The strata council for The Maples Strata Plan VR2222 in Vancouver is deliberating how to allocate costs for maintaining the shared elevator system. They determine that the maintenance expenses should be distributed among the strata lots based on the benefit each lot receives from the elevator, rather than strictly by unit entitlement, as some ground-floor units rarely use it. Under what condition can the strata corporation adopt such a cost-sharing model?

Question: The strata council for The Maples Strata Plan VR2222 in Vancouver is deliberating how to allocate costs for maintaining the shared elevator system. They determine that the maintenance expenses should be distributed among the strata lots based on the benefit each lot receives from the elevator, rather than strictly by unit entitlement, as some ground-floor units rarely use it. Under what condition can the strata corporation adopt such a cost-sharing model?

Answer options: ✅ If the strata corporation passes a bylaw by a 3/4 vote to allocate expenses differently than by unit entitlement.

• If a resolution is passed by a 1/2 vote at an annual general meeting, stating the new allocation method.
• If all strata owners agree in writing to the new allocation method, irrespective of a bylaw.
• The strata corporation cannot deviate from distributing common expenses based on unit entitlement for common property, as per the Act.

Correct answer: If the strata corporation passes a bylaw by a 3/4 vote to allocate expenses differently than by unit entitlement.

Explanation: Section 104 of the Strata Property Act allows a strata corporation to pass a bylaw by a 3/4 vote to distribute operating expenses or a special levy in a different way than according to unit entitlement.