Top 5 Tenant Facts on Discrimination & Accessibility in PEI

If you're renting a home in Prince Edward Island, understanding your rights around discrimination and accessibility is essential. Both the Rental of Residential Property Act and the PEI Human Rights Act protect you from unfair treatment and ensure your rental is accessible if you have a disability. Here are the top five things every PEI tenant should know.

1. Discrimination is Illegal in Rental Housing

Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you or treat you differently based on personal characteristics such as race, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, disability, or other protected grounds under the PEI Human Rights Act.^[1]

• Examples of discrimination include refusing children, declining rental applications because of a service animal, or setting higher rent for newcomers.
• If you face discriminatory treatment, you may file a complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission.

2. Accessibility Is Your Right

Tenants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations—such as ramps, visual alarms, or accessible bathroom fixtures—to allow them to enjoy and use their home.

• Landlords must consider accommodation requests unless doing so would cause undue hardship.
• They cannot charge extra rent because you asked for modifications for accessibility needs.

Practical Example

If you rely on a wheelchair and need a ramp, discuss the modification with your landlord. If they refuse without a valid reason, you may have grounds for a complaint.^[2]

3. How to File a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

If you believe your landlord has discriminated against you, or refused to accommodate your accessibility needs, you can file a written complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission.

• Form: Human Rights Complaint Form (access here)
• When to use: Complete this form if you've experienced or witnessed discrimination on grounds protected by the Human Rights Act, or a denial of accessibility accommodations.
• How to file: Write out the details, attach any supporting documents (emails, notice letters), and submit by mail or in person to the Human Rights Commission office.

4. Landlord Responsibilities Under the Law

Landlords are required to:

• Provide equal treatment and avoid discriminatory policies or behaviour
• Address reasonable accommodation requests promptly
• Ensure rental units meet the minimum health and safety standards
• Respond fairly to tenant complaints

Learn more about the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to understand your rights and what you can expect from your landlord.

5. Protections Begin as Soon as You Apply

Your protection against discrimination starts the moment you look for a rental, not just after signing the lease. If a landlord asks about your family status, disability, or income source during the application process, that could be discriminatory.

• If your application is denied for a discriminatory reason, keep records and consider making a timely complaint.

For more detail on general tenant rights in the province, check out the page on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

Additional Resources

• Read about Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for practical advice on dealing with rental problems.
• Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you need accessible rental options in PEI and beyond.

1. What kinds of housing discrimination are illegal in PEI?
   Renting discrimination based on race, age, gender, disability, family status, sexual orientation, religion, income source, or other protected grounds is against the law in Prince Edward Island.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses a reasonable accessibility request?
   Document your request in writing. If your landlord refuses without a valid reason, file a complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission using their official complaint form.
3. Do landlords have to pay for accessibility modifications?
   It depends: landlords often pay for minor adjustments. For larger changes, they must consider if it's possible without undue hardship. Disputes can be mediated by the Human Rights Commission.
4. Can I be evicted for asking for accommodation?
   No. Asking for accommodation for a disability is protected by law. Retaliation, such as eviction, for exercising this right is prohibited.
5. Where can I get more information or help about rental rights in PEI?
   Contact the PEI Human Rights Commission or consult Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island for comprehensive provincial information.

1. How do I request an accessibility modification in my rental?
   Write a formal request to your landlord explaining what you need and why. Include supporting documents, such as a doctor's note if relevant.
2. How do I file a complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission?
   Download the Human Rights Complaint Form, fill it out with all necessary details and evidence, and submit it to the Commission by mail or in person.
3. How can I gather evidence for a discrimination complaint?
   Keep all related communications, take diary notes of incidents, and collect any witness statements. These strengthen your case if you file a complaint.
4. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
   File as soon as possible. PEI typically requires complaints within one year of the incident, but acting promptly helps your case.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination in rental housing is illegal in PEI and protections apply from your first inquiry.
• You have the right to accessibility and reasonable accommodations in your home.
• Landlords must treat all tenants equally and respond to accommodation requests.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Residential Rental Office — For rental disputes and general information
• PEI Human Rights Commission — For discrimination and accessibility complaints
• Rental of Residential Property Act of Prince Edward Island — Official tenancy law
• PEI Human Rights Act — Details on protected grounds

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1. [1] Get more details on protected grounds and enforcement under the PEI Human Rights Act.
2. [2] Full accessibility and modification procedures are outlined by the PEI Human Rights Commission and PEI Residential Rental Office.

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