Election Signage:

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

Answer: Forseti Legal Services can help you understand your tenant right to display election advertising posters in your leased premises, and a landlord generally cannot prohibit this under Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, s. 322(1).  The law allows only reasonable conditions on size or type, and a ban on posters in common areas, not inside your rented unit.  If your landlord is restricting or removing your signs, contact Forseti Legal Services at (705) 806-7577 for a quick 15-minute intake and next-step guidance.

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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 Forseti Legal Services by phone at: (705) 806-7577 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.