BC Real Estate Trading Services Course Strata Properties 2

Question 1

How are strata corporation bylaws created and amended in BC?

Accepted Answer

By a 3/4 vote at a general meeting, with the amended bylaws filed at the Land Title Office to be enforceable against new owners

Answer

Bylaws can be created or amended by a 3/4 vote at a general meeting (annual or special). To be enforceable against subsequent purchasers, amended bylaws must be filed at the Land Title Office. The Standard Bylaws under the Strata Property Act apply unless specifically amended by the strata corporation.

Question 2

Can a BC strata corporation restrict rentals of strata lots?

Accepted Answer

Yes, by passing a bylaw with a 3/4 vote that restricts or prohibits rentals, subject to certain exemptions for owners who were renting before the bylaw was passed

Answer

Strata corporations can restrict or prohibit rentals by bylaw (3/4 vote). However, exemptions exist for owners who were renting their units before the rental restriction bylaw was passed, owners who qualify for a hardship exemption, and family members. The Strata Property Act also provides that rental restriction bylaws cannot be applied retroactively.

Question 3

What is 'unit entitlement' in a BC strata corporation and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A number assigned to each strata lot that determines the owner's share of common expenses, voting power, and interest in common property

Answer

Unit entitlement is a number assigned to each strata lot, typically based on the lot's habitable area relative to other lots. It determines: (1) the owner's share of common expenses (strata fees); (2) voting entitlement (one vote per lot, but unit entitlement matters for some votes); (3) the owner's share of common property interest. It is set when the strata plan is filed.

Question 4

What dispute resolution mechanisms are available for strata property disputes in BC?

Accepted Answer

The Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) has jurisdiction over most strata disputes, plus mediation, arbitration, and BC Supreme Court for complex matters

Answer

The Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) is the primary body for resolving most strata property disputes in BC, including disputes about bylaws, common property, and strata fees. For more complex matters or those outside CRT jurisdiction, parties can use mediation, arbitration, or the BC Supreme Court. The CRT process is designed to be accessible and affordable.

Question 5

What insurance is a BC strata corporation required to carry?

Accepted Answer

Full replacement value insurance on common property and buildings, plus liability insurance for common property areas, as required by the Strata Property Act

Answer

The Strata Property Act requires strata corporations to obtain and maintain insurance on the full replacement value of common property, common assets, and buildings (excluding improvements made by individual owners). They must also carry liability insurance for common property. Individual owners should carry their own contents and improvements insurance and personal liability coverage.

BC Real Estate Practice Test

BC Real Estate Practice Test

BC Real Estate Trading Services Course Strata Properties 2