Living in a Strata

 

Strata living is a popular choice in B.C. In fact more than one million people live in stratas in B.C. Living in strata housing has unique roles and responsibilities; it is not the same as renting an apartment or owning a home which is not part of a strata corporation.

 

Strata Legislation Applies to All Stratas

 

Strata living requires owners and residents to follow the Strata Property Act, regulations and the strata corporation’s bylaws and rules. This legislative framework applies to all strata corporations in British Columbia, including single family homes in bare land strata corporations ("strata subdivisions") as well as duplexes and triplexes if they are strata-titled.

 

Stratas are Self-Governed

Stratas corporations are self-governed. The strata corporation is made up of all the strata owners. Strata lot owner responsibilities include approving an annual budget and electing a strata council. The strata council may be assisted by a strata property manager or the strata corporation may be self-managed. It is up to the strata owners, residents and strata council to ensure compliance with strata legislation, bylaws and rules and use the tools available to resolve any disputes. 

Strata Fees

To pay for shared common expenses such as insurance, gardening, cleaning, snow removal, repair and maintenance of common property strata owners must pay strata fees. In addition to strata fees, sometimes owners will be required to pay special levies for matters affecting the strata corporation, including the repair and maintenance of common property and assets like replacing the roof or upgrading an elevator.