5 Cons to Using Facebook Groups For Private Strata Corporations

by StrataPress | May 31, 2023 | Strata Living, Strata Tech

In today’s digital age, online forums and social media platforms have become popular tools for communication and collaboration. However, when it comes to private strata corporations, using Facebook Groups as a forum may not always be the best choice. While Facebook Groups for private Strata Corporations offers convenience and familiarity, it also comes with several disadvantages that can compromise privacy, access, and the effective management of communications. In this blog post, we will explore five significant drawbacks of relying on Facebook Groups for a private strata corporation. Let’s dive in and uncover the cons that may be lurking beneath the surface.

Lack of Privacy

One major drawback of using Facebook Groups for private Strata Corporations is the potential lack of privacy. Facebook Groups are designed for social interactions and discussions among a wide range of users, making it difficult to ensure that the information shared within the group remains confidential. Since Facebook’s primary purpose is not for secure communication, there is a risk of unauthorized access or the exposure of sensitive strata corporation information.

Limited Access for Strata Owners

Facebook Groups for a private Strata Corporation requires users to have an active Facebook account in order to access and participate in Facebook Groups. This can be problematic for strata owners who may not have or wish to create a Facebook account. It could result in excluding certain members from participating in important discussions and decisions within the strata corporation.

Inadequate Archiving of Communications

Facebook Groups do not provide robust archiving features for communications. While posts and comments can be searched within the group, the organization and retrieval of important information can be challenging. Facebook’s platform is primarily focused on real-time interactions, and it lacks effective tools for categorizing and storing communications in a structured manner, which may be essential for a strata corporation that needs to keep track of important discussions and decisions over time.

Dependent on Third-Party Platform

By relying on Facebook Groups for a private Strata Corporation as a forum, the strata corporation becomes dependent on a third-party platform that it has limited control over. Facebook can change its features, policies, or even shut down the group without consultation or consent from the strata corporation. This lack of control can lead to potential disruptions or the loss of valuable data if the group is suddenly unavailable or inaccessible.

Potential for Information Overload and Distractions

Facebook is designed to be a highly interactive and social platform, which may lead to an influx of unrelated posts, notifications, and distractions within the group. This can make it difficult for strata owners to locate and focus on important information or discussions that pertain specifically to the strata corporation’s business. The cluttered nature of Facebook Groups can result in information overload and decreased efficiency when trying to find specific information or reach a consensus on important matters.

While Facebook Groups for a private Strata Corporation may seem like a convenient option for a private strata corporation’s forum, it is crucial to consider the potential drawbacks. From privacy concerns to limited access for strata owners and inadequate archiving of communications, the disadvantages of using a Facebook Groups for private Strata Corporations can significantly impact the effective management and transparency of your strata corporation. Be sure to make informed decisions about the most suitable forum for your private strata corporation.

Not Legal Advice - The material provided on the StrataPress website is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely upon the materials provided on this website, any hypertext links or other general information without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice. These materials may have no evidentiary value and should be checked against official sources before they are used for professional or commercial purposes. Your use of these materials is at your own risk.

5 Reasons why using AI for Property Management is a Competitive Business Advantage

by StrataPress | Mar 31, 2023 | Strata Living, Strata Tech

AI for property management in BC refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to streamline and automate various aspects of property management, such as collecting fees, maintenance requests, strata owner communication, and data analysis. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, chatbots, and other AI-powered tools, property managers can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide a better tenant experience.

AI can also help property managers make more informed business decisions by providing valuable data insights into strata owner behavior and preferences. With the increasing adoption of AI in the real estate industry, property managers in BC can leverage this technology to stay competitive and provide the best possible service to their tenants.

We present 5 reasons why it’s a good idea to adapt the technology to stay competitive.

Reason #1: Increased Efficiency

AI has the potential to automate many of the routine tasks associated with property management, such as fee collection and maintenance requests. This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity for property managers, while also improving the strata owner experience.

For example, AI-powered chatbots can be used to handle routine requests such as maintenance and repair requests. Chatbots can be programmed to handle a wide range of strata owner requests, from simple inquiries to more complex maintenance and repair requests. This allows strata owners to quickly and easily submit their requests through a chat interface, without the need for phone calls or emails.

