By Naomi Rozenberg and Jennifer M. Lo Naomi Rozenberg, Partner Phone: 604-685-3911 Email: nrr@lmlaw.ca Jennifer M. Lo Phone: 604-674-9902 Email: jml@lmlaw.ca Are you thinking of buying or investing in a strata property? Whether it’s a condo, townhouse, or duplex, strata documents are critical to understanding your property and its governance. Strata Documents Matter What can you learn […]
STRATA ALERT: NEW RULES FOR STRATA OWNER REQUESTS TO INSTALL ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS
October 8, 2024 by
Bill 22 has introduced amendments to the Strata Property Act, aiming to boost electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in condominiums. The new rules (sections 90.1 to 90.3) make it harder for strata corporations to refuse owners’ requests to install EV chargers. Requests can be made after obtaining an electrical planning report or by specific deadlines, with full rights starting December 31, 2026. Strata corporations must respond within 3 months and cannot unreasonably refuse requests. Legal guidance is recommended when considering denials or setting conditions. Strata corporations should review bylaws and agreements to ensure they comply with these changes.
Seller’s Remorse: Presale Contracts in a Rising Real Estate Market
June 13, 2024 by
Presale Contracts in a Rising Real Estate Market By Naomi Rozenberg and Lucas Johnson The recent case of Zheng v. Anderson Square Holdings Ltd., 2024 BCSC 216 highlights the need for a presale buyer to carefully review their contract of purchase and sale and be prepared to legally challenge a developer’s attempt to improperly terminate the contract […]
STRATA ALERT: APPEAL COURT AFFIRMS THAT CONDOMINIUM CORPORATION ACTED REASONABLY IN RESPONDING TO NOISE COMPLAINTS
March 7, 2024 by
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently dismissed a noise complaint against a condo corporation, emphasizing the complex balance between individual rights and communal living. The case highlights the necessity for strata corporations to navigate noise complaints with legal guidance, ensuring fairness and reasonableness in communal environments.
Strata Alert: The Potential Risks of Short-Term Accommodations and Strata Property Insurance
January 16, 2024 by
In the Strata Plan VR 2213 v. Schappert, 2023 BCSC 2080 case, the BC Supreme Court ruled that short-term renters are “named insureds,” affecting strata property insurance costs. This decision implies that insurers cannot recover damages from these renters, potentially leading to increased premiums for strata corporations allowing services like Airbnb. Strata corporations might consider amending their bylaws to restrict short-term rentals as a response to this financial risk. Lesperance Mendes, experts in strata property law, advise strata corporations to review their policies and consult legal professionals for tailored guidance.
Strata Alert: Online Tribunal Unable To Penalize Online Harassment of Strata Representatives
January 11, 2024 by
The article ‘Strata Alert: Online Tribunal Unable To Penalize Online Harassment of Strata Representatives’ discusses challenges faced by strata corporations in combating online harassment. It highlights the Civil Resolution Tribunal’s (CRT) decision in Strata Plan BCS3636 v. Burmy, where standard bylaws were deemed ineffective for digital harassment issues. The article suggests considering new bylaws to address online behavior and recommends strata corporations seek legal advice for appropriate regulations.
Strata Alert: BC Sets Deadlines for Stratas to Obtain Electrical Planning Reports
December 21, 2023 by
The article ‘Adapting to Bill 22: New Electrical Planning Reports for BC Strata Corporations’ highlights critical changes to the Strata Property Act, emphasizing the need for electrical planning reports in strata corporations with 5 or more lots. It outlines the deadlines for compliance, varying by region, and the broader aim to support EV charging infrastructure. The piece also advises strata corporations to consult with legal experts like Lesperance Mendes for navigating these new requirements
Strata Alert: Mastering the Strata Warranty Process
August 16, 2023 by
Lesperance Mendes’ Naomi Rozenberg was interviewed by Brent Anderson and James Milne, hosts of the Stratagize podcast about best practices for navigating the construction warranty process and equip you with knowledge & best practices to navigate the process with confidence. Understanding and implementing these tips will help ensure a smooth and successful warranty experience.
Strata Alert: Stratagize Podcast – Balancing Efficiency And Informed Decisions: Exploring The Impact Of The Civil Rights Tribunal On Resolving Strata Matters
August 9, 2023 by
Lesperance Mendes’ Alex Chang was recently a guest on the Stratagize podcast where he shared his knowledge and experience concerning the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT). Download the episode here or wherever you get your podcasts. Here are the show notes: In this episode, Brent and James meet with Alex Chang, partner at Lesperance Mendes and […]
Your Complaints are Warranted: Important Information about 2-5-10 Warranty Repairs
July 4, 2023 by
Homeowners and strata corporations that submit 2-5-10 new home warranty claims ultimately want their construction defects to be repaired. However, many owners are not familiar with a warranty provider’s… […]