Need to get out of a lease?
Breaking a lease in Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island sets periodic notice by the statute, publishes a family-violence exit and an illness or long-term-care exit that expressly reaches fixed terms, and is the one province with a discrimination exit.
How much notice for a periodic tenancy
A weekly tenancy ends not earlier than seven days after the landlord receives the notice, and on the day before rent is due (section 55(1)). A monthly or other periodic tenancy ends not earlier than one month after receipt, on the day before rent is due (section 55(2)).
Fixed term: can it end early?
For a fixed term, the end date must be both not earlier than one month after the landlord receives the notice and not earlier than the date specified in the tenancy agreement (section 55(3)). In plain terms there is no early exit from a fixed term outside the statutory routes.
Assignment and sublet
Under section 30, a sublet or assignment needs written consent, which a landlord shall not arbitrarily or unreasonably withhold, though it may be withheld where it would produce an unreasonable number of occupants. No fee beyond actual expenses is allowed. Where consent is unreasonably withheld, the tenant may apply to the Director within 10 days.
Prince Edward Island does not publish a deadline for the landlord to respond to a sublet or assignment request. That is not the same as saying there is no limit in law; it means no fixed number is published, so ask the rental office how long is reasonable in your case.
The violence exit
Under section 56, a tenant may end a tenancy by a notice effective not earlier than one month after the landlord receives it and on the day before rent is due, accompanied by either an emergency protection order, a victim assistance order, a peace bond or other court order, or a statement meeting the prescribed requirements. Family violence takes its meaning from the Victims of Family Violence Act.
If you are in danger, call 911. Support is also available across Canada through your local victim services.
Other published exits
- Illness or long-term-care exit (section 57), which expressly reaches fixed terms: reduced income through ill health; the person financially assisting the tenant becoming unable to through ill health; the tenant having to live with an ill family member; permanent admission to a long-term care facility; or the tenant's death. One month of notice with supporting evidence.
- Discrimination exit (section 56.1): a Human Rights Commission finding of discrimination against the landlord supports termination on one month of notice. Prince Edward Island appears to be the only province that publishes this route.
If your landlord is in breach
Where a landlord contravenes the Act, the tenant may apply to the Director under section 75 for an order, and terminating the tenancy agreement is one of the orders the Director can make (section 85(1)(o)).
Official sources
This page tells you what the published rules and documents are. It does not predict what a landlord will agree to or how a tribunal will decide. Following the correct route helps avoid owing rent you did not have to, but nothing here guarantees a particular result. For advice on your situation, contact your provincial tribunal or a paralegal or lawyer.
Common Questions
Can I break a fixed-term lease in PEI for illness or a move to care?
Yes. Section 57 expressly reaches fixed terms and covers reduced income through ill health, having to live with an ill family member, and permanent admission to a long-term care facility, on one month of notice with supporting evidence.
Does PEI let me end a lease if my landlord discriminated against me?
Prince Edward Island appears to be the only province that publishes this route. Under section 56.1, a Human Rights Commission finding of discrimination against the landlord supports termination on one month of notice.
Where to go from here
Guidepost is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information about the process for Prince Edward Island. The correct notice, documents, and route depend on your facts; for advice, contact your provincial tribunal or a paralegal or lawyer. Full disclaimer. Last updated: July 2026.