Chatbots can also provide 24/7 support, allowing tenants to submit requests and receive responses outside of traditional business hours. Strata owners can simply submit their request through the chatbot, which can then prioritize and schedule the request based on urgency and availability. This eliminates the need for manual triage and scheduling, freeing up strata managers to focus on more strategic tasks.

Additionally, chatbots can help to reduce the risk of errors and miscommunication that can occur with manual tasks. Chatbots can provide consistent and accurate responses to owner and tenant inquiries, ensuring that all requests are handled promptly and efficiently.

Similarly, AI can also be used to automate payment collection and payment tracking. Strata managers can set up automated reminders and alerts, reducing the risk of late payments and the need for manual follow-up. This can also help to improve cash flow and reduce the administrative burden associated with manual rent collection.

In addition to these benefits, AI can also provide strata managers with valuable insights into tenant behavior and preferences. By analyzing data such as maintenance requests, rental histories, and communication patterns, AI algorithms can identify trends and patterns that can help management and council to make more informed decisions about property maintenance and leasing strategies.

Overall, AI has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of strata management by automating routine tasks and providing valuable data insights. By handling these tasks through a Chatbot, strata managers can save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual triage and follow-up.

Reason #2: Better Strata Owner Experience

By using AI for property management, chatbots can be programmed to handle routine inquiries such as maintenance requests and billing inquiries. This can help to reduce response times and provide more timely support to strata owners. In addition, chatbots can use AI algorithms to provide personalized recommendations based on the individual needs and preferences of strata owners, which can improve their satisfaction and retention rates.

AI can also be used to provide more personalized communication through targeted messaging and notifications. Strata managers can use AI algorithms to analyze data such as usage patterns and behavior to provide more targeted and relevant communications to their clients. For example, strata managers can use AI to identify strata owners who are at risk of missing a payment and provide targeted reminders and notifications to ensure timely payment.

AI can also be used to improve strata management satisfaction and retention rates by providing valuable insights into strata owner behavior and preferences. By analyzing data such as maintenance requests, complaints, and other feedback, AI algorithms can identify areas of improvement and help strata managers to make more informed decisions about their operations. This can lead to improved satisfaction and retention rates by addressing issues before they become major problems.

AI can be a powerful tool for improving the strata owner experience and enhancing strata management satisfaction and retention rates. By leveraging AI-powered chatbots, targeted messaging, and data analytics, strata managers can provide more personalized and efficient service to their clients, leading to improved satisfaction and retention rates.

Reason #3: Cost Savings

AI can help strata managers in BC save money by reducing labor costs and minimizing the risk of human error in property management. By automating routine tasks and streamlining processes, strata managers can save time and money, while also improving the accuracy and consistency of their operations.

For instance, when using AI for property management, chatbots can be programmed to handle routine inquiries from strata owners, such as maintenance requests and billing inquiries. This can eliminate the need for manual follow-up and reduce labor costs associated with handling these tasks. Similarly, AI can be used to automate routine administrative tasks, such as sending notifications, scheduling meetings, and updating records, further reducing the need for manual labor and streamlining operations.

By using machine learning algorithms to analyze data such as financial reports, maintenance history, and other operational data, strata managers can identify trends and patterns that may be missed by human analysis. This can help strata managers to make more informed business decisions and optimize their operations, ultimately reducing expenses and increasing profitability.

Moreover, AI can help to reduce expenses in strata management by optimizing maintenance and repair schedules. By using predictive analytics to identify potential issues before they become major problems, strata managers can reduce maintenance costs and minimize the risk of unexpected repairs. Similarly, AI algorithms can optimize energy usage and reduce utility costs, further reducing expenses and improving profitability.

Reason #4: Improved Data Analysis

By using AI, strata managers can collect and analyze data on strata owner demographics, including age, income, and household size. This information can help strata managers to better understand their target audience and develop more effective marketing and communication strategies. AI algorithms can also be used to analyze data on the insurance rates of similar buildings in similar locations, helping strata managers to benchmark their insurance costs and identify opportunities for cost savings.

In addition, AI can be used to collect and analyze data on maintenance history, rental rates, and other operational data, providing strata managers with valuable insights into their operations. By analyzing this data, strata managers can identify areas of improvement and optimize their operations to reduce costs and improve efficiency. For instance, by analyzing maintenance data, strata managers can identify common issues and develop preventative maintenance strategies to minimize the need for repairs and reduce expenses.

