Election Signage:

Question:In Ontario, can my landlord stop me from posting election candidate signs in my rental unit?

Answer:In Ontario, tenants generally have the right to display election advertising posters for a candidate on the premises covered by the lease, and a landlord cannot prohibit it except for reasonable limits on size or type and a ban on displaying signs in common areas; Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, s. 322.   If your landlord is restricting or removing your sign, Askew Paralegal Services paralegal services can help you understand your rights and next steps, including what restrictions are considered “reasonable,” so you can respond quickly.   Call (289) 439-4740 for a fast, practical consult focused on Ontario tenant election-sign issues.

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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 Askew Paralegal Services by phone at: (289) 439-4740 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.