Tenant Rights: Denying Tradespeople Entry in PEI Rentals

If you're renting a home in Prince Edward Island, protecting your privacy and knowing when your landlord—or their tradespeople—can enter your unit is essential. This guide explains when entry is allowed, when you can say no, and how PEI tenancy law supports your rights.

When Can a Landlord or Tradesperson Enter Your Rental?

Under Prince Edward Island's Rental of Residential Property Act, landlords generally require your consent or advance notice to enter your rental unit. However, there are key exceptions and rules designed to balance repairs with your privacy:

• Emergency: Landlords (or authorized workers) may enter without notice for urgent issues, like fire, flooding, or other emergencies.
• Non-Emergency Entry: Landlords can enter to make repairs or allow tradespeople to perform maintenance—but usually must provide at least 24 hours' written notice stating the time, reason, and with your agreement if possible.
• Tenant Consent: If you agree, tradespeople may enter with less notice.

For a full breakdown of your privacy and entry rights—including for repairs—see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

Can You Deny Entry to Tradespeople for Repairs or Maintenance?

As a tenant, you have the right to privacy and safety in your home. But you also share responsibility for maintaining the rental property. Denying entry to tradespeople is only allowed in certain cases, such as:

• The landlord did not give proper 24 hours' written notice (except in emergencies)
• The requested entry is at an unreasonable time (usually not between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., or as your lease specifies)
• The entry seems unnecessary or not related to repairs, maintenance, or legal obligations

However, if repairs are necessary for health or safety, tenants should not unreasonably deny access. Refusing essential repairs can affect your right to a safe living environment and may even lead to problems with your lease.

What Should a Written Entry Notice Include?

A landlord's written notice for tradespeople must include:

• The date and approximate time of entry
• The reason for entry (e.g., routine repairs, inspection, maintenance)
• The name or company of the tradesperson if possible

Steps to Take if You Disagree with a Repair Visit

If you believe an entry request is unreasonable or improperly notified:

• Contact your landlord in writing, explain your concerns, and suggest reasonable alternatives.
• If the issue is not resolved, you may apply to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC)—the tenancy dispute board in PEI—for a hearing or to resolve the dispute.

For routine maintenance issues, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities. If the repair affects your health or safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Official Forms: PEI Residential Tenancies

• Form 6 – Application by Tenant
  Use this if you wish to dispute a landlord's entry or file a complaint about being denied reasonable privacy.
  For example, if your landlord repeatedly enters without notice or insists on repairs at inconvenient times, you can file Form 6 with IRAC.
  Download Form 6 from IRAC

You can submit your form in person or by mail to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission. Always check the latest forms and instructions on the IRAC Residential Rental Office.

The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC)

All disputes about rental entry, repairs, and landlord–tenant rights in PEI are handled by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC). IRAC oversees hearings, applications, and tribunal decisions under the Rental of Residential Property Act.^[1]

Practical Scenarios

Examples of when you can reasonably deny entry:

• The landlord wants to show the unit to future tenants without proper notice
• A plumber is scheduled outside of reasonable hours without your agreement

When entry should not be denied:

• An emergency like a burst pipe—entry is permitted at once
• Essential repairs with proper 24 hours' notice

If you have ongoing disputes, open communication is best. For additional tips on your rights and obligations after moving in, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

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Common Questions About Denying Tradespeople Entry in PEI Rentals

1. Can a landlord enter my apartment for repairs if I’m not home?
   Yes, if you have been given proper written notice (usually at least 24 hours) and the entry is for repairs, the landlord and tradespeople may enter even if you're not present—unless you have a valid reason to object (like the proposed time being unreasonable).
2. What if tradespeople need to enter for non-urgent work and I’m uncomfortable?
   If you have safety or privacy concerns, communicate them with your landlord in writing. Propose alternative arrangements that work for both sides.
3. Can I refuse repairs that seem unnecessary?
   You can question repairs if they don’t seem needed or if the landlord hasn’t given notice, but you should not refuse access for essential health or safety repairs.
4. Who handles complaints if a landlord or their workers enter without permission?
   The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) manages residential tenancy complaints and disputes in Prince Edward Island.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in Prince Edward Island

• Landlords and tradespeople generally need to provide at least 24 hours’ written notice for entry, except in emergencies.
• You may deny entry if notice is not given or the timing is unreasonable—but must allow necessary health or safety repairs.
• Disputes can be resolved through IRAC and official tenant forms.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• IRAC Residential Rental Office – Tenancy dispute resolution, forms, and legal resources
• PEI Housing and Property (provincial site)
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC): Renting a Home
• For complete rights and obligations, also see: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island

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1. Rental of Residential Property Act (PEI)
2. IRAC Residential Rental Office
3. Residential Rental Application Forms (IRAC)

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