Election Signage:

Question:Can a landlord stop a tenant in Ontario from putting up election candidate signs in their rented unit?

Answer:Under the Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, section 322, a landlord can’t prohibit a tenant from displaying election advertising posters on the premises covered by the lease, and the right generally includes rented homes in Ontario; landlords may set reasonable conditions on size or type and can prohibit election signs in common areas, but they can’t ban tenant election signage inside the rental unit; for guidance on what counts as “reasonable” conditions and how to respond if you’re restricted, Benchmark Legal Offices can help with lawyer & paralegal support, call (289) 389-8840.

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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 Benchmark Legal Offices by phone at: (289) 389-8840 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.