To physically enforce an eviction order in Prince Edward Island, a landlord must use the services of the PEI Sheriff’s Office. As of May 2026, the standard government fee for enforcing an eviction order is $125 CAD, plus a mileage charge for the Sheriff’s travel to the rental property.
Winning your case at the Rental Office is only half the battle if the tenant refuses to leave the property. In Canada, self-eviction is completely illegal; landlords cannot change the locks, remove a tenant’s belongings, or shut off utilities on their own 🚫. Instead, you must rely on the legal authority of the PEI Sheriff’s Office to execute a Writ of Possession and safely restore the property to you.
Whether your rental unit is located in downtown Charlottetown, Summerside, or a rural PEI community, the process and fees remain standardized under the Court Fees Act. Understanding the cost of enforcing an IRAC eviction order will help you budget appropriately during a stressful tenancy dispute.
Step-by-Step Enforcement Process in Prince Edward Island
Enforcing an eviction is a formal legal procedure that involves the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island and the local Sheriff Services. The process ensures that the physical removal of a tenant is handled safely, professionally, and in accordance with the law .
Step 1: Obtaining the Final Order of Possession
Before you can contact the Sheriff, you must have a valid Order of Possession issued by the Director of Residential Rental Property. If the tenant does not voluntarily vacate the premises by the date specified in this order, you can proceed to the next step of enforcement.
Step 2: Filing at the Supreme Court
The Rental Office order must be filed with the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island to give it the same weight as a formal court judgment 📄. Once it is registered with the court, it grants the legal authority needed to remove the occupants from the property.
Step 3: Hiring the Sheriff’s Office
Take the filed order to the PEI Sheriff Services. You will need to pay the required enforcement fees upfront. The Sheriff will usually send a final Notice to Vacate to the tenant, giving them a brief window to leave voluntarily before the Sheriff arrives to physically execute the eviction.
How Much Does it Cost in Prince Edward Island?
The fees for Sheriff Services are strictly regulated by the provincial government. Landlords should prepare for the following expenses when enforcing an eviction:
- Sheriff Enforcement Fee: The base fee for enforcing an eviction order is currently $125 CAD.
- Mileage Costs: The Sheriff charges a travel fee based on official Treasury Board rates (usually around $0.50 to $0.60 CAD per kilometre) for travel from the courthouse to the rental property.
- Locksmith Fees: The landlord is responsible for hiring and paying a locksmith to attend the eviction and change the locks, which typically costs between $100 and $200 CAD.
- Moving and Storage: If the tenant leaves belongings behind, the landlord may be required to store them for a specific period, adding potential moving and storage expenses.
| Enforcement Expense | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Who Pays? |
|---|---|---|
| Sheriff Base Fee | $125 | Landlord (Upfront) |
| Sheriff Mileage | Varies by distance | Landlord (Upfront) |
| Locksmith Services | $100 – $200 | Landlord |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Once you provide the Order of Possession to the Sheriff’s Office, it typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to complete the physical eviction 🕙. The exact timeline depends on the Sheriff’s current workload and the specific location of the property in PEI. The Sheriff always attempts to give the tenant a final warning to leave peacefully before scheduling the physical removal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the police evict a tenant in PEI?
No, local police departments do not handle residential evictions. Only the PEI Sheriff Services has the legal authority to execute an Order of Possession and remove a tenant.
Can I change the locks myself once the date passes?
Absolutely not. Changing the locks without the Sheriff present is considered an illegal eviction. You could face heavy fines and be ordered to let the tenant back into the property.
Do I get my Sheriff fees back from the tenant?
It is possible to pursue the tenant for the enforcement costs through Small Claims Court, but collecting the money can be difficult if the tenant has no assets or income.
What happens to the tenant’s abandoned belongings?
Under the PEI Residential Tenancy Act, you must follow specific rules for storing and disposing of abandoned property. You cannot simply throw their items on the curb immediately after the eviction.
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