A strata corporation has been ordered to pay $47,000 to an owner after the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) found it failed to enforce its bylaws against a tenant. The case highlights the legal obligations of strata councils in British Columbia to act on bylaw complaints.
According to the CRT decision, the owner repeatedly complained about the tenant's violations, including noise and nuisance, but the strata took no meaningful action. The tribunal ruled that the strata's inaction was a breach of its duty under the Strata Property Act to enforce bylaws.
The $47,000 award covers the owner's legal costs and damages for the loss of enjoyment of their property. The CRT emphasized that strata corporations cannot ignore bylaw complaints and must take reasonable steps to investigate and enforce.
This decision serves as a reminder to strata councils across British Columbia that failing to enforce bylaws can lead to significant financial penalties. Owners who suffer due to strata inaction now have a clear precedent for seeking compensation through the CRT.
