Infographic: Enforcing Strata Bylaws
All strata corporations have bylaws. Bylaws affect a strata lot owner’s rights and responsibilities and how a strata corporation operates. Strata corporations can have bylaws which can: establish quiet hours, ban smoking in common areas, allow certain types of pets, restrict the rental of residential units, or even specify the type of window coverings.
The Strata Property Act includes a set of Standard Bylaws issued as the “default bylaws” for a strata corporation. A strata corporation may change its bylaws by a ¾ vote of the owners. It is important to understand how bylaws are enforced to help foster a positive sense of community with your neighbours and volunteer council members. Click here for a brief guide on the typical bylaw enforcement process.
Role of the Strata Manager
A common misperception is that the Strata Manager is responsible for imposing fines and deciding whether a person has contravened a bylaw. In fact, a Strata Manager takes direction from the strata council, who decides on bylaw enforcement. While a resident may receive a letter from a management company saying they have been fined for a bylaw violation, this is actually a fine imposed by the strata corporation, not the strata management company. Property management companies are here to assist strata councils in enforcing bylaws at their direction.
Click here to learn more.
DISCLAIMER: All strata corporations are unique and may have different bylaws and methods of enforcement. Please consult your strata management company for information regarding your strata corporation’s bylaws. The information in this guide is drawn from the Strata Property Act and BC Housing and is not intended as legal advice or an exhaustive guide for every bylaw situation.
The Strata Property Act includes a set of Standard Bylaws issued as the “default bylaws” for a strata corporation. A strata corporation may change its bylaws by a ¾ vote of the owners. It is important to understand how bylaws are enforced to help foster a positive sense of community with your neighbours and volunteer council members. Click here for a brief guide on the typical bylaw enforcement process.
Role of the Strata Manager
A common misperception is that the Strata Manager is responsible for imposing fines and deciding whether a person has contravened a bylaw. In fact, a Strata Manager takes direction from the strata council, who decides on bylaw enforcement. While a resident may receive a letter from a management company saying they have been fined for a bylaw violation, this is actually a fine imposed by the strata corporation, not the strata management company. Property management companies are here to assist strata councils in enforcing bylaws at their direction.
Click here to learn more.
DISCLAIMER: All strata corporations are unique and may have different bylaws and methods of enforcement. Please consult your strata management company for information regarding your strata corporation’s bylaws. The information in this guide is drawn from the Strata Property Act and BC Housing and is not intended as legal advice or an exhaustive guide for every bylaw situation.