Page 5 - REN_Mar-Apr 2021

By Ellen Baragon courtesy BCREA
ith more than 1.5 million British Columbians living in strata housing, not to mention all the commercial,
industrial and mixed-use stratas in BC, it’s important that REALTORS® understand a key tool in assessing
Wthe condition of a strata property: the depreciation report. Here’s a quick primer on what you need to
know and how to learn more.s What is a Strata Depreciation Report?
A strata depreciation report is a thorough written, and sometimes illustrated, physical assessment of the condition of
a strata property that identifies current and future issues that need to be addressed with associated cost estimates.
According to provincial regulations, a depreciation report must include an inventory and evaluation of a building’s:
• structure,
• exterior (such as roofs, roof decks, doors, windows and skylights),
• systems (such as electrical, heating, plumbing, fire protection and security); and
• common amenities (such as fitness room, pool, bike lockers etc).

Collectively, the items listed above are known as “common property” as they are elements that are shared by all
owners of individual units within the building.

Why is a Strata Depreciation Report important?
A strata depreciation report helps strata corporations plan for the repair, replacement and renewal of common
property and assets, especially those that require considerable outlay of money, such as roofs, windows, elevators,
roads or utilities.
They are also an important part of a buyer’s due diligence as they provide insight into future repair and maintenance
needs and their associated costs. Realtors should encourage their clients to thoroughly review strata depreciation
reports and seek legal or other expert advice before making a buying decision.
Buyers should also understand that a depreciation report covers common property as part of a strata building and
not individual units within that building. As a Realtor, be sure to advise buyer clients to get an independent inspection
for the specific unit they are considering purchasing.
What isn’t covered in a Strata Depreciation Report?

Depreciation reports don’t normally cover every item in the common property or routine repairs and maintenance.
Buyers should still do their own due diligence in having the property inspected as well as obtaining other strata
documents, including but not limited to bylaws, rules, regulations, meeting minutes, strata plans, summary of
insurance coverages etc. To obtain additional information, Realtors and their clients need to request other strata
documents in addition to the depreciation report.

Are Strata Depreciation Reports mandatory in BC?
Under British Columbia’s Strata Property Act and Regulations, strata corporations must obtain a depreciation report
unless the strata consists of fewer than five strata lots. The Regulations also require the report to be updated every
three years.
Can Strata Corporations opt out?

Strata corporations in BC can waive their requirement to obtain a depreciation report, or defer the renewal of one,
if three quarters of the owners pass an annual vote in favour. Voting to waive a depreciation report can backfire
however, with the long-term costs of unanticipated repairs and maintenance needs often far outweighing any short-
term savings gained from opting out. In addition, prospective buyers are sometimes reluctant to invest in stratas
that don’t have a long-range maintenance plan in place and lenders and insurers may consider stratas without
depreciation reports greater risks. g

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