What to Do If Your Landlord Raises Rent Without Notice in PEI

If you're a tenant in Prince Edward Island and your landlord raises your rent without proper notice, it's important to understand your legal protections and the steps you can take. PEI has strict rules about how rent increases must be handled, designed to protect both tenants and landlords. This guide explains your rights, recent legislation updates, the official complaint process, and practical tenant-focused action steps for resolving rent hikes without notice.

Understanding Rent Increase Rules in Prince Edward Island

In PEI, all rent increases must comply with the Rental of Residential Property Act and its regulations. Landlords must provide tenants with at least three months' written notice before raising the rent. The notice must:

• Be given in the correct written form
• State the new rent amount and the date it takes effect
• Be delivered to the tenant personally or via another approved method

There are also limits on how much rent can be increased each year. Each year, the provincial government sets a maximum allowable rent increase, which landlords cannot exceed without seeking special approval from the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC). For 2024, the guideline and instructions can be found on the IRAC rent increases page.^[1]

What If You Didn't Receive Official Notice?

If a landlord demands a rent increase without delivering official written notice—or increases by more than the guideline without approval—the increase is not valid under the law. You are not legally required to pay the higher rent until proper notice has been given. If you are unsure about the situation, you can confirm your rights on the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island page.

Common Tenant Issues With Improper Rent Hikes

Improperly-issued rent increases are a common source of disputes. In some cases, tenants feel pressured to pay higher rent right away, even when the landlord's request is not valid. Before paying any new amount, be sure you:

• Review your current lease or tenancy agreement
• Check the date and type of notice you received
• Confirm the increase is within the annual guideline and that proper notice was given

For more information on related problems, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Steps Should You Take If Your Rent Was Increased Without Proper Notice?

It's important to act quickly if you receive an improper rent increase. Here are the main steps PEI tenants should follow:

• Do not pay the increased amount until valid notice is given and the increase is legal
• Notify your landlord in writing that you did not get proper notice
• Contact the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) for clarification or to file a complaint
• File the correct complaint form if needed (see below)
• Seek additional help if the dispute escalates

Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) is the tribunal responsible for residential tenancy matters in PEI. They handle rent increase disputes, complaints, and other tenancy issues.

Official Forms: Filing a Complaint About an Invalid Rent Increase

• Form 6 – Application by Tenant: This is the main form tenants use to dispute a rent increase, request a review, or address other landlord actions. Submit Form 6 to IRAC with details about the disputed rent increase.
  • Access and download the form on the official Form 6 page.
  
  Example: Sara receives a handwritten note under her door stating her rent will go up by $100 next month. She did not receive three months’ notice and the increase is above PEI’s guideline for the year. She completes Form 6, attaches a copy of the note, and explains her concerns to IRAC.
• Form 2 – Notice of Increase in Rent: While this is actually the form landlords must use to provide proper rent increase notice, tenants should recognize the format to check validity. If you receive a rent increase notice that does not use Form 2, or is not completed correctly, it may not be valid. See the official Form 2 here.

What to Expect After Submitting a Complaint

After you file with IRAC, they will review your application and notify both you and your landlord about next steps. There may be a hearing to discuss the issue. Tenants do not need legal representation, but should bring documentation, copies of forms, and any communication about the rent increase.

Standing Up for Your Rights as a Tenant

Challenging a rent increase can feel stressful, but Prince Edward Island’s legal system is designed to protect tenants from unfair practices. You have the right to remain in your home and pay only your original rent amount until a lawful notice is issued and all legal requirements are met.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent Increases in PEI

1. How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase in PEI?
   Landlords must provide tenants with at least three months' written notice, using the correct form, before increasing rent.
2. What if I already paid the higher rent by mistake?
   If the rent increase was not valid, you may be entitled to recover the difference. Contact IRAC to review your specific case.
3. Can my landlord raise the rent by any amount?
   No. Annual rent increases are limited to a government-set guideline unless the landlord applies for and receives special approval from IRAC.
4. Who reviews rental disputes in Prince Edward Island?
   The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) handles all residential tenancy complaints, including improper rent increases.
5. Do I have to move out if I don’t pay an invalid rent increase?
   No. You have the right to remain in your home while a dispute is resolved, provided you continue to pay your original rent amount as required by your lease.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in PEI

• Landlords must provide three months’ written notice on the correct form for any rent increase.
• Do not pay an invalid increase—act quickly to document and challenge it.
• Use official forms, maintain records, and reach out to IRAC if needed.

Learning your rights—and how to assert them—can help you maintain control and stability in your rental home. For more details on your rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) – Tenancy Division: Questions, complaints, and official forms for all residential tenancy issues in PEI.
• PEI Government: Residential Rental Property Information: Guides, forms, and updates on tenancy law for tenants and landlords.
• Legal aid or tenant services: Call Legal Aid PEI or local tenants’ associations for support.

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1. Rental of Residential Property Act (Prince Edward Island)
2. IRAC: Rent Increases in PEI
3. Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (Tenancy Division)
4. PEI Government Residential Rental Property

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