LW residents must authorize all visitors, even political canvassers

NEWS UPDATE

Editor’s Note: In the Oct. 17 edition, a story incorrectly stated that political canvassers could enter LW without resident authorization. According to a review this week by the GRF’s attorney, LW residents must authorize entry for all guests, including political canvassers, and accompany them as they canvass the community, as explained in the story below.

In this election year, concerned LW residents are reporting that representatives of both political parties are knocking on registered voters’ doors to get out the vote.

But what are the laws and rules for Leisure World as a gated community?

Canvassing is allowed in LW, but any non-resident entering the community for this purpose must be an authorized guest of a resident. Unless they are registered guests, non-residents do not need to be provided access to LW for any political purposes based on Civil Code § 4515 and its protections on political activity performed by residents and members of a common interest development. Guest canvassers must be accompanied by their GRF host residents.

The GRF cannot legally keep authorized guests from entering this community and going door-to-door, but residents will need to provide gate access as with any visitor.

There is a difference between soliciting and canvassing. Citizens canvassing for political reasons are not selling items or asking for donations.