Election Signage:

Question:Can my Ontario landlord stop me from putting a federal election candidate sign in my rental unit?

Answer:Under Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, s. 322, a landlord may not prohibit a tenant from displaying election advertising posters on the premises covered by the lease (with only limited, reasonable limits on size or type and a ban on common areas).   That means your campaign sign can typically stay on your rented unit, but the landlord can require it not be placed in building common areas or outside the leased space.   If you are dealing with a notice, demand, or ongoing dispute, Legacy Legal Services can help legal professionals and tenants understand what is allowed and what to respond with; call (226) 246-3825 for guidance in Ontario.

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Tenants Have a Right to Use a Sign to Promote an Election Candidate

In Canada, as a free and democratic society, all persons may choose to support a particular candidate in an election; and, with very few exceptions, post signage in promotion of a preferred candidate upon the premises that such persons occupy.  This right expressly includes persons occupying rented premises; and accordingly, a landlord is forbidden from restricting the posting of election signs by a tenant.

Note: Please contact Legacy Legal Services by phone at: (226) 246-3825 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

The Law

The Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, Chapter 9 prescribes the protection provided to a tenant who wishes to advertise or promote a favoured candidate.  Specifically, the Canada Elections Act states:

Conclusion

A landlord may restrict election posters or signs to a reasonable size.  Additionally, a tenant holds the right to place a poster or sign only within the rental unit; and accordingly, a landlord may forbid posters or signs from being placed upon areas beyond the rental unit occupied by the tenant.