Episode 10: What You Need to Know About Changes to Strata Lots & Common Property
About the Episode:
Get the Guides:
3 Keys to Decision Making for Strata Councils
Maintenance Planner Checklist
8 Steps for Going out to Bid
About the Guest:
Ben Scheidegger
Associate, Hamilton & Company
Ben is an associate at Hamilton & Company where he practices in the areas of strata property law and general civil litigation. Ben begins by listening and asking the right questions to get the full picture of the issues involved and his client’s expectations. From there Ben tailors a strategy and provides practical advice to efficiently achieve his client’s goals.
Ben has assisted clients with claims in the Supreme and Provincial Courts of British Columbia and various administrative tribunals. Ben grew up in Salmon Arm and came to the lower mainland for university. He is the president of the Vancouver Young Professionals Rotaract Club and is an enthusiastic but untalented rec hockey player.
About the Hosts
Brent Anderson
Business Development Director, FirstService Residential British Columbia
As Business Development Director, Brent is responsible for the continued growth and strategy of FirstService Residential’s Market throughout British Columbia.
Brent’s professional career in sales began selling souvenirs at Canucks games back at the PNE Coliseum. For the past 15 years, has been closely working with strata managers as a salesperson for various trades, including painting, high-rise window cleaning, and HVAC services.
The sales world is full of cookie-cutter reps who lead with their ego and put their needs ahead of the customers. Not Brent; he is passionate about the needs and goals of his clients and specializes in bringing them peace of mind.
Brent lives in South Surrey with his wife and their Jack Russell Terrier. He is an avid hiker and budding kayak enthusiast.
James Milne
Business Development Director, FirstService Residential British Columbia
As Business Development Director, James is responsible for the continued growth and strategy of FirstService Residential’s Market throughout British Columbia.
James takes a consultative approach to his role, recognizing that having the right fit between a community and its management is crucial to long-term success. Prior to joining FirstService, James worked in luxury hotel management and business-to-business sales.
James has more than 20 years of experience in customer-facing roles and a true passion for customer service. He is a licensed strata manager and has a degree in Business Management.
When not working, James is also an avid mountain biker and serves as the President of one of BC’s largest non-profit mountain bike clubs.
About Stratagize Podcast
Over 1.5 million people live in strata housing in the Province of British Columbia.
Let's face it, you'd rather watch reruns of the nightly news than read the Strata Property Act (And we can't blame you) Still, most people are at a loss when it comes to understanding such an important framework for how many of us live our lives in proximity with one another.
Stratagize with Brent Anderson & James Milne features conversations with industry leaders and experts who share their knowledge to demystify an industry that impacts the lives of more than 1 out of 3 British Columbians.
Whether you are a council member, owner, investor, or renter, if you're looking for content that will bring value to your strata and help you get to the next level… THIS is it!
Listen to our latest episode, subscribe and rate us on iTunes. 👊
🚨 STRATA TIP:
Managing expectations & avoiding complaints.
Unmet expectations are a big source of complaints in a strata. Use your AGM and your council meeting minutes to communicate council’s philosophy behind certain decisions to minimize complaints by residents.
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MAIN TAKEAWAYS:
🛠 Strata lot owners should always get approval for changes in writing, keep a copy, and ensure the approval is recorded in meeting minutes.
🛠 Strata council cannot reasonably withhold approval for a change to a strata lot
🛠 A significant change requires a ¾ vote of ownership, but it is councils duty to decide if it is a significant change.
🛠 6 factors determine a significant change:
- Visibility or non-visibility
- Affect use of enjoyment
- Direct interference as a result
- Impact on marketability
- Number of units affected
- Precedent set by previous council decisions
MYTH VS FACT 🦄
“Is the patio, yard, or balcony ALWAYS limited common property.”
(Myth)
With some older stratas the outdoor space is part of the strata lot. Check your strata plan.