Generally, you are responsible for the repairs inside your unit while your Strata looks after all the common areas and grounds maintenance and repairs. We say generally because there could be exceptions like in the case of water ingress through a window for example.

You own your unit as defined by the strata plan. The common areas and grounds are owned collectively by the strata. While you don’t have individual ownership of common areas you benefit from the enjoyment of these. And while you don’t own the portion of the Contingent Reserve Fund that you contributed, the CRF is a valuable financial asset that will be invested in major repairs of your strata common property.

A portion of the monthly fees you pay is added to a fund that aims to cover major repairs to common property. The amount is usually determined by the council based on recommendation made in the depreciation report.

This is a document prepared by professionals who understand the various building systems of a strata common property. They estimate the time when each component will need repairs or replacement and recommend the amount of “long term savings” a strata should have in the annual budget.

You can look at the depreciation report and compare their recommendation with what is in the CRF and actually added every year in the strata budget.

If a major repair is required, like replacing a roof, and the funds accumulated in the Contingency Reserve Fund are not sufficient, the strata council may propose a one time special levy to fund the repair.

Check your strata bylaws to see what the rules are for rentals. There might be restrictions on length of rental agreement or on the type of tenant, like in a 55+ strata. Likewise there might be restrictions about pets.

Again, check your strata bylaws. There might be restrictions or minimum rental times.

Check your strata bylaws. Some have voted to not allow pets, or they have rules regarding the type, breed, size and weight.

 Fees cover common property maintenance (landscaping, cleaning), insurance, and contributions to the CRF. 

Strata fees reflect the general inflation in the economy. Strata councils do their best to get the best value out of the monies they spend. Some cost increases are simply unavoidable and must be passed on to the strata owners.

Your strata will have insurance for the common property, usually with a deductible. You need insurance for your own content and we recommend you ask your general insurance broker for recommendation on the amount of content insurance you should have and on the other components of a strata owner insurance policy.

The strata pay the deductible on common property claims. But you might be liable if the damage originated in your unit. Again check with your general insurance broker to make sure you have proper coverage

Strata are communities of neighbours. Like any other neighbourhood, do your best to communicate in person about your concern and your suggestions to resolve it. If a solution isn’t reached, you can escalate the issue with your council.

Your strata bylaws have a process defined for bringing up and escalating issues. If all fails you have legal recourse through the BC Civil Resolution tribunal.

Choosing the property manager is the responsibility of your council. Bring up the issue with your council.

 No. But we encourage you to volunteer if you have time. A strata is a community of neighbour, volunteering is a great way to make friends. Volunteers add a lot of value to a strata, either by serving on council or committees, or by doing tasks like gardening etc.

 You don’t have to attend any meeting, but we recommend you read the minutes of your strata council meetings, and attend the Annual General Meeting to keep informed of the big issues of your strata community. It’s also great to attend social events with your neighbours.

Yes, if you are in a strata for commercial units. There are usually restrictions for residential units. Working from home is quite different from operating a business with machines or inventory. Check your strata’s bylaws.

Yes for cosmetic renovations inside your unit. Major renovations and repairs (electrical, plumbing etc) need approval from your strata council. 

Owners have the right to request records (meeting minutes, financial reports) from the council

Strata bylaws usually prohibit noise nuisances; enforcement is through the council, which can issue fines.