Election Signage:

Question: Can a landlord legally restrict a tenant from posting election candidate signs or posters in Ontario?

Answer:   Melville Legal can help you understand your rights under the Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, s. 322, which generally prohibits a landlord from banning a tenant from displaying election advertising posters on the leased premises, though the landlord may set reasonable conditions about size or type and may prohibit posters in common areas; in practice, election signage is usually permitted within the tenant’s rented unit, so if you were told to remove it or move it off-limits, you should document the request and ask a paralegal at Melville Legal about next steps by calling (289) 981-7712. 

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.