Categories: Strata Management

What can you do when a condo owner doesn’t pay his strata fees?

This is without a doubt one of the top issues we have when managing strata buildings; strata owners unwilling, or unable to pay their monthly strata fees. This issue can cause huge friction and conflict amongst neighbours, and needs to be dealt with before it gets out of hand.

As a strata management company/ strata council member,  what can you do when an owner won’t pay his strata fees?

Well, fortunately there is something that you can do! Under the Strata Property Act, you can file a Form G Certificate of Lien for unpaid strata fees and special levies. This lien will rank higher in the priority line than a mortgage or other debts, which is a great thing for strata corporations! The only other charges that would typically rank higher would be builder liens, or government charges (unpaid taxes, etc.)

If the owner refuses to pay the amount on the Form G, the strata corporation can then force the sale of their strata lot through the BC Supreme Court. Under the SPA, owners very often only have about 30 days to pay what’s owing, plus court costs and disbursements.

As you can see, the legislation gives Strata Corporations a big stick when it comes to collecting strata fees and special levies! Don’t be afraid to use this stick before things get too out of control!

Looking for some strata management advice? Our Vancouver property management company is here to help!

Chris Stepchuk

Recent Posts

Can Strata Council members be paid?

We get asked quite frequently IF sitting on Council can be a paid position? The…

2 days ago

Why it might be better for you to remain a self-managed strata corporation

  It may seem counter-intuitive for us to say this since many of our current…

1 week ago

Strata Management services are like a timeshare

Why are strata management services like a timeshare? Well, it’s important to remember that when…

2 weeks ago

The AGM is not your annual social event!

With video technology these days, it can be far more convenient and practical to hold…

3 weeks ago

What to do with your operating fund surplus???

The Dangers of carrying over your Strata Operating Fund Surplus It’s budget planning season, and…

4 weeks ago

The days of $400 strata fees are over!

As you can imagine, as a Managing Broker for a Vancouver Strata Management Company, we…

9 months ago