Tenant Rights During Building Renovations in PEI

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Prince Edward Island published: June 20, 2025 Flag of Prince Edward Island

If your landlord in Prince Edward Island plans to renovate your building, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities under provincial tenancy laws. Renovations can raise concerns about safety, access, and whether you’ll have to temporarily leave your home. This guide explains your rights, the landlord's obligations, and what to do if your tenancy is affected by renovations in PEI.

Your Rights as a Tenant During Renovations

The Rental of Residential Property Act is the primary law governing rental housing in PEI. It sets out key protections for tenants during building repairs and renovations.[1]

Landlord’s Duty to Provide Notice

  • Your landlord must give you written notice before starting any significant renovations or repairs that may affect your use of the unit.
  • The standard notice period for non-emergency repairs is at least 24 hours, with the date and time clearly specified.
  • If the renovations require you to move out (even temporarily), they must serve notice per section 65 of the Act and obtain an order from the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) – Rental Office.

In emergencies, landlords can enter without notice for urgent repairs but must still take reasonable steps to inform tenants.

Your Right to a Safe and Habitable Home

  • Your landlord must maintain your rental unit in a safe, healthy, and livable condition—even during renovations.
  • If repairs create health or safety risks (e.g., blocked exits, unsafe wiring), you can report this to the Rental Office.

For more information on common safety hazards, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If You Are Asked to Leave for Renovations

  • Under PEI's tenancy law, your landlord can only ask you to vacate for major renovations or repairs if they obtain a formal order from the Rental Office— they cannot force you to leave without proper process.
  • You must receive a written notice (Form 4 – Notice of Termination by the Lessor) at least two months before the date you are expected to move out.
  • You may be entitled to compensation for moving or interruption of tenancy, depending on your circumstances and the nature of the renovations.

Always review official documentation and submit your concerns in writing.

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Access to Your Unit During Renovations

  • Landlords, contractors, or tradespeople must respect your right to privacy and may only enter your unit with required notice (except in emergencies).
  • You can request that work be done at reasonable times to minimize disruption.

For details about day-to-day landlord and tenant obligations during your lease, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

  • Form 4 – Notice of Termination by the Lessor: Used by landlords to formally serve notice if they require you to vacate for renovations. You should receive this form at least two months in advance. If you feel the notice is unjust or improper, you can apply for a hearing (using Form 5 – Application by Lessee) to dispute it.
  • Form 5 – Application by Lessee for an Order: Use this if you want to challenge a notice to terminate for renovations or repairs. Submit the completed form to the Rental Office as soon as possible after receiving notice.

If you plan to file a complaint or application, keep records of all communications and copies of documents.

Compensation and Rent

  • If renovations significantly limit access to your home (e.g., loss of kitchen/bathroom, unsafe debris), you may request a rent reduction or compensation through the Rental Office.
  • You must continue to pay your rent unless otherwise ordered by the Rental Office or as specified in a written agreement.

If you’re unsure about your rent obligations or have other tenancy concerns after renovations, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

If in doubt, contact the Rental Office or a local tenant advocacy organization for advice tailored to your specific situation.

Related Tenant and Landlord Facts

For a comprehensive overview of tenancy rights and laws in your province, refer to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island. Remember, laws can change, so always check the most current information and reach out to the Rental Office for recent updates.

If you’re searching for alternative housing during renovations, Explore rental homes in your area for up-to-date rental listings across Prince Edward Island and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can my landlord force me to leave for renovations in PEI?
    Not without a formal eviction process. Your landlord must serve official written notice (Form 4) and may only require you to vacate if the Rental Office grants an order for possession.
  2. How much notice do I get before major renovations?
    For extensive repairs or renovations needing you to move out, your landlord must provide at least two months' written notice using the correct form.
  3. Am I entitled to compensation or a rent reduction during renovations?
    If your access or enjoyment of your home is significantly restricted by the work, you may request a rent reduction or seek compensation through the Rental Office.
  4. Who do I contact if I feel unsafe during renovations?
    Contact the Rental Office (IRAC) to report safety problems or discuss your rights as a tenant.
  5. Do I keep paying rent if my unit is partly unusable?
    Unless the Rental Office orders otherwise or you reach an alternate written agreement, you must continue to pay rent.

Conclusion: What Tenants Should Remember

  • Your landlord must follow strict notice and process rules for renovations requiring you to vacate.
  • You have the right to a safe, livable home—report health or safety concerns.
  • Use official forms and resources to dispute notices or request compensation if needed.

Knowledge of your legal rights helps keep your home secure, even during disruptive building renovations.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Rental of Residential Property Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. R-13.1. Read the full Act here
  2. Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) – PEI Rental Office

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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