Election Signage:

Question:Can my Ontario landlord stop me from putting election candidate signs in my rented unit?

Answer:Lippa Legal Services can help you understand your right to display election advertising posters in your rented premises in Ontario, including when a landlord claims you cannot post them.   Under the Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, s. 322, a landlord may not prohibit you from displaying election advertising posters on the premises covered by your lease, though they may set reasonable size or type conditions and generally prohibit posters in common areas of the building.   To stay within the law, place signs only in areas you legally occupy (such as inside your unit) and comply with any reasonable, consistent limits on size/type set by the landlord.   For guidance specific to your lease and the sign location, call (416) 241-4529.

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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 Lippa Legal Services by phone at: (416) 241-4529 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.