How long does my strata corporation have to collect for outstanding strata owner debt?

We get asked this question frequently by the strata corporations that we manage.

How long can we wait to take action against owners in the building with outstanding debt?

This could be debt from fines, strata fees, or unpaid special levies.

The answer to this question is unfortunately not exactly black and white.

As of June 2013, the BC Limitation act changed from 6 to 2 years. This essentially means that if you want to use the less expensive and relatively quick and painless method of taking the matter before a Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) to settle the debt, then you don’t want to wait any longer than 2 years.

Having said that, the Strata Corporation can still take the matter to court after the 2 year period, but keep in mind that this process is much costlier, and can drag out for a much longer period of time. This could include Small Claims (Provincial) Court, or The Supreme Court.

To sum it all up, don’t wait any longer than 2 years to settle outstanding debt from a Strata Owner. Use the cheap and easy CRT method when you can, and avoid costly lawyer and court fees.

Looking for some Strata Management advice? Please reach out to our property management company and find out how we can help!

Chris Stepchuk

Recent Posts

Strata or Owner? Understanding Where Responsibilities Meet (and Sometimes Clash)

One of the most common frustrations in condo living is not knowing who’s responsible when…

1 day ago

Tips to maintain continuity in your Strata Council for the long term

Strata Council owners routinely move, and when they do, it can create a huge gap…

3 days ago

Job interview tips for those seeking work in the strata management industry 

In the growing Strata Management industry, we are constantly conducting job interviews for different positions…

2 weeks ago

What Your Strata Property Managers Do (and What They Don’t)

Living in a strata complex definitely has its perks! Shared amenities, like a gym or…

3 weeks ago

How to crack into the strata management industry for new licensees

What can I do as a newbie to break into the strata industry? So you’ve…

3 weeks ago

Self-Managed Strata in Vancouver: The Best of Both Worlds?

Condo living in Vancouver is how most of us live. Whether it's a townhouse or…

1 month ago