On November 21, 2022, the Office of the Premier of British Columbia announced changes to the Strata Property Act (“SPA”) impacting strata properties in British Columbia. Then on November 24, 2022 the BC Government passed amendments to the Strata Property Act which take immediate effect and immediately overrides any strata bylaw that restricts rentals in their building. Three key changes include:
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Elimination of all strata rental restriction bylaws which are now unenforceable. Short term rental bylaws are still permitted as they are not considered residential tenancies;
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Elimination of age restriction bylaws with the exception of bylaws for those strata properties permitting only residents over the age of 55; and
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An allowance for strata corporations in BC to conduct annual and special general meetings by telephone or other electronic means on a permanent basis. Strata corporations will receive a four month grace period to adjust before a requirement to comply.
More information on these changes can be found on the Government of BC website.
Bill 44 – 2022_ Building and Strata Statutes Amendment Act, 2022