Moreover, AI can be used to provide predictive analytics, which can help strata managers to anticipate issues before they become major problems. By analyzing data on past maintenance and repair issues, AI algorithms can identify potential issues and provide strata managers with alerts and recommendations to address them before they escalate. This can help strata managers to minimize downtime, reduce expenses, and improve tenant satisfaction.

Reason #5: Increased Competitiveness

AI can help strata managers in BC stay competitive by improving efficiency, tenant experience, cost savings, and data analysis. By automating routine tasks, providing personalized communication, and leveraging data analytics, strata managers can improve their operations, reduce costs, and provide a better experience for their clients.

By using AI-powered chatbots and targeted messaging, strata managers can improve responsiveness and provide personalized service to their clients, leading to improved tenant satisfaction and retention rates. AI can also be used to optimize operations, reduce expenses, and minimize the risk of human error, further improving profitability and competitiveness.

Some strata management companies have successfully implemented AI to improve their operations and gain a competitive edge. For instance, a B.C.-based real estate company has implemented an AI-powered chatbot to handle routine tenant inquiries and maintenance requests, reducing response times and improving tenant satisfaction. Another strata management company has implemented AI to analyze maintenance data and optimize maintenance schedules, leading to reduced maintenance costs and improved efficiency.

In summary, by leveraging AI-powered tools and platforms, strata managers in BC can improve their operations and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. By providing a better tenant experience, reducing costs, and optimizing operations, strata managers can improve tenant satisfaction and retention rates, leading to improved profitability and long-term success.

Not Legal Advice - The material provided on the StrataPress website is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely upon the materials provided on this website, any hypertext links or other general information without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice. These materials may have no evidentiary value and should be checked against official sources before they are used for professional or commercial purposes. Your use of these materials is at your own risk.

5 Tips for Peaceful Neighbor Relations in Strata Corporations

by StrataPress | Jan 24, 2023 | Strata Living, Strata Owners

Living in a strata corporation, such as a condo or townhouse, can be a great experience, but it also means living in close proximity to your neighbors. Maintaining peaceful neighbor relations is important to ensure a harmonious living environment. By following a few simple strategies, you can build and maintain a positive relationship with your neighbors, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable living environment for everyone. Here are 5 proven strategies for building and maintaining a positive relationship with your neighbors in a strata corporation

1. Communicate openly and respectfully with your neighbors. If you have an issue with them, try to address it directly and calmly.

Communication is key when it comes to maintaining peaceful neighbor relations in a strata corporation. By communicating openly and respectfully with your neighbors, you can build trust and understanding, and address any issues that may arise. When conflicts do arise, it’s important to address them directly and calmly. Avoiding or ignoring conflicts will only make them worse in the long run. Instead, try to understand the other person’s point of view and approach the situation with the goal of finding a solution that works for everyone. By addressing conflicts in a calm and direct manner, you can prevent small issues from becoming larger problems and maintain a positive relationship with your neighbors.

2. Be considerate of others and try to be mindful of your noise levels, particularly at night.

Being considerate of others is essential for maintaining peaceful neighbor relations in a strata corporation. One of the most important ways to be considerate is to be mindful of your noise levels, particularly at night. Noise can be a major source of irritation for neighbors, especially in close living quarters. Being mindful of your noise levels, whether it’s from playing music, talking, or moving around, can make a big difference in maintaining a peaceful living environment. Additionally, try to be aware of any shared spaces and common areas and respect any rules or guidelines for their use. Taking these small steps to be considerate of others will help keep the peace and foster positive relationships with your neighbors.

Strata bylaws and rules play a crucial role in managing noise within a strata corporation. They set guidelines for acceptable noise levels and times, and outline the consequences for those who violate them. These bylaws may include quiet hours, restrictions on loud music or parties, and regulations for the use of shared spaces and common areas. Bylaws also provide a framework for addressing noise complaints and resolving disputes.

If a resident is found to be in violation of the bylaws, the strata corporation can take enforcement action, which can range from a warning to fines or even eviction. It’s important for residents to be familiar with the strata bylaws and follow them to ensure a peaceful living environment for everyone.

3. Show respect for shared spaces and common areas. Keep them clean, and be mindful of any rules or guidelines for their use.

