Rajesh is a strata lot owner in a 75-unit strata corporation in Burnaby. The strata council has approved a special levy of $5,000 per unit to repair significant water ingress issues in the building envelope. Rajesh believes the issue is due to a lack of maintenance by the strata council and an improper installation decades ago, rather than normal wear and tear. Which of the following is TRUE regarding special levies under the Strata Property Act?

Question: Rajesh is a strata lot owner in a 75-unit strata corporation in Burnaby. The strata council has approved a special levy of $5,000 per unit to repair significant water ingress issues in the building envelope. Rajesh believes the issue is due to a lack of maintenance by the strata council and an improper installation decades ago, rather than normal wear and tear. Which of the following is TRUE regarding special levies under the Strata Property Act?

Answer options:

• A. A special levy can only be approved by a unanimous vote of all strata lot owners at an annual general meeting.
• B. Rajesh can refuse to pay the special levy if he believes the strata council was negligent in their duties. ✅ C. Once approved by a 3/4 vote at a general meeting, Rajesh is legally obligated to pay the special levy even if he voted against it.
• D. Special levies are typically covered by the strata corporation's annual operating budget and do not require a separate vote.

Correct answer: C. Once approved by a 3/4 vote at a general meeting, Rajesh is legally obligated to pay the special levy even if he voted against it.

Explanation: Under the Strata Property Act, special levies are approved by a 3/4 vote at a general meeting. Once approved, all owners are legally obligated to pay their share, regardless of how they voted or their opinion on the cause of the expense.