Real Estate Law Blog

Even during these unprecedented times, a strata corporation’s obligations continue. Strata councils face both the challenge of how to continue with their usual vital business, such as:

• holding annual general meetings (AGMs) or special general meetings (SGMs) to approve special levies for critical repairs and rising insurance costs
• making 2-5-10 warranty claims

In a recent decision (Dubas v. The Owners of Strata Plan VR. 92, 2019 BCCA 196), the BC Court of Appeal further clarified the strata wind-up process and intent of the strata wind-up provisions in Part 16 of the Strata Property Act.  In this important decision, the Court of Appeal confirmed that a strata corporation could list its property for sale by way of a simple majority ...

The B.C. Court of Appeal recently weighed in, for the first time, on the interpretation and application of the strata wind-up provisions in Part 16 of the Strata Property Act, (the “Act”).  This is the first appellate decision to consider this aspect of the Act.  It is an important decision because the court confirmed the validity of the practice and procedures for strata ...

Thinking of purchasing a strata lot to rent out on the short-term market? If so, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the applicable rental restrictions.

The popularity of short-term rentals such as Airbnb continues to soar, making them an increasingly attractive revenue stream for potential property investors.

In HighStreet Accommodations Ltd. v. The Owners ...

The British Columbia Law Institute published on September 1, 2016 its Consultation Paper on Complex Stratas seeking public comments on proposed reforms to the Strata Property Act and its regulations concerning sections, types, and phases.

The BCLI carries out scholarly research, writing and analysis for law reform, collaborating with government and other entities ...

On July 28, 2016 highly anticipated changes to the British Columbia Strata Property Act came into effect by regulation. The following news release from the government provides more information about these amendments.

Of key importance to strata corporations, developers and owners alike is the reduction in the voting threshold required to terminate a strata ...

On November 16, 2015 proposed changes to the British Columbia Strata Property Act in Bill 40-2015 were approved by the provincial legislature. These changes will come into effect after related regulatory changes are made, which is expected to occur in early 2016. This amendment, among other things, will make it easier for strata corporations to terminate their strata by ...

The B.C. Supreme Court recently issued a ruling in a strata property case involving second-hand smoke. Andrushko v The Owners Strata Plan KAS 1041 McIntosh Grove, 2015 BCSC 2445 will be of interest to strata councils and their advisors, who are increasingly being called upon to manage smoking-related disputes.

The case involved a strata complex located in Salmon Arm ...

Condominiums and the concept of strata title have now been in existence in BC since 1966 when the Strata Titles Act was enacted.  Given rising property values and increased densification, strata properties are likely to continue to be a significant part of the Lower Mainland real estate market. The issue currently facing many strata developments is their age and the rising ...

A proposed amendment to the British Columbia Strata Property Act was introduced in the provincial legislature on October 8, 2015 through Bill 40-2015.

Amongst other things, this proposed amendment will make it easier for owners to terminate or wind-up a strata corporation. Under the current Strata Property Act, a unanimous vote of all strata lot owners is required to ...