Shared spaces and common areas are an important aspect of life in a strata corporation, and showing respect for them is essential for maintaining peaceful neighbor relations. Keeping these areas clean and tidy is an easy way to show respect and care for the community. When using these spaces, it’s also important to be mindful of any rules or guidelines for their use. This can include things like quiet hours, pet policies, and designated smoking areas.

Following these guidelines ensures that everyone can enjoy the shared spaces and common areas without any issues. Additionally, being mindful of any rules or guidelines can help prevent conflicts and misunderstandings with other residents. Showing respect for shared spaces and common areas can make a big difference in fostering a positive and peaceful neighbor relations for everyone.

4. Get to know your neighbors. Invite them over for a cup of coffee or a drink. Building relationships with your neighbors can help create a sense of community and reduce the likelihood of conflicts.

Maintaining peaceful neighbor relations in a strata corporation starts with getting to know your neighbors. One way to do this is to introduce yourself when you first move in, and take the time to chat with your neighbors when you see them. Another way to foster peaceful neighbor relations is to participate in community events organized by the strata corporation, such as BBQs, potlucks, or holiday parties. These events are a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors in a relaxed and casual setting.

Additionally, you can also look for online platforms and social media groups that are specifically for your strata corporation, where you can connect with your neighbors and stay informed about the community. Building relationships with your neighbors can help create a sense of community and reduce the likelihood of conflicts.

5. Be willing to compromise. Remember that you are all living in close proximity and that sometimes small concessions can go a long way towards maintaining a peaceful environment.

Being willing to compromise is crucial for maintaining peaceful neighbor relations in a strata corporation. Living in close proximity to others means that conflicts and disagreements are bound to arise from time to time. When these conflicts do arise, it’s important to remember that you are all living in close proximity and that sometimes small concessions can go a long way towards maintaining a peaceful environment. Being willing to compromise means being open to finding a middle ground or a solution that works for everyone. It also means being open to hearing the perspectives and needs of others, and being willing to make adjustments to your own behavior when necessary.

Mediation For Strata Corporations can be a valuable tool for strata owners to find compromise and resolve conflicts as it provides a neutral third party facilitator who can help the parties involved communicate effectively, identify underlying issues and find mutually acceptable solutions.

Not Legal Advice - The material provided on the StrataPress website is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely upon the materials provided on this website, any hypertext links or other general information without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice. These materials may have no evidentiary value and should be checked against official sources before they are used for professional or commercial purposes. Your use of these materials is at your own risk.

5 Important Reasons To Have A Depreciation Report

by StrataPress | Jan 20, 2023 | Strata Documents, Strata Living, Strata Management, Strata Owners

A depreciation report for strata corporations in British Columbia is a document that outlines the current condition and estimated remaining useful life of the common property and assets of a strata corporation. The report is typically prepared by a professional engineer or other qualified person, and is used to help the strata council plan for and budget for future repairs and replacements of common property and assets. The report also contains information on the replacement cost of the assets and the estimated reserve fund. This report is mandatory for Strata Corporations in British Columbia to have after 2010.

1. Planning and Budgeting

A depreciation report helps a strata corporation plan for and budget for future repairs and replacements of common property and assets. This information is critical for the strata council to make informed decisions about how to allocate resources and maintain the building.

Planning and budgeting are indispensable aspects of efficient strata management. A depreciation report is a valuable tool for strata councils to make informed decisions about the planning and budgeting of repairs and maintenance on common property or assets. Such a report provides detailed information, including estimated lifecycles and replacement costs, that can enable planning for both short-term repairs as well as long-term projects. Armed with this document, members of the strata council can work constructively to ensure that resources are allocated appropriately and that potential risks are addressed in order to maintain a high standard and integrity for the building.

2. Legal Compliance

In British Columbia, strata corporations are required to have a depreciation report after 2010. Failing to have one can result in legal penalties.

In British Columbia, strata corporations must take the essential step of obtaining a depreciation report after 2010 in order to stay compliant with legal standards. The penalties for not having one can range from suspension of strata services to financial fines – this could cost both time and money if penalties are incurred. Even though obtaining a depreciation report is mandated by law and can be intimidating, it is necessary to ensure that your strata property remains complaint and meets legal requirements.

3. Asset Management

Depreciation reports provide an overview of the current condition and estimated remaining useful life of the common property and assets. This information is useful for the strata council to prioritize repairs and replacements and to make informed decisions about the maintenance of the building.

