your accessibility needs.
- Hotel or short-term accessible rental paid by the landlord or claimed as an expense later.
- Securing an alternative rental for the renovation period; search tools can help find accessible short-term options.
When you look for temporary housing, choose places that match accessibility needs — for example, step-free access, grab bars, or wider doorways. You can also use online rental search platforms to find listings quickly; for nationwide options, try Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to compare short-term, accessible options across cities.[4]
Required forms and official steps
Each case may use different documents. Below are the common official forms and when tenants might use them; see the provincial pages for the exact forms and filing instructions.[3]
Forms and examples
- Notice of Entry (form number: if available on PEI site) — used when a landlord gives advance written notice that workers will enter the unit for renovations; example: landlord provides a 24–48 hour written entry notice before measuring doorways.
- Notice to Renovate / Notice to Vacate for Repairs (form number: check provincial list) — used when a landlord needs a tenant to vacate for major work; example: landlord issues this notice when a unit requires structural alterations that prevent occupancy for weeks.
- Application for Hearing (form number: available on tribunal site) — tenant or landlord files this if negotiation fails and a hearing is required; example: tenant applies asking the tribunal to order compensation for accommodation costs.
Negotiation and documentation tips
Be clear, polite and firm in requests. Put all agreements in writing, record dates and amounts, and keep copies of receipts and messages. If the landlord proposes temporary accommodation, verify it meets your accessibility needs before moving. If the landlord cannot provide anything suitable, clarify expectations about reimbursement for a comparable option.
FAQ
- Do I have to move out if my unit needs accessibility renovations?
- You only have to move if the renovations make the unit unsafe or unusable and the landlord has given proper written notice; talk to the landlord about timelines and alternatives first, and keep records of all communications.[2]
- Can my landlord force me to pay for temporary housing?
- No, a landlord cannot usually force a tenant to pay for temporary housing that is needed because of the landlord's work; disputes about payment are resolved through negotiation or by applying to the tenancy tribunal for a decision.[1]
- What if the temporary housing offered is not accessible?
- If an offered option does not meet your accessibility needs, inform the landlord in writing and suggest suitable alternatives; if no agreement is reached, you can seek a tribunal decision and keep records and receipts for any reasonable alternative you secure.
How-To
- Assess whether the planned work will make the unit inaccessible or unsafe and ask the landlord for written start and end dates.
- Notify the landlord in writing that you need accessible temporary housing or compensation and request confirmation of the plan.
- Search for temporary housing options that meet your accessibility needs and confirm costs and availability.
- Document the condition of the unit and keep receipts for temporary housing, meals, travel, and storage.
- File an application with the provincial tenancy tribunal if you cannot reach an agreement and need an official decision.
- Return to the unit when work finishes, request a joint inspection, and agree on any required repairs or final adjustments with the landlord.
Key Takeaways
- Document everything: notices, photos, and receipts protect your rights.
- Ask for written agreements on temporary housing or compensation before vacating.
- Act quickly on timelines and use the tribunal if negotiations fail.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies (Government of Prince Edward Island)
- Prince Edward Island Housing and Community Services
- Prince Edward Island Residential Tenancies Act (statute)
