What should I do if I discover pests in my rental unit?
Contact your landlord immediately and tell the landlord there are pests in your rental unit. A landlord cannot fix the pest problem until they know about the problem. Provide your landlord with a reasonable period of time to investigate the issue and to take steps treating the pests.
I have told my landlord about the pest problem and they are not doing anything to treat the pests. What can I do?
Contact the Department of Environmental Health at 902-368-4970 and tell them about the pest problem. Environmental Health may complete an inspection of the rental unit and issue a letter to the landlord detailing the steps the landlord needs to take to treat the pest problem. The Rental Office will receive a copy of this letter.
My landlord continues to ignore the pest problem. What can I do?
You can file an application with the Rental Office seeking an Order requiring the landlord take steps to eliminate the pests. If you are unable to use your rental unit because of the pests, you may also apply to the Rental Office for a return of rent. Keep copies of all communication from Environmental Health to use as evidence if needed later at a hearing.
Who should complete the pest control treatment?
A licensed pest control company should complete the pest control treatment. Environmental Health does not complete pest control treatment.
Who pays for the pest control treatment?
The landlord pays for the pest control treatment. If the landlord can prove that the tenant is responsible for the pest control problem, they may try and keep the security deposit for this cost.
I do not know what type of pest is in my rental unit. Who can help identify the pest?
You can contact the Charlottetown Research and Development Centre at 902-370-1400 for their assistance in identifying the pest.