Election Signage:

Question: Can my landlord stop me from putting election candidate signs in my rented unit in Canada?

Answer: Yes, in most cases a landlord cannot prohibit you from displaying election advertising posters on the premises covered by your lease, and the Canada Elections Act protects this tenant right (see Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, s. 322).   You can also be subject to reasonable conditions on size or type of posters, and the landlord may prohibit posting in common areas, but you still generally may display within your rented unit.   If you are facing a sign restriction or eviction-related threat, Case in Point Paralegal Services can help you understand your options as a paralegal, call (519) 318-7843 for 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.

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.