Last week new Premier David Eby announce new legislation which affects everyone who currently owns, rents or is considering buying a strata unit. Summary which is posted on the BC Government site new legislation is the following (click to open – read details):
As of November 24, 2022, no strata corporation or section is allowed to have a residential rental-restriction bylaw. All strata rental-restriction bylaws are invalid. (Note: no strata bylaw changes are required as provincial legislation changed). Short-term rental strata bylaws are allowed and a strata corporation or section may have, or create, a bylaw banning or limiting short-term rentals.
Reference (Nov 27, 2022): Progress of Bills, 3rd Session, 42nd Parliament (2022); Bill 44, Building and Strata Statues Amendment Act.
As of November 24, 2022, only strata bylaws which limit occupants to age 55+ are allowed; any strata age-restriction bylaw restricting ages to less than age 55 is invalid. Strata corporations and sections are allowed to have age-restriction bylaws that require one or more persons residing in the strata lot to have reached an age that is not less than 55 years. The legislation also allows any live-in caregiver, including caregivers under the age of 55, to live in a strata corporation or section with a 55+ age restriction bylaw. These changes apply regardless of existing strata bylaws.
Reference (Nov 27, 2022): Progress of Bills, 3rd Session, 42nd Parliament (2022); Bill 44, Building and Strata Statues Amendment Act.
Effective November 24, 2022, all strata corporations in B.C. are allowed to conduct annual and special general meetings by electronic means, or use a hybrid of in-person and electronic participation. The strata council chooses the format of the meeting and must include in the meeting notice, instructions for participating by phone or other electronic means if permitted. No strata bylaw is required. There will be a four-month transition period (to March 24, 2023) before strata corporations must comply with the new legislative requirements when holding electronic or hybrid meetings.
This legislation replaces the previous regulation which had permitted all stratas in British Columbia to conduct meetings by an electronic method until December 31, 2022.
Learn more in voting process and preparing for a general meeting.
Reference (Nov 27, 2022): Progress of Bills, 3rd Session, 42nd Parliament (2022); Bill 44, Building and Strata Statues Amendment Act.
This new legislation will be divisive amongst all stratas and owners. Some believe this will just lead to more real estate speculation (CBC). Others, believe this will add new stress and problems for small strata especially (Times Colonist). While the opening up available rental units will hopefully help long suffering renters looking for rental units, the quick legislation seem to be bringing mixed reactions (Global News).
I guess Time will Tell!
Andrew.