Lawson Lundell is pleased to announce that real estate associate Sonal Kaura has been published in the Spring/Summer 2026 issue of Strata Connection Magazine.
Her article, "Strata Fees or Strata Fines: Why the Difference Matters More Than You Think," provides guidance for strata councils across British Columbia tasked with financial oversight.
While both types of charges appear on an owner's ledger, managing them incorrectly can lead to costly consequences and uncollectible debts for a strata corporation.
The article explores the practical and statutory distinctions between the two charges under the Strata Property Act, including:
- Collection Mechanisms: The robust enforcement tools available for unpaid strata fees, including interest charges, voting restrictions and registering a certificate of lien, compared to the limited options available for outstanding fines.
- Procedural Hurdles: The strict notice and hearing requirements under section 135 of the act that councils must follow to prevent the Civil Resolution Tribunal from overturning discretionary fines.
- Limitation Periods: Why claims for strata fees are subject to a strict two-year statutory limitation period, while strata fines are governed by equitable defences like laches.
To read the full article and ensure your strata corporation is managing its collections effectively and lawfully, click here.