Writing a Condo Advertising Policy for Building Screens

If a building is going to sell advertising on its screens, the board needs a written policy before the first ad goes up. A policy protects the corporation, gives management clear rules to apply, and makes decisions consistent so no one can say they were treated unfairly.

This is a general outline, not legal advice. Have the corporation's lawyer review your policy, especially if it's adopted as a rule under the Condominium Act.

1. Purpose

A sentence or two: the screens exist primarily for building communication, and advertising is permitted on a limited basis to offset costs and serve residents.

2. Who may advertise

Options include:

• Residents and owners only
• Residents plus local businesses within a set distance
• Anyone, subject to approval

Be explicit about whether realtors, competing property managers or political organizations are eligible.

3. Prohibited content

Common exclusions:

• Political or election advertising
• Religious solicitation
• Adult content
• Tobacco, cannabis and vaping products
• Gambling
• Alcohol (or permitted with restrictions)
• Anything defamatory, discriminatory or misleading
• Content about specific residents or units
• Anything that competes with or criticizes the corporation's service providers (if the board chooses)

Also exclude anything that would breach Ontario's human rights protections or other laws.

4. Format

• Ads use the building's standard template
• Advertiser supplies text and a logo or image
• Maximum word count
• Clearly labelled as an advertisement

5. Approval

• Who approves (the property manager, a designated director, or both)
• Turnaround time for decisions
• The corporation's right to refuse any ad without giving reasons

6. Pricing and payment

• Rate card (by slot, by period)
• Discounts for residents, if any
• Payment in advance
• Refund policy if an ad is removed for breach (usually none)

See pricing ad slots.

7. Scheduling

• Maximum number of ad slots in the rotation
• Notices always take priority
• Ads may be paused for urgent building communication without refund

8. Removal

• The corporation may remove any ad at any time
• Grounds for removal (complaints, breach of policy, change in eligibility)

9. Liability

• Advertisers are responsible for their content and claims
• The corporation doesn't endorse any advertiser
• Advertiser indemnifies the corporation (have your lawyer word this)

10. Review

Commit to reviewing the policy after the first year.

Keep it short

A two-page policy that management can actually apply is better than a long one nobody reads. Adopt it, publish it to owners, and use it consistently.

See also how condo corporations can sell advertising.