The SearchStrata blog
Your guide to navigating strata document analysis, condo due diligence, and the Canadian real estate market. Learn how to spot red flags, understand financials, and make confident buying decisions.
These articles are general information about BC strata and home-buying, current as of each post's publication date — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Verify current rules and consult a qualified professional before acting.
Fair and Defensible Fining: How BC Strata Councils Should Apply Bylaw Penalties
A practical guide for BC strata councils and managers on applying bylaw fines fairly, defensibly, and in line with the Strata Property Act, including due process, documentation, and common pitfalls.
Responding Defensibly to Owner Complaints: A Council Member’s Practical Guide
When owners bring complaints to council, a clear, defensible response process protects both the strata and individual council members. Here’s how to handle owner complaints fairly, document your process, and reduce the risk of disputes or CRT challenges.
Confidentiality and Open Communication: Navigating Owner Engagement as a Strata Council
BC strata councils walk a fine line between transparency and confidentiality. Here’s how to communicate openly with owners without putting sensitive matters—or your council—at risk.
Running Defensible Strata Council Votes: Majority, 3/4, and Unanimous Decisions in Practice
Understanding and applying the correct voting thresholds—majority, 3/4, and unanimous—is essential for BC strata council members and property managers. This guide breaks down when and how to apply each type to ensure your governance stands up to scrutiny.
How to Approve and Monitor Strata Maintenance Contracts Defensibly
Strata council members and property managers have a duty to approve and monitor maintenance contracts with care. Learn how to ensure contracts are awarded and supervised defensibly under BC law, with practical steps for record-keeping, oversight, and transparency.
How to Approve and Document Strata Council Expenditures Defensibly
For strata councils and property managers, approving and documenting expenses is a core governance duty. This guide explains how to process expenditures properly, maintain defensible records, and avoid common pitfalls under BC law.
Running a Strata Council on Statutory Holidays: Council Duties, Owner Expectations, and Defensible Process
Statutory holidays like Canada Day bring unique challenges for strata councils and property managers in BC. Learn how to set clear expectations for owners, ensure access and safety, and fulfill council duties while respecting legal requirements.
Orderly Minutes, Orderly Strata: Council Strategies for Reliable Meeting Records
Defensible strata council minutes protect your council, your strata, and your owners. Learn the essentials for writing clear, accurate, and compliant minutes that preserve institutional memory and satisfy the Strata Property Act.
Council Confidential: Practical Tips for Handling Conflict of Interest on Your Strata Council
Strata councils in BC regularly face conflict-of-interest challenges. Learn how to identify, disclose, and manage these situations so your council’s decisions remain legitimate and defensible.
Defensible Bylaw Enforcement: A Council Member’s Guide to Fair Process in BC Strata
Strata councils carry the responsibility of enforcing bylaws fairly and defensibly. This guide covers the essential steps for council members and managers to ensure bylaw enforcement stands up to scrutiny and fosters owner trust.
Confidentiality in Strata Council Meetings: Protecting Sensitive Discussions and Owner Privacy
Confidentiality is a core responsibility for BC strata councils. Learn practical methods for protecting sensitive information during and after council meetings, and how to avoid common pitfalls that can expose your council to disputes or liability.
How BC Strata Councils Can Approve and Document Special Levies Defensibly
Special levies are a reality for most BC strata councils, but approving and documenting them the right way is essential to avoid owner pushback and regulatory headaches. Here’s a step-by-step council guide to defensible special levy process.