Election Signage:

Question: Can a landlord stop me, as an Ontario tenant, from posting election candidate signs in my rented unit?

Answer: If you are in Ontario and a landlord tries to block you from displaying an election candidate sign, a paralegal at Vagans Legal can help you understand your rights under Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9 (section 322), which generally prohibits a landlord from prohibiting a tenant from displaying election advertising posters in the premises covered by the lease, while still allowing reasonable conditions on size or type and allowing restrictions in common areas.  A common practical approach is to confirm what areas you can use (your unit versus common areas) and whether the landlord’s rule is truly “reasonable,” then we can help you respond quickly and clearly so you can get back to supporting the candidate you chose by calling (416) 473-8472.

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.