Mrs. Lee owns a strata lot in 'The Gardens' in Surrey. She falls behind on her strata fee payments by two months, owing $600 plus a $25 late fee per month as stipulated in the bylaws. The strata corporation places a lien on her strata lot. What is the implication of this action for Mrs. Lee, and under what authority is the strata corporation acting?

Question: Mrs. Lee owns a strata lot in 'The Gardens' in Surrey. She falls behind on her strata fee payments by two months, owing $600 plus a $25 late fee per month as stipulated in the bylaws. The strata corporation places a lien on her strata lot. What is the implication of this action for Mrs. Lee, and under what authority is the strata corporation acting?

Answer options:

• A. The strata corporation can only place a lien if the unpaid amount exceeds $1,000, and it must be approved by a 3/4 vote of owners. ✅ B. The lien prevents Mrs. Lee from selling her strata lot until the outstanding strata fees, interest, and any legal costs are paid to the strata corporation. This is permitted by the Strata Property Act.
• C. The lien immediately transfers ownership of the strata lot to the strata corporation until the debt is cleared.
• D. Mrs. Lee can dispute the lien by appealing to the Residential Tenancy Branch, as strata fees are considered a form of rent.

Correct answer: B. The lien prevents Mrs. Lee from selling her strata lot until the outstanding strata fees, interest, and any legal costs are paid to the strata corporation. This is permitted by the Strata Property Act.

Explanation: The Strata Property Act allows a strata corporation to file a lien against a strata lot for unpaid strata fees and other charges. This lien is a charge against the title and prevents the owner from selling or refinancing the unit until the debt is satisfied, but it does not transfer ownership.