Election Signage:

Question: Can a landlord in Ontario stop a tenant from posting election candidate signs in their rental unit?

Answer: In Ontario, tenants generally have the right to display election advertising posters to promote a preferred candidate in the leased premises, and a landlord can only impose reasonable limits on size or type or may prohibit election signs in common areas; under Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, s. 322, a landlord may not prohibit a tenant from displaying such posters on the premises to which the lease relates, so if Olson Craig Legal is helping you with a sign dispute, Ontario lawyer and paralegal support can help you understand your rights and next steps.   Call (226) 886-2001 to book guidance with Olson Craig Legal.

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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.

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.