Top 5 Things Tenants Should Know in Prince Edward Island

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Prince Edward Island (PEI) can make your rental experience smoother and help you avoid common disputes. The Residential Rental Property Act governs tenant-landlord relations in PEI, offering specific protections and setting out key expectations for both parties. Here are the top five things every tenant should know before and during their tenancy.

1. Know Your Lease: Rental Agreements and Essential Documents

All tenancies in PEI should start with a written rental agreement. This document outlines important details such as rent, term, and rules. Before signing, read all terms carefully, and clarify anything you don’t understand.

• PEI law requires landlords to provide tenants with a signed copy of the lease within 21 days.
• Verbal agreements are valid but can make resolving disputes challenging without written proof.

After entering into a lease, What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement can help you prepare for your next steps.

2. Rental Deposits: What You Owe and What You’re Owed

Your landlord can request a security deposit (called a "damage deposit" in PEI), but it cannot exceed one month's rent. The landlord must provide a receipt for any deposit you pay.

• The deposit must be returned (with interest) after you move out, unless there is unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear.
• Poor maintenance or missing a cleaning requirement may affect your refund.

For additional details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

3. Maintenance and Repairs: Who is Responsible?

Landlords must keep rental units safe and in a reasonable state of repair, meeting health and safety standards at all times. Tenants, in turn, are expected to keep the unit clean and report any maintenance issues promptly.

• If something breaks, notify your landlord right away—preferably in writing.
• For emergencies (like a water leak or no heat in winter), landlords must address the problem quickly.

Your landlord cannot evict you or raise your rent just because you request repairs. It's your right to a safe and habitable home.

4. Rent Rules: Increases, Payments, and Receipts

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months and only with proper notice. Your landlord must provide a minimum of three months’ written notice using the appropriate form:

• Form 10: Notice of Rent Increase – Used by landlords to inform tenants of upcoming rent increases. You'll receive this with at least three months' notice. Download from the PEI government website.
• If you believe a rent increase is not allowed or is higher than the annual limit, you may apply to the Director of Residential Rental Property for review.

Always pay your rent on time and obtain a receipt, especially when paying by cash or cheque. For more information, refer to the Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

5. Ending a Tenancy: Notice, Forms, and Your Rights

When you wish to move out, you must give written notice using the correct PEI forms. The length of notice depends on the type of lease (fixed-term or month-to-month) and your circumstances.

• Form 1: Notice of Termination by Tenant – Used to notify your landlord you are ending the tenancy. Submit according to PEI's notice requirements (usually at least one month’s written notice before the end of a rental period). View and download Form 1.
• On move-out, ensure the unit is clean and report any issues to avoid losing your deposit.

If you run into challenges like non-return of your deposit or unfair deductions, you can contact the Director of Residential Rental Property, who oversees these matters in PEI.

Where Can I Learn More?

For a complete summary of tenant and landlord laws in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

For more resources or to discover your next rental, View available rentals coast to coast with Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is my landlord allowed to enter my apartment without my permission?
   Generally, your landlord must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your rental unit unless there is an emergency.
2. How much can my landlord raise the rent in Prince Edward Island?
   There are annual limits on rent increases, set by the province each year. The landlord must provide proper written notice using Form 10 and wait at least 12 months between increases.
3. What should I do if my damage deposit is not returned?
   If your landlord keeps your deposit unfairly, apply to the Director of Residential Rental Property for assistance. Be sure to provide documents and evidence.
4. Am I responsible for minor repairs or maintenance?
   Tenants are responsible for day-to-day cleanliness and reporting problems, but major repairs are the landlord’s duty under PEI law.
5. Do I have to move out on the exact lease end date?
   The end date is binding; you must vacate unless you’ve arranged an extension or new lease. Follow PEI’s notice requirements when ending your tenancy.

How To: Handling Key Tenant Situations in PEI

1. How to challenge a rent increase
   1. Review your landlord’s notice to ensure it uses Form 10 and meets the legal three-month requirement. 2. If you believe it’s invalid, submit a written application to the Director of Residential Rental Property within 20 days of receiving the notice.
2. How to properly give notice when moving out
   1. Fill out Form 1: Notice of Termination by Tenant. 2. Deliver it to your landlord with at least one month’s notice before your intended move-out date.
3. How to handle unresolved maintenance issues
   1. Inform your landlord in writing about the maintenance problem. 2. If not fixed, apply to the Director of Residential Rental Property for dispute resolution.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in PEI

• Know your written lease and local laws to protect your rights.
• Understand deposits, rent increases, and maintenance responsibilities.
• Use PEI’s official forms and contact the Residential Rental Property Office if problems arise.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Director of Residential Rental Property — Government of PEI: Application forms, laws, dispute resolution, and contact details.
• Rental Forms for Tenants — PEI: Download all official notices and forms.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island: Plain-language overview of key tenant issues in PEI.

---

1. See the Residential Rental Property Act (PEI) for the full law outlining tenant and landlord rights.
2. Residential Rental Property Office: Official Tribunal Information
3. Government of Prince Edward Island – Justice and Public Safety Rental Forms: Download Rental Forms

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy