Election Campaigns in Condominiums: Rights, Obligations, and Best Practices

When democracy and condominium living must coexist

The federal election campaign has officially begun, and Canadians will head to the polls on April 28. While this period is essential to democratic life, it can sometimes create tension within condominium buildings.

Posting election signs, door-to-door visits by candidates or their representatives, requests for building access… These situations often raise questions—or even conflicts—when they clash with internal bylaws or residents’ expectations.

In this article, SolutionCondo reminds you of the rights outlined in the Canada Elections Act, and offers practical advice on how to manage these situations with clarity and respect—for the benefit of all residents.

Election signage: What the law says

The Canada Elections Act is clear: a condo syndicate (condominium board) cannot prohibit an owner from displaying an election sign on their private property.

Clarification on limited common areas:

These are often the places where owners might want to post signs (e.g., balconies, windows). Elections Canada states:

“Common areas” refer to areas that can be used by all building occupants and their visitors (e.g., the lobby, hallways, stairwells). This term does not apply to places that are part of a dwelling and are not accessible to other residents, such as balconies.

So, it should be understood that Elections Canada considers limited common elements serving only the specific condo unit as equivalent to private residential property.

Section 322(1) – No person, including a legal entity such as a condo syndicate, may prohibit a condo unit owner from placing an election sign on their property.

However, the law does allow the syndicate to impose reasonable conditions regarding:

• The size and type of sign
• The prohibition of signage in common areas, both interior and exterior (lobby, elevator, garage entrance, etc.)

Important reminder: The bylaws in your condo declaration cannot override existing laws. During an election period, the right to post signage prevails, even if internal rules normally forbid all signage.

Special notice for heritage buildings (provincial law):

Section 259.4 – No election-related signage may be placed on a classified heritage building or in a designated heritage site as defined by the Cultural Heritage Act (Chapter P-9.002), or in a site designated as a national heritage site under that law.

Door-to-door canvassing: A protected right

Section 81 of the Canada Elections Act also provides the right of access to multi-unit residential buildings, including condominiums.

Candidates and their representatives are allowed, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., to:

• Go door-to-door
• Access common areas (lobbies, hallways) to campaign during this time window

This right applies only from the moment their candidacy is officially accepted until election day.

Representatives must carry documentation confirming their status and may also have a letter signed by the candidate confirming that they are acting on their behalf.

Exceptions: Very limited cases

There is only one exception to this access right: if there is a real risk to the physical or psychological health of residents due to the presence of candidates or representatives.

This exception must be based on concrete facts and cannot be invoked simply because some residents are bothered by solicitors.

Best practices for a “Friction-Free” electoral campaign

To balance democratic rights with good condominium neighborliness, consider the following tips:

• Inform residents by email or posters when a candidate announces a visit
• Brief doormen, security personnel, or concierges on the applicable legal framework
• Apply rules fairly, without discrimination between parties or candidates
• Update internal procedures in preparation for election periods

In Case of disputes or abuse

Any resident, manager, or condo syndicate may file a complaint with the Commissioner of Canada Elections if a right protected by the Elections Act is violated.

Commissioner of Canada Elections

In Conclusion

Electoral campaigns are an integral part of democratic life, and condominiums are no exception. By understanding legal obligations and adopting a transparent approach, condo syndicates can help ensure everyone’s rights are respected—while maintaining a climate of respect and safety within their buildings.

---

To Learn More: Consult the Canada Elections Act

The Elections Act outlines rights regarding signage and access during election periods.

Consult the Act on the Justice Canada website

Relevant Sections:

• Section 81 – Candidate access to residential buildings
• Section 322 – Posting election signs

---

FAQ – Managing Electoral Campaigns in Condominiums

Q: Can election signs be banned from condo windows or balconies?

A: No. Even if the condo bylaws prohibit signage, a syndicate cannot prevent an owner from displaying an election sign on their private unit (Section 322).

Q: Can a candidate be denied access for door-to-door visits?

A: No, except in very specific situations. Candidates and their reps have the right to access unit doors and common areas between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. once their candidacy is confirmed (Section 81).

Q: Can the syndicate be held responsible in case of a complaint?

A: Yes. If rights under the Elections Act are violated, a complaint can be filed with the Commissioner of Canada Elections.

Q: Can we require candidates to give prior notice of their visit?

A: No. The Act does not require prior notice, but it is recommended to inform residents when possible, to maintain a calm atmosphere.

Sandrine Boisselier
Director of Marketing 

and

Rebecca Gillis
Legal Affairs Manager

---

Maintenance Log: Focus on the Substructure

In my previous article titled “The ABCs of a maintenance log”, I covered the basics of managing a maintenance log for condominiums. Today, we’ll take a deeper look at a crucial part of this log: the substructure (A). The substructure of a building is one of the most critical components to ensure its stability and durability. It primarily includes the foundations and basement construction, which play a key role in supporting the building.

As part of the maintenance log, it is essential to regularly monitor these components to prevent structural issues and ensure the safety of the occupants. This article explores the substructure in detail and provides practical advice for its upkeep.

Foundations (A10)

Types of foundations

Foundations are the base upon which the entire building rests. There are several types of foundations, each suited to specific soil conditions and structural loads. Standard foundations include strip footings, isolated footings, and slab-on-grade. Special foundations can include piles, caissons, and deep foundations, often used on unstable ground or for very heavy structures.

Inspection and maintenance of foundations

Regular inspection of foundations is essential to detect signs of deterioration such as cracks, settlement, or water infiltration. Here are some key steps for foundation inspection and maintenance:

• Visual inspection: Check for cracks, deformation, or signs of moisture. Use a flashlight to inspect hard-to-reach areas.
• Load testing: Conduct load tests to verify the bearing capacity of foundations, especially if structural modifications have been made.
• Crack repair: Use sealing products to repair cracks and prevent water infiltration.
• Drainage: Ensure the drainage system around the foundations is functional to avoid water accumulation.

Basement Construction (A20)

Excavation

Excavation is the first step in basement construction. It must be carried out precisely to avoid settlement and ensure the stability of basement walls. Precautions include checking soil conditions, using appropriate excavation techniques, and installing temporary supports if needed.

Basement walls

Basement walls should be inspected regularly to detect signs of deterioration and ensure their integrity. Key inspection points include:

• Construction materials: Basement walls can be made from various materials such as reinforced concrete, concrete blocks, masonry, or stone. Each material has its own characteristics and requires specific inspection.
• Cracks and deformations: Look for cracks, deformations, or signs of moisture. Cracks can indicate structural problems or water infiltration.
• Insulation and waterproofing: Check the condition of waterproofing membranes and insulation to prevent water infiltration and heat loss. Damaged membranes should be repaired or replaced.
• Drainage: Ensure that the drainage systems around basement walls are functional to avoid water buildup and moisture issues.

Maintenance Procedures

Regular inspections

Regular inspection of the substructure is crucial to detect problems before they become serious. Here are some steps for effective inspection:

• Planning: Establish a regular inspection schedule, taking seasons and weather conditions into account.
• Documentation: Use documentation tools to record observations and performed actions.
• Professionals: Hire qualified professionals to perform thorough inspections and load tests.
• Repairs and preventive maintenance

Repairs and preventive maintenance are essential to extend the life of the substructure. It is highly recommended to consult experts to ensure effective and safe interventions. Here are some practical tips:

• Crack repair: Use sealing products and appropriate repair techniques to treat cracks and deformations. Consult an expert to determine the best repair methods.
• Reinforcement: If necessary, reinforce foundations and basement walls with additional materials or advanced construction techniques. An expert can advise on best practices.
• Drainage: Ensure that drainage systems are functional and well-maintained to prevent moisture problems. A professional can inspect and improve the drainage system if needed.

Documentation in the Maintenance Log

Recording interventions

It is essential to document all inspections, repairs, and interventions in the maintenance log. Here are some tips for effective documentation:

• Intervention details: Record the details of each intervention, including date, observations, actions taken, and materials used.
• Photos and videos: Use photos and videos to illustrate identified issues and completed repairs.
• Follow-up: Set up a follow-up system to ensure that identified problems are addressed quickly and effectively.

Using UNIFORMAT II

UNIFORMAT II is a construction element classification standard that structures information in a consistent and systematic way. Here’s how to use it in the maintenance log:

• Categorization: Classify substructure elements according to UNIFORMAT II categories for efficient management.
• Standardization: Use standardized terms to describe interventions and observations, making communication and understanding easier.
• Analysis: Use the collected data to analyze trends and plan future interventions.

Conclusion

The substructure of a building is a fundamental component that requires special attention in the maintenance log. By following regular inspection, repair, and documentation procedures, condominium managers can ensure the stability and longevity of their buildings. Using UNIFORMAT II helps structure information consistently, making management and communication easier. By integrating these practices into the maintenance log, managers can prevent structural issues and ensure occupant safety.

Our team can assist you in finding the right expert and ensure that your maintenance log remains up to date through the UpperBee platform. Contact us for more information !

Sébastien St-Pierre
Director of the Technical Department

---