Top 50 Questions: Discrimination & Accessibility for Tenants in Prince Edward Island

Discrimination & Accessibility Prince Edward Island published June 26, 2025 Flag of Prince Edward Island
What laws protect tenants from discrimination in PEI?
The Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act and the Residential Rental Property Act protect tenants from discrimination.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of a disability?
No, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because of a disability. This is prohibited discrimination.
What are the prohibited grounds of discrimination in PEI?
Prohibited grounds include race, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, and more (PEI Human Rights Act).
How do I file a discrimination complaint in PEI?
Contact the PEI Human Rights Commission and submit a complaint form.
Where can I find the discrimination complaint form?
Download the Human Rights Complaint Form (no number assigned) from the PEI government website.
Can a landlord ask about my religion or ethnicity?
No, landlords cannot ask about your religion or ethnicity as a condition of renting.
What should I do if I am denied a rental for having children?
This may be family status discrimination. You can file a complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission.
Are service animals allowed in rental properties?
Yes, landlords must allow service animals and cannot charge pet fees for them.
Can a landlord charge a deposit for a service animal?
No, landlords cannot charge deposits or extra fees for service animals required for a disability.
What is an accommodation under the law?
Accommodation means a landlord must make changes for disabilities, unless doing so causes undue hardship.
How do I ask my landlord for an accessibility accommodation?
Make a written request explaining your needs and provide medical documentation if required.
Can my landlord ask for medical information for an accommodation?
Only enough to confirm your need for accommodation, not a detailed diagnosis.
What happens if my landlord refuses accommodation?
You may file a complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission.
Does my building have to be wheelchair accessible?
Not always, but landlords must accommodate to the point of undue hardship if you request changes.
Can I be evicted for asking for accommodation?
No, landlords cannot evict you for asserting your rights or requesting accommodation.
What does "undue hardship" mean?
Undue hardship means significant difficulty or expense for the landlord to meet your accommodation needs.
Can my landlord refuse accommodation due to cost?
Only if it truly causes undue hardship, which is assessed case by case.
Who handles tenancy disputes about discrimination in PEI?
The Director of Residential Rental Property (PEI Residential Tenancy Office) and PEI Human Rights Commission.
Can a landlord discriminate against me based on my source of income?
Yes, unless your source of income discrimination connects to a protected ground (e.g., social assistance sometimes covered as "social condition").
Can rental ads specify "adults only" in PEI?
No, this may be discrimination based on family status.
Are emotional support animals protected like service animals?
Emotional support animals may be accommodated if medically required but are not automatically protected like service animals.
Do I have to pay for accessibility renovations?
Usually, the landlord is responsible unless it creates undue hardship; discuss and agree in writing.
Can a landlord refuse families with children?
No, this is discrimination based on family status.
Can a landlord ask about my immigration status?
Landlords may ask for proof you can legally rent in Canada but cannot discriminate based on citizenship or national origin.
What if discrimination happens after I move in?
You can still file a complaint with the PEI Human Rights Commission at any time.
How long do I have to make a discrimination complaint?
You generally have one year from the incident to file with the Human Rights Commission.
Can a landlord lower my credit score for requesting accommodation?
No, a landlord cannot retaliate or take adverse actions for exercising your rights.
Is sexual harassment by a landlord considered discrimination?
Yes, sexual harassment is a form of discrimination under the PEI Human Rights Act.
Can a landlord evict me for being pregnant?
No, this is discrimination based on family status.
Are there protections for gender identity in housing?
Yes, gender identity and expression are protected grounds under the PEI Human Rights Act.
Can a landlord evict me for complaints about lack of access?
No, you cannot be evicted or penalized for asserting tenant rights.
Can discrimination be subtle or indirect?
Yes, indirect actions that disadvantage protected groups can also be discrimination.
Can I get help with the complaint process in PEI?
Yes, the PEI Human Rights Commission offers help; call or email them for guidance.
Can my disability be a reason for a larger damage deposit?
No, landlords must treat all tenants equally regarding deposits.
Are older adults protected from age discrimination?
Yes, age is a protected ground under PEI law.
Do I have to disclose my disability to my landlord?
Only if you request accommodation. Otherwise, you do not need to disclose.
How long does it take to resolve a human rights complaint?
The process can take several months, depending on the case's complexity.
What remedies can I get if discrimination is proven?
Remedies may include an apology, compensation, and policy changes by the landlord.
What forms must I use for a tenancy complaint in PEI?
Use the Application to the Director form for tenancy disputes.
Where do I submit a complaint about rental discrimination?
Submit complaints to the PEI Human Rights Commission for discrimination, or the Residential Tenancy Office for rental disputes.
Is my rental protected if I get a support worker or accessibility help?
Yes, landlords cannot prohibit necessary support workers or reasonable assistance for your disability.
Is discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal in PEI housing?
Yes, sexual orientation is a protected ground under the PEI Human Rights Act.
Can my landlord give me different rules because I have kids?
No, different treatment based on family status is illegal.
What if I need a grab bar or ramp installed?
Ask for this as an accommodation; the landlord must provide unless undue hardship.
Where can I complain if my landlord retaliates for a discrimination claim?
Report retaliation to the PEI Human Rights Commission and/or the Residential Tenancy Office.
Can I be discriminated against for my language or accent?
No, that would be discrimination based on national or ethnic origin.
What if I need to break my lease due to discrimination?
You may make an application to the Director for an early lease termination based on discrimination.
Can a landlord refuse rent subsidies like social assistance payments?
This may be considered discrimination; contact the PEI Human Rights Commission for advice.

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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 tenants everywhere.

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