The CRT handles most B.C. strata claims
The Civil Resolution Tribunal states that it has jurisdiction over most strata claims in B.C., of any amount. It identifies exceptions, including some claims concerning land and claims it characterizes as harassment, bullying or slander. Jurisdiction should be checked before starting a proceeding.
Common Burnaby strata disputes
Bylaws and fines
Disputes may involve pets, parking, rentals, short-term accommodation, smoking, noise, renovations or other conduct regulated by bylaws. Keep the exact bylaw version that applied at the relevant time, along with warning letters, hearing requests, council decisions and fine notices.
Repairs and water damage
Responsibility can turn on whether property is common property, limited common property or part of a strata lot, as well as the bylaws and cause of the loss. Water damage often creates overlapping issues involving repair responsibility, deductibles, insurance and alleged negligence.
Records and governance
Owners may seek minutes, financial records or other documents, while councils must manage requests under the Strata Property Act. Disagreements can also concern voting, meetings, special levies, depreciation reports or enforcement consistency.
Use the Strata Property Act and current provincial guidance
B.C.'s Strata Property Act and the province's strata-housing guidance are useful starting points. The legal result may depend on regulations, bylaws and prior CRT or court decisions as well as the statute.
Build a clean evidence record before filing
- Current and historical bylaws relevant to the dispute.
- Letters, hearing requests and council responses.
- Minutes and resolutions.
- Photos, videos, contractor reports and invoices.
- Insurance correspondence where damage is involved.
- A dated chronology showing what happened and how the strata responded.
Try to define the remedy you actually want
A dispute becomes easier to assess when the requested outcome is precise. Examples might include reversal of a fine, access to records, completion of a repair, reimbursement of a specific expense or compliance with a bylaw. The CRT can only grant remedies within its legal authority, so the requested order should match the tribunal's jurisdiction.
Related dispute guides
See Burnaby civil disputes for limitation and evidence basics, our court and tribunal guide for forum selection, and Burnaby real estate law for transaction-related property issues.