Condo Owner Demands Refund of $1,500 Moving Deposit After Strata Ignores Requests
A Vancouver condo owner is embroiled in a dispute over a $1,500 moving deposit that their strata corporation has failed to refund, despite clear bylaws mandating reimbursement within 30 days if no additional costs or damages occur. The homeowner, Glenna R., purchased a unit in a large highrise development in September and paid the deposit to enable security services during a four-hour move-in window. Her movers completed the task in just two hours, leaving no apparent reason for withholding the funds.
Strata Corporation and Property Manager Unresponsive
In spite of numerous written inquiries, the strata corporation and its property manager have not responded to Glenna's requests for a refund. This lack of communication highlights a common issue in condominium communities, where deposits are often delayed or improperly handled. Tony Gioventu, executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association (CHOA), notes that complaints about deposits frequently involve unclear costs, discretionary applications by council, or bylaws that lack specificity.
Recommended Steps for Resolution
Gioventu advises Glenna to take several steps to resolve the issue:
- Request a hearing with the strata council at a council meeting, demanding the refund and a detailed statement of any imposed costs.
- Under strata regulations, the council must convene the hearing within four weeks of the request and provide a written answer within one week afterward.
- If this fails, file a dispute with the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT), though backlog may result in long wait times.
He emphasizes that strata owners are volunteers responsible for managing properties within legal frameworks, while property managers face high workloads with limited resources. Costs for security, custodial services, and waste disposal during moves are legitimate, but they must be transparent and justified.
Broader Context and Resources
This case underscores ongoing challenges in strata management, particularly in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island. CHOA is hosting town halls throughout April to address public questions on topics like electric planning reports, depreciation reports, insurance, and new local government bylaws requiring cooling in condo units. Attendance is free, and registration is available at choa.bc.ca.
For Glenna and others in similar situations, persistence and adherence to procedural steps are key. As Gioventu concludes, "Hopefully the corporation will act reasonably and simply refund the deposit." This incident serves as a reminder for condo owners to understand their rights and for strata councils to uphold bylaws diligently.
