Prince Edward Island Tenant Maintenance & Repair FAQ

Living in a safe, well-maintained rental is every tenant’s right in Prince Edward Island. Whether you’re worried about needed repairs, unclear on landlord obligations, or facing a health or safety concern, understanding your maintenance and repair rights can make a big difference in your rental experience. This article provides straightforward answers to Prince Edward Island tenants’ most common maintenance and repairs questions—empowering you to resolve issues quickly and confidently.

What Maintenance Are Landlords Responsible For in Prince Edward Island?

In Prince Edward Island, landlords are required by law to keep rental units in a good state of repair and comply with provincial health, safety, and housing standards. This includes:

• Maintaining plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Fixing broken windows, doors, and locks
• Addressing pest problems (unless caused by tenant actions)
• Ensuring the structure is weatherproof and safe
• Complying with local fire code and safety regulations

Your landlord cannot require you to perform major repairs—these are their legal responsibility.

What Are Tenants Responsible For?

Tenants are expected to keep their unit reasonably clean, avoid damage beyond normal wear and tear, and promptly report needed repairs to the landlord in writing. If you cause damage beyond normal use, you are responsible for the cost of repairs.

What If Repairs Are Not Completed?

If your landlord does not complete required repairs in a timely manner:

• Document the issue (photos, dates, descriptions).
• Notify your landlord in writing with reasonable detail about the repair needed.
• If the problem continues, you can apply to the Director of Residential Rental Property, who oversees tenancy disputes in PEI.

This process is designed to resolve conflicts fairly and efficiently for both tenants and landlords.

Addressing Health and Safety Concerns

Some repair issues—like mould, faulty heating in winter, or severe leaks—may also create health and safety risks. In such cases:

• Report the concern right away, in writing, to your landlord.
• If there’s a threat to personal safety or the unit is unfit to live in, contact local public health or municipal authorities.
• You may also wish to review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Common Types of Repairs Explained

• Routine repairs: Leaky faucets, draughty windows, worn-out appliances.
• Emergency repairs: Burst pipes, electrical failures, heating breakdown in winter.
• Pest issues: Bed bugs, rodents, or other infestations—see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Each circumstance may call for a different approach—emergency issues often require faster action from your landlord.

How to Request Repairs: Steps & Forms

To officially request a repair, always notify your landlord in writing first. If the issue persists, you may file an application:

• Form 2 – Application by Tenant: Use this if your landlord has not kept your unit in good repair.
  Download Form 2: Application by Tenant
• Example: You report a leaking roof. After a reasonable period without repair, you fill out Form 2 and submit it to the Residential Tenancy Office with your documentation (photos, written requests, etc.).

The Director will review both sides and may order the landlord to fix the problem, sometimes within a specific deadline.

For a step-by-step guide to completing the application and what to expect at a hearing, visit the Director of Residential Rental Property website.

Understanding Tenant & Landlord Responsibilities

Knowing your rights and who is responsible for each type of repair helps prevent misunderstandings. See Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a breakdown of typical roles.

Where to Find PEI’s Rental Law

All maintenance and repairs matters for tenants and landlords in PEI are governed by the Rental of Residential Property Act. This law sets out everyone’s rights, responsibilities, and dispute options.

For anyone looking for a new place to call home, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—including up-to-date vacancies in Prince Edward Island.

Looking for more details on Prince Edward Island rental law? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my landlord refuses to fix something important, like heating or plumbing?
   Document your request in writing. If repairs aren’t made within a reasonable time, you can file Form 2 (Application by Tenant) with the Director of Residential Rental Property for an order requiring repairs.
2. Can I withhold rent until repairs are made?
   No. Withholding rent can put you at risk of eviction. Instead, follow the formal process to report and resolve repair issues.
3. How soon must my landlord respond to repair requests?
   There’s no exact legal timeframe, but landlords must address urgent issues (like heat loss in winter) right away, and other repairs within a reasonable period as defined by the Act and the situation.
4. Am I responsible for minor repairs, like changing light bulbs?
   Usually, tenants handle minor maintenance such as replacing bulbs or batteries in smoke detectors, but check your lease for details.
5. What is an emergency repair and what should I do?
   An emergency repair is something that seriously affects your health, safety, or the building’s security. Report it immediately and follow up in writing.

How To: File for Repairs Through the PEI Residential Tenancy Office

1. How do I properly request repairs from my landlord?
   Write a detailed repair request (keep a copy), describing the problem, how long it’s happened, and why it should be fixed.
2. How do I apply to the Director if my landlord ignores repairs?
   Obtain Form 2 (Application by Tenant), complete it with information and evidence (photos, copies of written requests), and submit to the Residential Tenancy Office in person, by mail, or online.
3. What happens after I submit my application?
   The Director reviews the application and may set a hearing. Both sides can present their evidence. The Director can then order repairs and set deadlines.
4. What documentation helps my case?
   Include photographs, copies of repair requests, dates, witness statements (if needed), and any relevant communication between you and your landlord.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in PEI must keep rentals safe and in good repair under the law.
• Always notify your landlord in writing of needed repairs and keep a copy.
• If repairs aren’t done, use Form 2 to file an application with the Director of Residential Rental Property.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Director of Residential Rental Property (PEI Government): Information, forms, and dispute resolution services.
• Office of Tenant Assistance, PEI: Support for tenants facing unresolved repair or health concerns.
• Rental of Residential Property Act: The full legislation covering tenant and landlord rights.
• Check local community legal clinics or tenant organizations for advocacy and advice.

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1. Rental of Residential Property Act (PEI)
2. Director of Residential Rental Property (Government of PEI)
3. Form 2: Application by Tenant (PEI Residential Tenancy Office)

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