What if my landlord won’t do repairs?

Put your repair request in writing to the landlord. If repairs aren't completed in a reasonable time, apply to IRAC with Form 6.

Am I responsible for snow removal?

Check your lease agreement. Tenants in houses often are responsible, while in apartments, it is usually the landlord's duty.

Can I make repairs myself and subtract the cost from rent?

Do not withhold rent. For emergency or unresolved repairs, use the official IRAC process and keep receipts.

What’s the difference between normal wear and damage?

Normal wear is natural aging from everyday use. Damage is anything beyond that, like broken appliances or holes in walls.

Do I need permission to paint or make changes?

Always get written permission from your landlord before painting or making any changes to the property.

Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities in Prince Edward Island: A Complete Guide

Moving In / Out Prince Edward Island published: June 13, 2025

Understanding your maintenance responsibilities as a tenant in Prince Edward Island is key to a smooth rental experience. From everyday upkeep to what to do when something breaks, knowing your rights and obligations helps prevent disputes and ensures a comfortable home.

Who Handles Maintenance in PEI Rentals?

In Prince Edward Island, both tenants and landlords have specific responsibilities for maintaining rental properties under the Rental of Residential Property Act^[1]. While landlords are mostly responsible for keeping the property in good repair and conforming to health standards, tenants must look after everyday cleanliness and promptly report issues.

What Tenants Are Required to Maintain

Cleanliness: Tenants must keep their rental unit clean and free from garbage, clutter, and any hazards that might occur during daily use.
Preventing Damage: Always use appliances and fixtures correctly, and avoid actions that could damage the property beyond normal wear and tear.
Basic Yard Care: If you rent a house or ground-level suite, check your lease—some agreements require you to mow the lawn or shovel the walkway.
Pest Prevention: Keep food stored and avoid attracting pests; report infestations to the landlord immediately.

For a full understanding of landlord and tenant obligations, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Repairs: Routine, Emergency, and Who Does What

Generally, landlords must handle major and structural repairs, along with anything that affects health and safety, such as heating, plumbing, and weatherproofing.

Routine Repairs: Tenants must promptly report issues like leaky faucets, broken lights, or malfunctioning appliances. Routine repairs are usually the landlord’s responsibility unless you or a guest caused the damage.
Tenant-Caused Damage: If you break a window or cause accidental damage, you’re responsible for either fixing it or covering repair costs.
Emergency Repairs: For urgent situations—like no heat in winter or major leaks—contact your landlord right away. If the landlord doesn’t respond quickly, tenants may arrange for repairs and seek repayment, but always keep receipts and document communication.

For more details, check Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Health and Safety: Your Rights and Duties

All tenants have a right to a healthy and safe home. The landlord must ensure the property meets minimum health and safety standards. As a tenant, you help by:

Reporting mold, leaks, or potential hazards immediately
Allowing access for repairs or inspections (with proper notice)
Complying with sanitary and fire safety rules

If you're worried about a safety issue, consult Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more guidance.

Move-In/Move-Out Inspections

It’s important to inspect the property carefully when moving in. Document the condition, take photos, and fill out an inspection form with your landlord. Your landlord may provide an Inspection Report; if not, you can request one. Keep a copy for your own records.

This helps ensure you’re only responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear when moving out.

Find more practical advice in Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Reporting and Resolving Maintenance Issues

Always notify the landlord of damage or required repairs in writing. Email is best for tracking dates and responses. If your landlord does not perform necessary repairs, you can apply to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC), which handles all residential tenancy matters in PEI (visit the official IRAC website).

Key Official Forms for PEI Tenants

Form 6: Application by Tenant – Used when you need the tribunal to order a landlord to make repairs or resolve another issue.
Access and instructions: Download from IRAC
Example: If your landlord has not fixed a persistent plumbing problem despite written notice, you can submit Form 6.
Form 7: Application for Emergency Repairs – Used when an emergency repair is needed (e.g., broken furnace in winter), and you can’t reach your landlord.
Access and instructions: Download from IRAC
Example: If there’s no heat and your landlord is unresponsive, submit Form 7 to IRAC for urgent resolution.

What Happens If Tenants Don’t Meet Their Responsibilities?

Failing to maintain the property or causing damage can lead to costs being deducted from your security deposit or possible eviction. Always communicate proactively and work with your landlord to resolve issues.

You can read more relating to tenant and landlord responsibilities at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

FAQ: Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities in PEI

What if my landlord won’t do repairs?
First, put your request in writing. If repairs aren’t done in a reasonable time, you can apply to IRAC using Form 6.
Am I responsible for snow removal?
It depends on your lease. Always check your rental agreement for specific language—often, tenants in houses are responsible, while in apartments, the landlord usually is.
Can I make repairs myself and subtract the cost from rent?
Do not deduct costs from rent unless allowed by IRAC. For emergency or unaddressed repairs, follow the steps and use the forms outlined above, keeping all receipts.
What’s the difference between normal wear and damage?
Normal wear means expected changes from daily use (like faded paint). Damage is anything extra, such as broken appliances or holes in walls.
Do I need permission to paint or make small changes?
Yes—always get your landlord’s written permission for any alterations, even cosmetic ones.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

Keep your unit clean, report problems promptly, and don’t ignore maintenance issues.
Use official IRAC forms and procedures when repairs are not handled by your landlord.
Read your lease carefully—some duties (like lawn care) may be spelled out in your agreement.

Staying informed will help you enjoy a safer, stress-free rental experience. If you’re considering a move, Houseme - your rental solution in Canada has thousands of PEI homes and apartments to choose from.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) – Tenancy Forms and Resources: Applications, complaint forms, and information on your rights
PEI Housing Services: Government help with subsidy programs and general tenant advice
Find community legal aid or tenant advocacy through local service organizations for free support
Discover more about your rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island

Rental of Residential Property Act, Prince Edward Island. Accessible at: Rental of Residential Property Act (PEI)
Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) – Rental Office official page: IRAC Tenant and Landlord Forms & Resources