If you are a tenant in Prince Edward Island and face threats, harassment or violence from another tenant, your immediate safety and clear documentation are most important. This page explains practical steps renters can take right away, how to notify your landlord and the provincial authority, what official forms and evidence to gather, and where to find help. The guidance is written for tenants and renters — plain language, supportive, and aimed at preserving safety while protecting tenancy rights in PEI. If you are in immediate danger call emergency services first; otherwise follow the reporting and documentation steps below to make complaints effective and timely.
Immediate safety steps
When violence or credible threats occur, prioritize safety: remove yourself from immediate danger, call the police if needed, and seek medical attention for injuries. If you can, move to a safe room, contact trusted neighbours, and consider temporary relocation. After any incident, collect evidence and record times, dates and witness names.
- Call 911 immediately if you are in danger or the situation is violent.
- Document each incident with dates, times, photos, screenshots, and names of witnesses where possible.
- Tell your landlord or property manager in writing about the incident and keep a copy.
- Preserve any physical evidence and avoid altering the scene when possible.
Reporting, formal complaints and provincial authority
After ensuring safety, tenants can report incidents to the police and file a complaint with the provincial tenancy authority or board that handles residential tenancy disputes in PEI. The Residential Tenancies Board handles disputes and orders related to harassment and other tenancy breaches in Prince Edward Island [1]. The province's Residential Tenancies Act sets the legal rules for landlord and tenant obligations and remedies [2]. Use the official complaint or application forms listed by the province when asking for orders or remedies [3].
How to tell your landlord
When notifying your landlord, be factual and concise. Include dates, times, witnesses and copies of any photos or messages. Ask for confirmation in writing that they received your complaint and what steps they will take.
- Send the landlord a written report (email or registered letter) describing the incidents and attaching evidence.
- Keep a copy of your message and any responses from the landlord.
- If the landlord does not act, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Board for orders to stop harassment.
Documentation and evidence
Good evidence makes complaints effective. Use a simple log with dates and times, keep photos, screenshots of messages, and statements from witnesses. If you need repairs related to damage from violent incidents, document those costs and requests.
Legal remedies and hearings
In PEI, tenants may ask the Residential Tenancies Board for orders to stop harassment, require repairs, or in urgent cases request early termination of the tenancy to protect safety. Hearings can result in orders requiring behaviour changes, eviction of the offending tenant, or compensation for costs. If criminal conduct occurred, police involvement proceeds separately from tenancy proceedings.
- You can apply to the tenancy board for a hearing to seek orders or remedies related to harassment or safety issues.
- Be mindful of filing deadlines and timelines the board gives for evidence and responses.
- Bring your evidence (logs, photos, witness statements) to the hearing and provide copies as instructed.
For practical help with preparing a written complaint, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide for templates and tips on presenting evidence to a landlord or board.
When to consider moving or finding alternate housing
If you cannot feel safe in your unit and the landlord or board cannot secure an immediate solution, plan a safe move. Look for temporary options with family, friends, shelters or alternative rentals. You can search listings and compare options online to relocate quickly: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- What should I do if another tenant threatens or assaults me?
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger, seek medical care if needed, document the incident with photos and dates, notify the landlord in writing, and consider filing a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Board [1].
- Can a landlord evict a tenant for violent behaviour?
- Yes. Landlords can seek orders through the Residential Tenancies Board to evict or remove a tenant for serious breaches such as violence or threats. Criminal charges can also apply separately.
- How do I file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Board?
- Gather your evidence, complete the official complaint or application form available from the province, submit it as instructed, and attend any scheduled hearing. See the province's forms page for step-by-step guidance [3].
How-To
- Gather evidence: create a dated incident log, take photos, save messages and collect witness names.
- Report immediate danger to police (call 911) and get medical care if needed.
- Notify your landlord in writing describing incidents and attaching evidence; request a formal response.
- Complete the Residential Tenancies complaint/application form from the provincial site and submit it to the board.
- Attend the hearing, bring copies of your evidence, and follow board directions after the decision.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Board — Government of Prince Edward Island
- Residential Tenancies Act — Government of Prince Edward Island
- Tenancy complaint and application forms — Government of Prince Edward Island
