Election Signage:

Question:Can my landlord in Ontario stop me from posting an election sign for a candidate in my rental unit?

Answer:Yes, in Ontario a landlord generally cannot prohibit a tenant from displaying election advertising posters on the premises covered by the lease, and the right applies to rented units with only limited exceptions: the landlord can require reasonable size or type limits and can ban election posters in common areas of the building.   If you need help reviewing your lease terms or how to respond if your landlord removes your sign, VP Legal Services & Notary provides paralegal and notary services across Ontario, and you can call (437) 286-1499 for a free 1/4 hour consultation.

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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 VP Legal Services & Notary by phone at: (437) 286-1499 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.