Election Signage:

Question: Can my Ontario landlord stop me from putting an election campaign sign in my rented unit?

Answer: In Ontario, a tenant generally has the right under the Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, s. 322 to display election advertising posters for a preferred candidate on the premises covered by the lease, and a landlord cannot prohibit this, even if you rent;   the landlord may only impose reasonable conditions on the size or type of the posters and may prohibit election signs in common areas, but the right is limited to the rental unit (not areas outside your unit).   If your landlord is refusing or removing your sign, SFG Paralegal Services LLP can help you understand your options and next steps, call (888) 398-0121.

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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.