Alex J. Chang, Partner Phone:  604-685-1255 Email:  ajc@lmlaw.ca   Originally published by LandlordBC in the Spring 2025 Issue of The Key When a landlord or purchaser gives Notice to End Tenancy so they can occupy the rental unit, the tenant may claim an amount equal to 12 months’ rent if they do not occupy […]

Please join Lesperance Mendes Lawyers at BUILDEX Vancouver on February 27, 2025, as our industry comes together for seminars, keynotes, sourcing, networking, and more. Our team members will be presenting the topics of:  the 2-5-10 warranty regime, and managing phased strata corporations.    The 2-5-10 Warranty Naomi R. Rozenberg will be presenting on the topic […]

Naomi Rozenberg, Partner Phone:  604-685-3911 Email:  nrr@lmlaw.ca   Considering litigation? If so, don’t wait too long, because the clock is ticking, and you might run out of time sooner than you think. Limitation Periods All legal proceedings are subject to “limitation periods” – deadlines to sue. A claim must be filed before the limitation period […]

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.

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 […]

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.

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.

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

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.