Two prominent British Columbia realtor groups are urging the provincial government to conduct a comprehensive legislative review of the Strata Property Act. The Association of Interior Realtors (AOIR) and the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA) argue that the current legislation, over 25 years old, has not kept pace with the significant increase in strata-titled housing, which now accommodates over 1.5 million residents in the province.
Key Takeaways
- Realtor groups are calling for a full legislative review of B.C.'s Strata Property Act.
- The current act is seen as outdated, failing to address modern real estate transaction realities.
- Proposals include increased education for strata council members and modernized document delivery processes.
Outdated Legislation Hinders Modern Transactions
The Strata Property Act has remained largely unchanged since its inception, predating the widespread adoption of digital technology. This has led to persistent issues in real estate transactions, including disputes over costs, lengthy delays in document delivery, and incomplete information packages. Realtors emphasize the critical need for accurate, reliable, and accessible information for buyers, which the current framework struggles to provide.
Policy Recommendations for Reform
In a joint letter to the B.C. Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, AOIR and BCREA outlined six key policy recommendations. These address critical areas such as the costs associated with Form B disclosures, the timelines for document delivery, and the implementation of mandatory education for strata council members. The organizations highlighted operational challenges in obtaining strata documents before listing properties, stating that the existing rules no longer align with contemporary transaction practices.
Proposal for Mandatory Strata Training
BCREA has developed a specific proposal, the "Mandatory Strata Training Program: Driving Excellence in Strata Property Management." This initiative, inspired by Ontario's Director Training program, aims to equip strata council members with essential knowledge. The training would focus on informed financial decision-making, proactive building maintenance, and more consistent dispute resolution. Proponents believe this will help mitigate common governance failures, such as uneven bylaw enforcement, deferred maintenance, and insurance misuse, which are frequently cited in Civil Rights Tribunal decisions.
Call for Government Oversight and Trust Rebuilding
Jasroop Gosal, BCREA's government relations manager, stressed the importance of mandatory, no-cost, multilingual training for strata council members. The proposal includes setting clear competencies, publicly registering certified members, and implementing continuing education requirements coupled with government oversight. This evidence-based approach is expected to stabilize reserve planning and restore confidence in strata governance. Both AOIR and BCREA are urging the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to prioritize a complete review of the Strata Property Act before introducing any further strata-related regulations.
