Top 5 PEI Tenant Maintenance & Repair Rights Explained

Maintenance and repairs are at the heart of every safe, comfortable rental experience for tenants in Prince Edward Island. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Charlottetown or a house elsewhere on the island, understanding your maintenance and repair rights helps you address problems early and keep your rental home livable. This guide clarifies the essentials for tenants under Prince Edward Island’s rental laws, so you can confidently handle issues with plumbing, heating, safety, or urgent repairs.

1. Landlord Responsibilities for Maintenance

Under the Rental of Residential Property Act, Prince Edward Island landlords must maintain rental units in a good state of repair. This includes:

• Ensuring structural safety (roof, windows, doors, floors)
• Maintaining plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Meeting all health, safety, and housing standards
• Repairing facilities included in the rent (appliances, fixtures, essential amenities)

Landlords are responsible for these repairs even if the tenancy agreement says otherwise. However, tenants should always report issues as soon as possible.

2. Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants must keep their rental unit reasonably clean and not cause unnecessary damage. Normal wear and tear is expected, but tenants are liable for damages caused by themselves, their guests, or pets. Always:

• Report problems (like leaks or broken appliances) quickly
• Allow access for repairs with proper notice
• Take reasonable care of appliances, fixtures, and flooring

For a detailed breakdown, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

3. How to Request Repairs in PEI

Start with a written request to the landlord or property manager, describing the problem and when it started. Keep copies of all communication. PEI does not have a standard repair request form, but documenting requests in writing protects you if disputes arise.

If your landlord does not respond within a reasonable time—especially for urgent repairs (e.g. heat failure in winter or unsafe conditions)—you can apply to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC Rentals), which is the official body handling landlord-tenant disputes.

Relevant PEI Application Form

• Application to Director (Form 2): Use this to request an order if your landlord refuses to make a necessary repair or if there’s a dispute about maintenance responsibilities.
  Download Form 2 from IRAC.
  Example: Your apartment’s heating fails in January, and the landlord has not acted promptly after your written request. Submit Form 2 to IRAC, explaining the situation and what you want done.

Step-by-step filing instructions follow in the How To section below.

4. Health and Safety Issues Require Immediate Attention

Problems threatening your safety or health, such as mold, pests, flooding, or broken locks, must be addressed quickly. Prince Edward Island landlords are obligated by law to provide rental units that meet health and safety codes.

For more details, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If your landlord fails to fix urgent issues, you can make a complaint to IRAC, request an inspection, or contact Public Health for serious risks.

5. What If Repairs Aren’t Done? Your Next Steps

If your landlord ignores repair requests or only does partial fixes, you have the right to escalate:

• Apply to IRAC using Form 2 for an official order to complete the necessary work.
• Document everything: photos, repair logs, and all communication.
• Do not withhold rent unless IRAC has granted permission—doing so could risk eviction.

If you experience repeated or serious issues, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island for more information on your provincial rights and dispute options.

If you’re searching for a new place due to ongoing maintenance problems, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for reliable, updated listings.

1. What is considered an emergency repair in PEI rentals?
   Emergency repairs include anything that threatens your health, safety, or makes your rental uninhabitable—such as no heat in winter, burst pipes, sewage backups, or broken entry doors. Report these to your landlord immediately and in writing. If not resolved, contact IRAC for assistance.
2. Who pays for regular wear and tear repairs in Prince Edward Island?
   Landlords are responsible for wear and tear from normal use, such as faded paint or worn carpet. Tenants cover repairs for damage they (or their guests) cause.
3. Can I do repairs myself and deduct the cost from rent?
   In PEI, you cannot unilaterally deduct repair costs from rent unless IRAC gives you express permission. Always use official dispute resolution first.
4. Does my landlord need to give notice before entering for repairs?
   Yes. Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice, except in emergencies where entry is needed for safety or urgent repairs.
5. Where can I get help if my landlord refuses to do repairs?
   Contact IRAC’s Rentals Section, or a local tenant advocacy group, if your landlord will not perform required repairs after written notice.

1. How do I request repairs from my landlord?
   Describe the issue in writing (email, letter, or text), include dates and details, and keep a copy for your records. If no action is taken, escalate using IRAC’s Form 2.
2. How do I submit Form 2 to resolve a maintenance dispute?
   Download Form 2 from IRAC’s website, complete all required information, attach supporting documents (photos, communications), then submit it online or in-person as outlined by IRAC.
3. How can I prove I reported a repair issue?
   Save dated emails, texts, letters, and photos. Detailed records help your case if you involve IRAC or Public Health.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in PEI must maintain rental properties according to the Rental of Residential Property Act.
• Document repair requests in writing and escalate unresolved issues to IRAC.
• Never withhold rent over repairs without a formal IRAC order.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) Rentals Section – application forms, guides, and dispute resolution
• IRAC Residential Rental Forms – official forms for maintenance disputes
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island – provincial overview of tenant and landlord responsibilities
• Local community legal clinics – free guidance for renters (search your area’s options)

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1. PEI: Rental of Residential Property Act
2. Official forms: IRAC Forms for Tenants and Landlords
3. Dispute and complaint details: Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) Rentals Section

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