Outstanding Work Orders / Notices

Outstanding Work Orders / Notices are unresolved orders, notices, or directions received by the strata corporation that still need to be completed or dealt with, whether they relate to a strata lot, common property, or common assets. Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, strata corporations have duties to maintain and repair common property and common assets; outstanding notices flag compliance items—such as repair orders from municipalities, health authorities, or fire departments—that have not yet been closed. Verify the specific obligations and timelines for any outstanding notice with a BC lawyer, notary, or the issuing authority before acting.

Yes. Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, section 59, a strata corporation must provide a Form B (Information Certificate) when requested, which includes information about any enforceable orders against the strata corporation and other matters affecting the strata lot or common property. Outstanding Work Orders / Notices that are enforceable or affect the property must be disclosed on the Form B. Verify the completeness and accuracy of the Form B with a BC lawyer or notary before relying on it for a purchase decision.

Orders or notices may be issued by municipal governments (such as building inspectors or bylaw enforcement), regional health authorities, fire departments, the provincial Building and Safety Standards Branch, or other regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over buildings and property in British Columbia. These authorities operate under various statutes including the Local Government Act, RSBC 2015, c. 1, the Fire Services Act, RSBC 1996, c. 144, and the Public Health Act, SBC 2008, c. 28. Verify the issuing authority and applicable statute for any specific notice with a BC lawyer or the authority itself.

This depends on the terms of the contract of purchase and sale and whether the buyer had an opportunity to review the Form B (Information Certificate) during a subject-to period. Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, the buyer is entitled to receive the Form B, which should disclose outstanding orders; if the Form B was inaccurate or incomplete, the buyer may have remedies, but these are fact-specific. Verify your contractual rights and remedies with a BC lawyer before taking action.

Responsibility depends on whether the order relates to common property, common assets, or a specific strata lot. Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, sections 72 and 149, the strata corporation is generally responsible for repair and maintenance of common property and common assets, while owners are responsible for their own strata lots; however, if an owner's actions or negligence caused the deficiency, the strata may have a right to recover costs from that owner. Verify the specific allocation of responsibility for any order with a BC lawyer, notary, or the strata's legal counsel.

The strata corporation should maintain records of all orders, notices, and directions received, along with documentation of any corrective work completed and written confirmation from the issuing authority that the matter is resolved and the order closed. Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, section 35, strata corporations must keep records for inspection; best practice is to track each notice through to formal closure. Verify the status of any order directly with the issuing authority and consult a BC lawyer or strata manager if uncertain.

Yes. Depending on the issuing authority and the statute under which the order was issued, failure to comply may result in fines, prosecution, additional enforcement orders, or remedial work carried out by the authority at the strata's expense. For example, municipalities may have enforcement powers under the Local Government Act, RSBC 2015, c. 1, and the Community Charter, SBC 2003, c. 26. Verify the consequences and timelines for any specific outstanding order with a BC lawyer and the issuing authority before the deadline expires.

Not automatically, but in some cases an unpaid order or penalty may be registered as a charge against title or become a debt recoverable from the owner or the strata corporation. Under the Land Title Act, RSBC 1996, c. 250, and the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, section 116, certain debts owed to the strata corporation may constitute a lien on a strata lot; however, outstanding orders issued by external authorities are treated differently depending on the statute and enforcement mechanism. Verify the title and any registered charges with a BC notary or lawyer and conduct a full title search before completing a real estate transaction.

Yes. Under the Real Estate Services Act (RESA), SBC 2004, c. 42, and the RESA Rules, licensees owe duties of care, competence, and disclosure to their clients. The British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA), which regulates real estate licensees (as of August 1, 2021 — verify current), may investigate and discipline licensees who fail to advise clients to obtain and review the Form B (Information Certificate) or who misrepresent the status of outstanding orders. Verify your professional obligations and obtain legal advice if you are uncertain about disclosure requirements in any transaction.

Start by requesting the Form B (Information Certificate) from the strata corporation under section 59 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, which should list any enforceable orders or notices. Contact the issuing authority (municipality, health authority, fire department, etc.) directly for details, deadlines, and confirmation of closure status. For legal interpretation, remedies, and obligations, verify with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed strata property manager before taking action.