Strata Bylaws in BC: What They Can Say About Rentals, Pets and Age

Strata bylaws shape everyday life in a condo or townhouse complex, from pets to rentals. Before you buy, it helps to know what a strata can and can't restrict under BC law, and where to find the bylaws that apply to the home you're considering.

The short version

Rentals: long-term rental bans are gone

Since November 24, 2022, a strata corporation must not screen tenants, require approval of tenants or otherwise restrict the rental of a strata lot. Rental restriction bylaws that were in place before then became unenforceable.

Owners who rent out their homes still have duties. Before renting, the landlord must give the tenant the current bylaws and rules and a Notice of Tenant's Responsibilities, known as Form K. Within two weeks of renting, the landlord must give the strata a copy of the notice signed by the tenant. Tenants must follow the bylaws too.

For investors, this means you can rent out a strata home whatever its older bylaws said. For owner-occupiers, it means any building may include tenants.

Short-term rentals are different

Short-term rentals, meaning stays of under 90 consecutive days, can still be restricted or banned by a strata bylaw, even where provincial rules would allow them. A strata can fine up to $1,000 for each contravention of a short-term rental bylaw, and can fine daily for a continuing breach.

Provincial rules apply as well. Since May 1, 2024, in communities covered by BC's principal residence requirement, including Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, short-term rentals are limited to the host's principal residence plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same property. Since May 1, 2025, hosts have had to show a provincial registration number on their listings.

Age restrictions: 55 and over only

A strata bylaw can now restrict age only by requiring one or more residents of each strata lot to be 55 or older. Adults-only bylaws that set a younger age, such as 19 and over, are no longer enforceable. Even in a 55-plus building, some people are exempt:

• Existing residents who lived there lawfully before the bylaw was passed and continue to live there.
• Live-in caregivers for a resident who depends on them because of a disability, illness or frailty.
• Certain family members of a resident who meets the age requirement or lived there before the bylaw: a spouse, a child under 19 in their care, and an adult living with them whom they cared for before that person turned 19.

Pets: still up to each strata

Stratas can still limit the number, size or type of pets. If a strata hasn't filed its own pet bylaw, the Standard Bylaws apply, and an owner, tenant or occupant may keep only:

• a reasonable number of fish or other small aquarium animals;
• a reasonable number of small caged mammals;
• up to two caged birds;
• one dog or one cat.

If a strata passes a new bylaw that prohibits a pet, it doesn't apply to a pet already living there, as long as that pet wasn't breaking an earlier bylaw and continues to live there. A replacement pet must follow the new bylaw. Bylaws that ban pets or restrict where they can go also don't apply to certified guide and service dogs, or to a retired guide or service dog whose former handler is an owner, tenant or occupant.

If you have a pet, or plan to get one, read the bylaws before you write an offer rather than relying on a listing that says pets are allowed.

Where to find the bylaws, and what's coming

• Filed bylaws. A bylaw change needs a 3/4 vote at a general meeting, and it has no effect until it is filed at the Land Title Office.
• Form B. The information certificate lists bylaw amendments that have passed but aren't filed yet, plus any upcoming resolutions that need a 3/4 vote.
• Rules. Council can make rules about the use of common property, but a rule lapses at the next annual general meeting unless the owners ratify it.
• Fees. Move-in and move-out fees must be reasonable and set out in a bylaw or a ratified rule.
• New buildings. In a new all-residential strata, the bylaws can't be amended before the second annual general meeting unless the vote is unanimous.

I go through the full document package, from Form B to the depreciation report, in the strata documents to read before buying.

Questions buyers often ask me

Can a strata in BC ban rentals?

Not long-term rentals. Since November 24, 2022, rental restriction bylaws have been unenforceable. A strata can still restrict or ban short-term rentals of under 90 days.

Can a strata restrict the age of residents?

Only by requiring one or more residents of each home to be 55 or older. Existing residents, live-in caregivers and some family members, such as a qualifying resident's spouse, are exempt.

Can my strata make me get rid of my pet?

Not because of a new bylaw. A bylaw that prohibits a pet doesn't apply to a pet already living with you, as long as it wasn't breaking an earlier bylaw. A replacement pet must follow the new bylaw.

What are the standard pet bylaws in BC?

If a strata hasn't filed its own pet bylaw, owners may keep a reasonable number of fish or small aquarium animals, a reasonable number of small caged mammals, up to two caged birds, and one dog or one cat.

When does a new strata bylaw take effect?

Once it has passed with a 3/4 vote and been filed at the Land Title Office. Form B shows amendments that have passed but aren't filed yet.

Buying your first condo or townhouse? See First-Time Home Buyer Programs in BC and From Offer to Keys.

This article is general information, not legal advice. For the Province's guide, see pet bylaws in stratas.