Maria is interested in purchasing a commercial strata unit in Vancouver to open a boutique. Her realtor, Alex, reviews the title search and discovers an easement registered over a portion of the unit's common property that allows the adjacent restaurant to use a shared garbage disposal area. How should Alex advise Maria regarding this easement?

Question: Maria is interested in purchasing a commercial strata unit in Vancouver to open a boutique. Her realtor, Alex, reviews the title search and discovers an easement registered over a portion of the unit's common property that allows the adjacent restaurant to use a shared garbage disposal area. How should Alex advise Maria regarding this easement?

Answer options:

• Alex should assure Maria that easements only affect residential properties, not commercial strata units.
• Alex should advise Maria that the easement is likely invalid if it affects common property rather than the individual unit. ✅ Alex should explain that the easement grants the restaurant a right to use part of the strata's common property, potentially impacting Maria's use or enjoyment, and she should fully understand its implications.
• Alex should recommend ignoring the easement as it will automatically be removed upon transfer of title to Maria.

Correct answer: Alex should explain that the easement grants the restaurant a right to use part of the strata's common property, potentially impacting Maria's use or enjoyment, and she should fully understand its implications.

Explanation: Easements are interests in land that grant a right to use another's land for a specific purpose. They run with the land and are binding on subsequent owners, so Maria needs to understand how this impacts the strata unit's use.