What PEI Tenants Should Do If a Landlord Enters Without Notice

If you’re renting in Prince Edward Island, unexpected landlord visits can be stressful and feel like an invasion of privacy. Tenants in PEI have specific rights protecting their home and personal space under provincial law. Knowing exactly when and how your landlord can enter your unit, and what steps to take if they disregard these laws, is key to maintaining a safe and respectful tenancy.

Your Right to Privacy: Landlord Entry Rules in PEI

Under the Prince Edward Island Rental of Residential Property Act^[1], landlords cannot enter your rental unit whenever they wish. There are strict rules about when and how they can enter:

• 24-hour written notice: Landlords must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit for routine repairs, inspections, or showings.
• Hours of entry: They can only enter between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless you agree otherwise.
• Emergency exception: In genuine emergencies (like fire or flooding), landlords may enter without notice to protect property or safety.

Any entry that does not meet these requirements may be considered an illegal entry and a violation of your tenant rights.

What Counts as Written Notice?

Written notice should clearly state:

• Why the landlord wants to enter
• The date and approximate time
• Your address

Ask for the notice in person, by mail, or electronically—so long as it’s in writing.

What to Do If Your Landlord Shows Up Unannounced

If your landlord enters your home without proper notice and there’s no emergency:

• Politely but firmly remind them of PEI's 24-hour notice law.
• Document the incident: write down the date, time, what happened, and any witnesses.
• Communicate your concerns in writing (email or letter) and request they follow legal notification rules going forward.
• If it happens again, or if you feel harassed, consider making a formal complaint to the Residential Tenancy Office.

Filing a Complaint in Prince Edward Island

If your landlord keeps entering without notice, you have options to seek help. The Residential Property Rental Office is the provincial tribunal that handles landlord-tenant disputes in PEI.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Application to Director (Form 2): Use this form to request a hearing regarding a landlord violating entry laws.
  Access the official form and filing instructions at: Application to Director (Form 2).
  Example: If your landlord enters your unit without notice more than once, fill out Form 2, detail the incidents, and file it with the Residential Property Rental Office.

Understanding Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Both parties have important rights and obligations. You’re expected to allow reasonable entry for valid reasons—but only after proper notice. Your landlord must respect your privacy and follow the law. For more on these duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If disputes about property access are ongoing, it often signals communication breakdowns or larger problems—see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for further guidance.

What Happens Next?

If the Residential Property Rental Office finds your landlord entered illegally, they may order the landlord to stop, compensate you, or in serious cases, allow you to end your tenancy without penalty.

For a full overview of local tenant law and landlord matters, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

To browse apartment and house rentals where your rights are respected, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord come in if I’m not home but left written permission?
   If you’ve given explicit written permission (email or letter) for a specific entry, your landlord can enter during the agreed time even if you’re not there.
2. What if my landlord only gave verbal notice?
   Verbal notice does not satisfy PEI’s legal requirements—a written notice is required except in an emergency.
3. Can my landlord enter for showings to new tenants or buyers?
   Yes, but they must still give at least 24 hours’ written notice each time they want to show the unit.
4. Is there a penalty or fine for illegal entry?
   The PEI Rental Office may order your landlord to stop, award you compensation, or in serious situations, allow you to end your lease early, but fines are rare unless court-ordered.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Property Rental Office: Handles tenant-landlord disputes and lease violations. Phone: 902-368-4832
• Community Legal Information PEI: Offers free legal guidance for tenants. Website: www.legalinfopei.ca
• PEI Tenant Guide: Practical information on rental laws and forms. PEI Rental Brochure

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1. Rental of Residential Property Act (PEI)
2. Residential Property Rental Office (official tribunal)
3. Application to Director (Form 2) (official form for tenant complaints)

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