Asset management is an important part of ensuring that a strata building remains value-driven, and depreciation reports provide a helpful overview of the current condition of common assets and properties in order to help the strata council make informed decisions. This ensures that strata owners can maintain their asset, with necessary repairs and replacements prioritized according to expected remaining useful life, thereby preserving its value over the long term. Asset management is integral to keeping buildings in safe, good condition.

4. Contingency Reserve Fund

Depreciation reports also provide information on the replacement cost of the assets and the estimated reserve fund. This information is important for the strata council to plan for how to fund future repairs and replacements and to ensure that the reserve fund is sufficient to cover the costs.

The contingency reserve fund and the accurate information it provides are essential for the effective financial planning of any strata council. Depreciation reports allow detailed, up-to-date insight on the replacement costs associated with maintaining the building, enabling council to budget life cycle expenses and plan future repairs. A reserve fund that is large enough to cover these costs can ensure that owners are not faced with unexpected levies or special assessments. It is also important to consider that good maintenance of shared property or buildings can help protect its value. With detailed reserve fund information available in depreciation reports, strata councils have the opportunity to best manage their resources for monthly budgets and anticipated expenditures.

5. Transparency and Fairness

Depreciation reports provide transparency to the strata owners about the condition of the building and the estimated costs of future repairs and replacements. This information is important for the strata owners to understand the financial health of the building and to make informed decisions about their investment in the property.

Transparency and fairness are essential in providing direction for strata management teams. By offering depreciation reports to strata owners, transparency enables them to understand the financial health of the building, make well-informed decisions about their investment in the property, and distribute shared budgeting costs equally among all owners. With this information being made available, it increases awareness and allows everyone involved to work together as a team towards common goals by having detailed data on hand. As a result, this helps foster a sense of communal transparency and equality throughout the property.

Not Legal Advice - The material provided on the StrataPress website is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely upon the materials provided on this website, any hypertext links or other general information without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice. These materials may have no evidentiary value and should be checked against official sources before they are used for professional or commercial purposes. Your use of these materials is at your own risk.

Exploring Age Restriction Bylaws

by StrataPress | Jan 2, 2023 | Strata Living, Strata Owners, Strata Property Act, Trends

As strata owners, realtors, lawyers and homeowners battle the effects of escalating housing costs in British Columbia’s hyper-competitive market, one solution has come to the forefront: implementing age restriction bylaws.

These types of restrictions can be used by both strata corporations and local governments as a tool for creating more accessible housing. However, with great power comes great responsibility – before making any decisions involving age restriction bylaws, it is important that stakeholders familiarize themselves with relevant legislation in order to ensure compliance.

When a strata council is deciding whether to put age restriction bylaws to a ¾ vote of the owners, the strata council must consider and weigh the needs of both current and potential future residents when deciding whether to introduce age restriction bylaws. there are practical and legal considerations to take into account as well. One practical consideration is that an age restriction bylaws may impact the number of owners willing to serve as strata council members. This is because some retirement complexes have many owners who are away for the winter months. Another practical consideration is whether age restriction bylaws will increase or decrease the purchase price of the suites in the building. Conversely, in complexes with recreational facilities close by as well as access to shopping or public transport but without schools or playgrounds nearby, introducing such restrictions could prove beneficial – helping attract like-minded individuals likely seeking similar amenities from their homes.

In assessing the impact an age restriction bylaw will have on the value of the suites, the strata council may wish to consult a realtor.

There are legal considerations to take into account when deciding whether to put an age restriction bylaw to a ¾ vote of the owners. One legal consideration is whether an age restriction bylaw is constitutional. The Supreme Court of Canada has held that age discrimination is a reasonable and justifiable limitation on the right to freedom of association under section 2(d) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This means that an age restriction bylaw is likely to be constitutional if it is reasonable and justifiable. A strata council should carefully consider whether an age restriction bylaw is reasonable and justifiable before putting it to a vote of the owners.

Age restrictions are a common way for strata councils to manage the demographics of their buildings, but they are not without controversy. The Strata Property Act sets out a number of requirements that must be met for an age restriction bylaw to be valid. The bylaw must be reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the strata corporation, and it must not discriminate against any person on the basis of age or any other ground prohibited by the Human Rights Code.

