What To Do If Your Landlord Won’t Make Repairs in PEI

Dealing with unaddressed repairs in your rental unit can be stressful. If you’re a tenant in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and your landlord isn’t handling necessary repairs, it’s important to know your rights, steps to take, and where to turn for support. This guide breaks down the official process under PEI’s Rental of Residential Property Act and helps you keep your home safe and comfortable.

Your Right to a Safe and Decent Home

In PEI, landlords must provide and maintain rental properties in good repair and fit for habitation. This is more than just fixing leaks — it covers everything needed to make your home safe and meet health standards.

• Heating, plumbing, and electrical systems must work
• Structural elements (walls, floors, roofs) must be secure
• Pest infestations and mold must be addressed
• Appliances provided in the lease must be kept in working order

If your rental becomes unsafe or uncomfortable due to disrepair, you have the legal right to request repairs.

How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord

Start by notifying your landlord about the repairs needed, preferably in writing (email or letter), clearly describing the issue and when it started. Keep a copy for your own records.

Under PEI law, your landlord must respond to reasonable repair requests in a timely way. For urgent health or safety issues, responses must be swift and adequate.

When Landlords Don’t Act: Next Steps for PEI Tenants

If your landlord ignores your request or doesn’t make repairs after a reasonable period, follow these steps:

1. Follow Up: Send a second written reminder and request a reply by a certain date.
2. Contact Local Inspection Authorities: For health/safety threats (like severe mold or non-working heat), reach out to the environmental health office or local fire inspector. They can assess and may issue an order to your landlord if the rental violates housing standards.
   Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting has more details.
3. Apply to the Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property: This is PEI’s official tenancy dispute tribunal, responsible for enforcing the law and hearing tenant complaints. Visit the Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property for information and forms.

Filing a Repair Complaint: PEI Forms and How to Use Them

• Form 2 – Application by Tenant to Director
  When to use: If your landlord doesn’t make necessary repairs after you’ve asked and followed up, complete Form 2 to apply to the Office of the Director.
  Example: You’ve reported a broken heater and nothing is fixed after two weeks. You fill out Form 2, attach documentation, and file it.
  View official Form 2 here.
• Form 6 – Complaint to Environmental Health
  When to use: For major health risks (like dangerous mold or sewage leaks), you can also report to Environmental Health using the Rental Housing Complaints Form. This can speed up enforcement for immediate dangers.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

The Office of the Director will review your application and may schedule a hearing. Both you and your landlord will have a chance to present evidence. If the Director agrees the repairs are needed, they can order your landlord to complete the work by a certain deadline. Landlords who ignore such orders may face penalties or further legal action.

For routine, non-emergency repair issues, see more in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

While you can’t usually withhold rent because of uncompleted repairs in PEI, documenting your efforts and following official processes protects you legally. Be sure to:

• Pay rent in full and on time throughout the process
• Do not arrange major repairs yourself and deduct from rent, unless allowed by a formal order
• Keep all correspondence and photos for your records

More information about landlord and tenant obligations can be found in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. For an overview of all PEI-specific rules and rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

FAQ: Repairs and Tenant Rights in PEI

1. Can I stop paying rent if repairs aren't done?
   No, PEI law requires tenants to continue paying rent. Use the official complaint process to resolve repair disputes.
2. What if the repair is an emergency (like no heat in winter)?
   Start with urgent notice to your landlord. Contact local health/fire inspectors. In emergencies, use Form 2 and notify authorities quickly for faster response.
3. Who do I contact for health or safety hazards?
   Contact Environmental Health using the Rental Housing Complaints Form, and also inform the Office of the Director.
4. Can I do repairs myself and bill the landlord?
   Only if the Director orders it, or if specifically allowed in your lease agreement. Otherwise, unauthorized deductions or repairs could breach your lease.
5. What documents should I keep when requesting repairs?
   Save copies of letters, emails, photos, inspection results, and any complaints or responses—these are essential if your dispute goes to the Director.

Key Takeaways

• Your landlord in PEI is legally required to keep your rental safe and in good repair.
• Document all repair requests and give your landlord a chance to fix the issue before filing a complaint.
• For unresolved repairs, use Form 2 to apply to the Office of the Director for help—and keep paying your rent throughout the process.

If you need to search for a new rental in PEI or across Canada, try Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a simple way to explore available listings.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants in Prince Edward Island

• Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property – PEI (forms, complaints, dispute resolution)
• PEI Environmental Health: Rental Housing Complaint Form
• Rental of Residential Property Act – PEI
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island

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1. Rental of Residential Property Act (PEI): See legislation
2. Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property, PEI: See tribunal
3. Form 2 — Application by Tenant to Director: See official form
4. PEI Environmental Health Complaint Form: See form

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