Election Signage:

Question:Can my landlord stop me from posting a political candidate election sign in my rented unit in Ontario?

Answer:In Ontario, tenants generally may display election advertising posters for a candidate on the leased premises, and a landlord is not allowed to prohibit you from doing so except with limited, reasonable limits on size or type and restrictions on signs in common areas; the Canada Elections Act protects this right, including at Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, s. 322.   If your landlord is banning or removing your election sign, Anderson Aylwin Begg & Co. paralegal team can review your lease and the specific restriction being imposed and help you respond quickly with practical, Ontario-focused next steps.   Call (905) 686-8080 to book a FREE 1/4-hour consultation.

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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 Anderson Aylwin Begg & Co. by phone at: (905) 686-8080 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.