Another legal consideration is whether an age restriction bylaw will contravene any provincial or federal anti-discrimination laws. For example, British Columbia’s Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of age. This means that a strata corporation that restricts ownership or occupancy to persons over a certain age could be found to have contravened this law. Before putting an age restriction bylaw to a vote of the owners, a strata council should ensure that it does not contravene any provincial or federal anti-discrimination laws.

If an owner challenges an age restriction bylaw in court, the judge will consider whether it meets these requirements. If the bylaw is found to be discriminatory or unreasonable, the judge may find it to be unenforceable.

If the strata council decides that an age restriction bylaw would benefit the strata corporation, they should consult their condominium lawyer. If an owner challenges the bylaw in court, the judge will take into account whether it meets the requirements of the Strata Property Act (“Act”), the Human Rights Code and other federal and provincial legislation. If the age restriction bylaw does not meet these requirements, the judge may find the bylaw to be unenforceable.

The Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination against persons purchasing property on the basis of marital status but not on the basis of age. This means that a person cannot be discriminated against when purchasing property based on whether they are married, single, divorced, or widowed. However, a person can be discriminated against when purchasing property based on their age. Age is defined in the Human Rights Code as an age of nineteen (19) years or more and less than sixty-five (65) years. This means that a person who is under the age of 19 years or over the age of 65 years can be discriminated against when purchasing property.

Section 10 of the Human Rights Code lists grounds of discrimination that are prohibited when a landlord is choosing a tenant. Included in the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination is age. Therefore, a landlord cannot discriminate against tenants on the basis of age. At first glance it appears that a strata corporation could enact an age restriction bylaw that prohibits those under the age of 19 years from residing there. However, discriminating against tenants on the basis of family status is also prohibited by section 10 of the Human Rights Code. There is no definition given in the Human Rights Code for “family status”. However, refusing to rent to parents with young children would likely be found by a judge to be discrimination on the basis of family status.

Therefore, strata corporations who wish to enact age restriction bylaws now should consider setting the age limit at fifty-five years of age and older. Exceptions should be made for spouses and visitors. Strata corporations should not only have their age restriction bylaws drafted by a lawyer but the bylaw should be reviewed by a lawyer from time to time as judges will give more direction in the coming years about what age restrictions can be legally enforced by strata corporations.

Even if a strata corporation has a bylaw that prohibits rentals, tenants are always a possibility because an owner must be allowed to rent his or her suite if he or she is under hardship. It may not make sense to apply an age restriction to owners that reside in the building that does not apply to tenants.

Changes to the Strata Property Act are now in efffect. More information via the Vancouver Island Home Owner’s Association

Not Legal Advice - The material provided on the StrataPress website is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely upon the materials provided on this website, any hypertext links or other general information without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice. These materials may have no evidentiary value and should be checked against official sources before they are used for professional or commercial purposes. Your use of these materials is at your own risk.

The Benefits of Using Mediation for Strata Disputes

by StrataPress | Nov 29, 2022 | Strata Living

Most strata complexes contain numerous units, which means that there are a variety of people living in close proximity. Unfortunately, this can mean that mediation for strata disputes between neighbours is necessary to settle conflict that may arise over the use of common spaces or noise levels from one unit to another. Disputes are an unavoidable part of strata living, but that doesn’t mean they have to devolve into heated arguments.

There are informal approaches you can take to resolving a dispute before it reaches the point of involving the strata council or property manager. However, when those informal approaches fail and a bylaw has been broken, strata bylaw enforcement is necessary to ensure all parties abide by the rules set forth in your strata corporation’s bylaws.

When informal attempts at resolution fail, you should turn your attention towards proper enforcement of your strata corporation’s bylaws. Strata corporations must enforce their own rules in order for them to be effective; if a rule is broken without consequence then people will continue breaking that rule again and again until someone stands up and holds them accountable. It is important for every member of the strata community—owners and tenants alike—to understand that these rules exist for everyone’s benefit and must be respected in order for everyone involved to have a pleasant experience living within the strata property.

If you are dealing with a minor dispute between two owners or tenants, such as noise levels, inappropriate use of common areas, or failure to follow regulations such as no smoking in common areas, it is always best to first try and resolve the issue informally or request a strata council hearing. The goal is not necessarily for one party to “win” over the other; rather, it is important to find a solution that everyone can agree on and abide by. This may involve compromises from both sides and understanding that sometimes the simplest solution is not always best.

