Strata Fee Schedule

The strata fee schedule is the official table showing the monthly strata fee payable by each strata lot owner in a strata corporation. Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, strata fees are calculated based on each strata lot's unit entitlement as a proportion of the total unit entitlement of all strata lots in the corporation. The current fee schedule adopted by the strata corporation is the authoritative source for a specific unit's monthly fee. Verify the current schedule directly with the strata corporation or through Form B (Information Certificate) before relying on listing data or seller statements.

Under section 99 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, contributions to operating and contingency reserve fund expenses must be shared by strata lot owners proportionally to the unit entitlement of their strata lots, unless the strata corporation's bylaws provide a different method. Unit entitlement is assigned in the strata plan filed at the Land Title Office and represents each lot's proportionate share of the common property and common expenses. The strata corporation applies this proportion to the total annual budget to determine each lot's monthly strata fee. Verify your specific unit entitlement and current fee schedule with the strata corporation or a BC notary or lawyer.

Yes. Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, the strata corporation must prepare an annual budget and determine contributions to the operating fund and contingency reserve fund each fiscal year, typically approved at the annual general meeting (AGM). Strata fees can increase (or decrease) when a new budget is approved, reflecting updated operating costs, reserve fund contributions, insurance premiums, or special levies. Buyers should review the most recent AGM minutes, budget documents, and Form B (Information Certificate) to understand current fees and any approved or anticipated changes. Verify the current fee schedule and any pending increases with the strata corporation or a BC lawyer or notary before completing a purchase.

The official strata fee schedule is maintained by the strata corporation and is typically disclosed in the Form B (Information Certificate) issued under section 59 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43. A buyer (or their representative) may request a Form B directly from the strata corporation, which must include current monthly strata fees, approved budgets, and financial statements. Do not rely solely on MLS® listings or seller recollections, as these may be outdated or incorrect. Verify the current fee schedule by obtaining a recent Form B and reviewing the strata corporation's most recent annual budget and AGM minutes with a BC lawyer or notary.

Strata fees typically cover contributions to the operating fund (for common expenses such as building insurance, management fees, utilities for common areas, maintenance, and repairs) and the contingency reserve fund (for major repairs and depreciation) as required under sections 92–94 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43. The specific expenses included depend on the strata corporation's bylaws and budget; some strata corporations include utilities (water, heat, gas) for individual units, while others do not. Review the strata corporation's budget, bylaws, and Form B to understand what is and is not included in the monthly fee. Verify with the strata corporation or a BC lawyer or notary if you are uncertain about specific inclusions.

No. Under section 99 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, strata fees are proportional to each strata lot's unit entitlement unless the bylaws specify a different allocation method. Larger units or units with higher unit entitlement typically pay higher monthly strata fees than smaller units in the same building. The unit entitlement is set out in the registered strata plan and reflects factors such as habitable area, although the specific formula is determined when the strata plan is created. Verify your unit's specific unit entitlement and corresponding strata fee on the current fee schedule and Form B with the strata corporation or a BC notary or lawyer.

Under section 116 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, if a strata lot owner fails to pay strata fees or other amounts owing, the strata corporation may register a lien against the owner's strata lot at the Land Title Office. The strata corporation may enforce the lien by applying to the Supreme Court of British Columbia for an order for conduct of sale of the strata lot under section 118 of the Act. Unpaid strata fees and related costs (including legal fees and interest) remain a charge on the strata lot and are payable by subsequent owners. Verify your obligations and any arrears with the strata corporation and consult a BC lawyer if you are facing non-payment or enforcement proceedings.

Yes, but only if authorized by the strata corporation's bylaws. Under section 99 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, the default rule is that contributions are shared proportionally to unit entitlement, but bylaws may provide a different method of sharing expenses. For example, bylaws may allocate certain expenses (such as elevator maintenance or parking area costs) only to units that benefit from those amenities. Any such bylaw must comply with the Act and be filed with the strata plan or adopted by the required 3/4 vote at a general meeting under section 128. Verify the strata corporation's bylaws and current fee schedule with the strata corporation or a BC lawyer or notary to understand how fees are allocated.

No. The strata fee schedule itself does not appear on the Certificate of Title registered at the BC Land Title Office. However, unpaid strata fees may result in a lien registered against the title under section 116 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, which will appear on a title search. The unit entitlement (which determines the strata fee proportion) is recorded in the strata plan filed with the Land Title Office. Buyers should obtain a current Form B (Information Certificate) from the strata corporation and conduct a title search to confirm there are no registered liens for unpaid strata fees. Verify with a BC lawyer or notary before completing a purchase.

The strata fee schedule is typically updated annually when the strata corporation approves a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year, usually at the annual general meeting (AGM) as required under sections 103–104 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43. The strata corporation may also adjust fees mid-year if an amended budget or special levy is approved by the required vote of owners. Buyers should request the most recent approved budget, AGM minutes, and Form B to confirm the current fee schedule and whether any increases or special levies have been approved. Verify the timing and amount of any recent or upcoming changes with the strata corporation or a BC lawyer or notary before finalizing a purchase.