Election Signage:

Question: Can a Hamilton or Toronto landlord stop me, as a tenant in Ontario, from putting up election signs for my preferred candidate in my rented unit?

Answer: Askew Paralegal Services can help tenants in Ontario understand the right to display election advertising posters, because the Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, at section 322 protects tenants from a landlord prohibiting election signs on the leased premises, though landlords may impose reasonable conditions on size and type and may ban signs in common areas; to discuss your situation and get next steps, call (289) 439-4740 and ask a paralegal about how to respond if your landlord refuses your election signage.

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.