While disputes between members of a strata community can often lead to animosity between parties involved, there are usually ways you can resolve these issues without having them escalate into something bigger than necessary. If a council member or strata manager is asked to help resolve these nuisance disputes, mediation may be a viable option.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process where a third-party neutral (the mediator) helps two or more people resolve their dispute without going to court. It is voluntary, confidential and non-adversarial, meaning that all parties involved come together in an effort to reach an agreement that satisfies everyone involved. It also allows the parties to maintain control over the outcome by coming up with mutually agreeable solutions instead of having one imposed upon them by a judge or arbitrator.

Benefits Of Mediation For Strata Councils

Using mediation for strata disputes has many benefits for councils when it comes to resolving nuisance disputes in strata complexes, including:

1. Cost savings – Mediation is often cheaper than going through the court system and can usually be completed within a day or two compared to months or even years when going through litigation. This means less time spent dealing with the dispute as well as fewer costs for legal fees, court costs and other associated expenses.

2. Improved relationships – By using mediation for strata disputes rather than litigation, councils are able to maintain good relationships between all parties involved in the dispute (i.e., tenants, owners, occupiers). This can help prevent future disputes from arising as well as allow council members and strata managers to focus on other tasks related to running the complex effectively instead of dealing with ongoing conflict between neighbours.

3. Reduced stress – As mentioned above, mediation is generally faster than litigation so it can reduce stress levels for all involved since there is less waiting time for resolution of the issue(s). Additionally, the informal setting provided by mediation for strata disputes often allows parties involved to feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues without worrying about being judged by others or having their words misinterpreted in a courtroom setting.

Benefits Of Mediation For Parties Involved In The Dispute

In addition to its benefits for councils, choosing mediation over litigation also has advantages for those directly involved in the dispute such as:

1. Achieving closure – Participating in mediation helps individuals come up with solutions that work best for them rather than relying on someone else’s decision (i.e., judge/jury). This can help bring closure quicker so that everyone can move on with their lives without having any lingering bitterness towards each other due to unresolved issues from the past.

2. Mutually beneficial agreements – Since both parties are allowed to express their views during mediation sessions, they are more likely to come up with agreements that are mutually beneficial instead of one side feeling like they didn’t get what they wanted out of a situation or were forced into something against their will due to lack of options offered by traditional court systems . Additionally, these agreements tend not only include what each side wants but also how they plan on achieving it so that no one feels like they’re getting taken advantage of.

3. Confidentiality – Mediations are generally confidential which means that whatever happens during these meetings remains private unless both sides agree otherwise (which rarely happens). This provides added security and peace of mind knowing that personal information won’t be made public knowledge if either side chooses not too disclose it voluntarily.

Overall, there are benefit of mediation for strata disputes, it’s an effective way of addressing disputes between tenants and owners in strata complexes due its ability to provide an open forum for communication between all parties involved while also offering an alternative that is more cost effective than litigation. As a council member or strata manager facing these types of situations it is important to understand how mediation could help resolve the dispute quickly and efficiently so that all parties can move forward peacefully. By utilizing mediation services you can help restore harmony within your strata complex while simultaneously protecting everyone’s right enjoy their homes free from disturbances caused by neighbors.

Strata corporation, strata owners, residents and strata council members may use the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) to resolve many strata disputes and for small claims up to $5,000. The Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) is Canada’s first online tribunal for resolving strata and other types of disputes. The CRT is part of the British Columbia public justice system. They offer an accessible, affordable way to resolve disputes without needing a lawyer or attending court.

The CRT offers new ways to resolve your disputes and legal issues in a timely and cost-effective manner. The CRT:

encourages a collaborative, problem-solving approach to dispute resolution, rather than the traditional courtroom model.
aims to provide timely access to justice, built around your life and your needs. It does this by providing legal information, self-help tools, and dispute resolution services to help solve your problem, as early as possible.
is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from a computer or mobile device that has an internet connection. Your interaction with the other participant(s) and/or the CRT can be done when it is convenient for you. CRT services are also available by phone.

Your direct and active participation will help you reach a resolution with the other participant(s). The CRT will make a decision for you only if you and the other participants can’t agree on your own solution.

Not Legal Advice - The material provided on the StrataPress website is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely upon the materials provided on this website, any hypertext links or other general information without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice. These materials may have no evidentiary value and should be checked against official sources before they are used for professional or commercial purposes. Your use of these materials is at your own risk.