More topics

Getting legal advice on stratas

Publication date: December 16, 2024

Sometimes it is helpful to get legal advice on a strata issue. The provincial government does not provide legal advice. The interpretation and application of strata legislation is affected by court and Civil Resolution Tribunal decisions.

On this page

Learn more about options for getting legal advice in B.C. for strata related matters:

Contact a strata lawyer

Some lawyers specialize in strata-related issues. Lawyers who are knowledgeable about strata issues may advertise in or write articles for the publications and websites of strata home owner associations.

Contact the Lawyer Referral Service

The Lawyer Referral Service helps British Columbians find a suitable legal professional to resolve their legal problem. Any B.C. resident can call the Lawyer Referral Service at 604-687-3221 to meet with a lawyer.

A person can receive 15 minutes of free consultation with an expert lawyer by following some specific steps.

  • Call the Lawyer Referral Service telephone line at 604-687-3221 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (not including statutory holidays).
  • Briefly explain your legal problem. The BC Lawyer Referral staff will then provide you with the name and contact information of a suitable lawyer to help you.
  • If schedules allow, your lawyer will provide you with 15 minutes of free consultation to determine your legal needs and how you can address them.
  • If you’d like further help from the lawyer, you can retain them at an agreeable rate of charge. There's no obligation for either party to continue after the free 15 minute consultation.
  • Your lawyer may charge you an hourly rate for any time exceeding 15 minutes.

For more information please see the Lawyer Referral Service website.

Consider the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) 

Consider the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) for resolving many strata disputes. The CRT is another option to address many strata disputes without the expense of going to court. There is a fee charged if the dispute proceeds to a certain stage; however, there are also fee waivers for people with low incomes.

The online tribunal allows faster and more effective resolutions of many strata disputes and does not require legal representation.

  • Most people find the CRT very user-friendly.
  • Although the service is designed to be used online there is also some phone support.
  • Those with a claim before the tribunal can represent themselves or ask to be represented by a friend, relative or lawyer.

Learn more about the CRT and strata disputes.

  • Find it fast: a strata housing site map listing all the Province's strata housing webpages.
  • Disclaimer: information on this website is provided for the user’s convenience as a basic starting point; it is not a substitute for getting legal advice. The interpretation of legislation and regulations is affected by court cases and Civil Resolution Tribunal decisions. Learn more about the website's purpose and limits.
  • Content on the site is periodically reviewed and updated by the Province of British Columbia as per the date noted at the top of each page.

Owners and residents in strata properties must the follow the Strata Property Act and regulations as well as the strata's bylaws and rules. The interpretation of strata law is is also affected by court and Civil Resolution Tribunal decisions.

Learn more on this website:

Strata associations offer useful information for strata owners and strata council members.

  • CHOA (Condominium Home Owners Association of BC)
  • VISOA (Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association) 
  • CCI BC Chapter (Canadian Condominium Institute)

Find it fast, a site map listing the Province's strata housing webpages.