Election Signage:

Question: Can a landlord stop me from posting a federal or provincial election sign on my rented unit in Ontario?

Answer:
Legacy Legal Services can help tenants in Ontario understand their rights to display election advertising posters on leased premises, including the rule in Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, s. 322: landlords cannot prohibit a tenant from displaying election advertising posters on the premises covered by the lease, although they may set reasonable conditions on size or type and may bar posters in common areas. If your landlord is trying to remove your sign, limit it in a way that is not reasonable, or restrict it from your unit, call (226) 246-3825 to discuss your situation with legal professionals at Legacy Legal Services and get clear next steps based on the facts.

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.

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.