Did You Know? 8 Recent BC Strata Law Changes That Could Impact You

BC’s strata landscape is changing fast — and many of the updates from the past couple of years are easy to miss unless you’re deep in the fine print.
Here are eight key changes every Strata Manager and Strata Council should know about closing 2025.

1. Did You Know Every Strata Needs an Electrical Planning Report?

Strata corporations with five or more lots must complete an Electrical Planning Report, detailing electrical capacity, upgrade needs, and EV-readiness — by set deadlines:

• Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Capital Regional District: December 31, 2026
• Rest of BC: December 31, 2028
• Also introduces more flexibility for EV charger installations and CRF spending related to EV upgrades.

Why It Matters:

Boards must start budgeting now for electrical assessments and infrastructure upgrades. Strata managers will face increased planning and contractor coordination workloads.

Action Tip: Book an electrical assessment early and factor the cost into your next budget cycle.

2. Did You Know Electronic AGMs Now Need No Bylaw?

Strata corporations may now hold electronic or hybrid AGMs and SGMs without first passing an enabling bylaw, provided proper notice and participation conditions are met.

Why It Matters:

Simplifies governance and reduces procedural risk for remote participation, especially useful for larger or geographically dispersed stratas.

This streamlines governance and encourages owner participation across BC.

Action Tip: Review your notice and voting templates to reflect the new standard.

3. Did You Know Depreciation Report Rules Have Tightened?

Waivers expire after 18 months unless renewed, and you must use qualified professionals from July 2025 onward.

• Stratas < 5 units → automatic exemption.
• Stratas ≥ 5 units → can waive with ¾ vote, but must obtain a report within 18 months if not re-waived.
• Expanded definition of “qualified person” (from July 1 2025).
• Clarifies liability for owner-prepared reports

Why It Matters:

Lenders and insurers increasingly require up-to-date reports. Managers must track deadlines and use qualified consultants to avoid exposure.

Action Tip: Schedule your next report with certified providers to avoid funding and insurance complications.

4. Did You Know Insurers Now Demand Updated Appraisals?

Replacement-cost accuracy is under scrutiny. Outdated appraisals can invalidate coverage.

Stratas are encouraged to use qualified appraisers for replacement-cost values. Many insurers now require recent appraisals for full coverage and coinsurance compliance.

Why It Matters:

Inaccurate values can void coverage and trigger special levies. Strata managers must review appraisal frequency (typically every 3 years).

Action Tip: Ensure property appraisals are no older than three years.

5. Did You Know the RTA Now Requires Digital Notices and Longer Lead Times?

Personal-use terminations and renovictions face stricter rules and online filing requirements.

• Stronger rules for personal-use terminations and renovictions.
• Mandatory RTB portal for certain end-tenancy notices.
• Longer notice and dispute periods.
• Extended minimum occupancy for landlord use.
• Added tenant compensation and first right of refusal.

Why It Matters:

Strata and rental managers must update forms, procedures, and owner advisory templates to comply and avoid RTB penalties.

Action Tip: Update your tenancy process checklist and train staff on the RTB portal.

6. Did You Know Rent Increases Are Capped Below Inflation?

For 2025, the maximum increase is ~3.5 %, and manufactured home parks follow their own reset formula.

• Annual rent increase tied to CPI but subject to provincial cap ( ~3.5 % for 2025 ).
• Clarified initial pad-rent reset and subsequent formula for MHP tenancies.

Why It Matters:

Managers must forecast revenue and expenses under caps below inflation and update communication with park owners.

Action Tip: Adjust financial forecasts to reflect lower revenue growth and communicate early with owners.

7. Did You Know E&O Coverage May Not Be Enough?

The REALTORS® Indemnity Plan’s $2 M limit includes defence costs. Large claims can exhaust coverage fast.

Supplementary private coverage for high-risk brokerages or large portfolios is encouraged.

Why It Matters:

With increasing regulatory complaints and complex files, a single claim can erode the entire limit. Managing brokers should review coverage annually.

Action Tip: Consider supplemental E&O coverage for multi-site or commercial portfolios.

8. Did You Know RESA Penalties Now Reach $100,000?

BCFSA has expanded enforcement powers and can impose training requirements or licence conditions.

• boosted administrative penalties up to $100,000.

Why It Matters:

Brokerages and managers must strengthen compliance programs and document SOPs to avoid financial penalties or licence conditions.

Action Tip: Audit your compliance practices and document all council and client communications.

Looking Ahead

The regulatory pace in BC’s strata sector is accelerating. For strata and property management professionals, these changes aren’t just legal footnotes — they affect everyday operations, budgets, and risk management.

Staying ahead of them is part of what sets the best firms apart.