Bylaw Fine

Bylaw fines in BC are governed by the Strata Property Act (SBC 1998, c. 43) and its regulation, which set out both the authority of a strata corporation to impose monetary penalties and the procedural requirements that must be followed before a fine is levied. The Act establishes the framework within which strata corporations draft and enforce their bylaws and rules. Owners and tenants should consult the Strata Property Act directly for the precise sections applicable to enforcement and fines.

Under the Strata Property Act (SBC 1998, c. 43) and its regulation, there is a prescribed maximum amount a strata corporation may charge per bylaw contravention, and an additional maximum for continuing contraventions on a weekly basis. Because these amounts can be amended by regulation, you should consult the current Strata Property Regulation or the BC Government website for the exact dollar figures in force in 2026 rather than relying on a potentially outdated figure.

Before levying a bylaw fine, the Strata Property Act (SBC 1998, c. 43) requires the strata corporation to give the owner or tenant written particulars of the alleged contravention and a reasonable opportunity to respond, either in writing or at a hearing before the strata council. Failure to follow these procedural requirements — notice and an opportunity to be heard — can render the fine invalid and unenforceable. These steps are mandatory regardless of how clear-cut the alleged contravention may appear.

Under the Strata Property Act (SBC 1998, c. 43), a strata corporation may impose a bylaw fine directly on a tenant who has contravened a bylaw or rule, provided the corporation has given the tenant the required notice and opportunity to respond. The owner of the strata lot may also bear responsibility for contraventions committed by their tenant, depending on the circumstances and the strata corporation's bylaws. Both owners and tenants should review the strata corporation's bylaws carefully to understand their respective obligations.

An owner who believes a bylaw fine has been improperly imposed may first request a hearing before the strata council under the Strata Property Act (SBC 1998, c. 43) if one was not already provided. If the dispute is not resolved internally, the owner may apply to the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT), which has jurisdiction over strata disputes in BC, including challenges to bylaw fines. The CRT can set aside or vary fines that were imposed without proper procedural compliance.

Yes, under the Strata Property Act (SBC 1998, c. 43), unpaid bylaw fines that remain outstanding may, in certain circumstances, be treated as a debt owed to the strata corporation and can ultimately be secured by a lien against the strata lot, subject to the procedures and conditions set out in the Act. The strata corporation must follow the prescribed steps before filing such a lien, and strict timelines apply. Owners facing unpaid fines should review the Strata Property Act's lien provisions carefully.

Yes, the Form B Information Certificate, prescribed under the Strata Property Act (SBC 1998, c. 43) and its regulation, must disclose amounts owed by the strata lot owner to the strata corporation, which can include outstanding bylaw fines. A purchaser or their licensee typically requests a Form B as part of due diligence before completing a strata lot purchase. Reviewing the Form B carefully is essential because undisclosed debts can become the responsibility of a new owner.

Under the Strata Property Act (SBC 1998, c. 43), strata corporations may impose fines for contraventions of both bylaws and rules, provided the strata corporation has passed a resolution approving the imposition of fines for rule contraventions. The same procedural requirements — written notice and an opportunity to respond — apply whether the fine relates to a bylaw or a rule. Strata corporations should ensure their enforcement procedures comply with the Act for both categories of infraction.

Real estate licensees in BC are governed by the Real Estate Services Act (RESA) and the BCFSA, which impose duties of disclosure and honesty to clients. A licensee representing a buyer should assist the client in obtaining all relevant strata documents, including the Form B Information Certificate under the Strata Property Act (SBC 1998, c. 43), which would reflect outstanding fines owed by the seller. Licensees should not knowingly withhold material information that could affect a buyer's decision, consistent with their obligations under RESA.

Yes, bylaw fines collected by a strata corporation constitute revenue to the corporation and must be properly recorded in the strata corporation's financial statements, which are required to be prepared and presented to owners under the Strata Property Act (SBC 1998, c. 43). Accurate financial record-keeping is an obligation of the strata council, and owners are entitled to review the corporation's financial records. Proper accounting of fine revenue ensures transparency and supports sound strata governance.