Strata Tip of the Week - The Form B: What Buyers, Realtors, and Stratas Should Know
When purchasing a strata-titled property in British Columbia, the Form B: Information Certificate is one of the key documents reviewed during the due diligence process. It provides a snapshot of key strata information that buyers and their Realtors rely on to make informed decisions. It also allows sellers and their Realtors to provide the information needed to support a smooth transaction.
Strata corporations, management companies and, strata managers have an important role to play in this process. Ensuring that the Form Bs they issue are accurate, complete, and prepared using the current version helps support smoother transactions and reduces the risk of errors or omissions that could create problems for buyers, sellers, and other parties involved, or potentially expose the strata corporation or management company to liability.
At Condo Clear, we review Form Bs regularly, and have seen firsthand how outdated or incomplete Form Bs can create problems for buyers, sellers, and strata corporations alike.
What the Form B Covers
The Form B is completed by the strata corporation or its management company and provides a snapshot of key strata information at the time it is issued. This includes details such as:
- Monthly strata fees
- Amounts owed to the strata corporation by the current owners
- Future special levy payments
- Parking and storage designations
- Whether the strata is involved in any legal proceedings
As per Section 59 of the Strata Property Act, the strata corporation is required to provide a Form B within one week of a request. The Act does not distinguish between business days and non-business days, meaning the seven-day period includes weekends and holidays. For example, a Form B requested over the Christmas holidays would still need to be provided within seven days.
The Form B Is Only Current at the Time It Is Issued
The Form B reflects the information available at that specific point in time, which means the information it contains can become outdated quickly. For example, if a strata corporation issues a Form B in the morning and then receives notice of a legal action later that same afternoon, the Form B that was issued earlier that day would already contain outdated information.
That said, it’s not realistic or required for a strata corporation to remain on standby, ready to issue a new Form B at any moment. At Condo Clear, we always recommend that the Form B you rely on be no older than one month. If there is any concern that the information may have changed since the Form B was issued, requesting a new one is always the safer approach.
Make Sure You Have the Current Version
The information that must be included on the Form B is updated by the BC Government from time to time, so it’s important to ensure that the version provided meets current requirements. Using an outdated version can mean that key details are missing.
At Condo Clear, we frequently see strata corporations and strata management companies using their own custom versions of the Form B, which often omit information required under the Strata Property Act. Because the Act clearly prescribes what must be included on a Form B, using an incomplete or modified version can create delays, frustration, and result in a Form B that is not compliant with the requirements set out in the Act.
The latest change to the Form B requires the strata to note whether it has obtained an electrical planning report. If the current version of the Form B is being used, the following question should appear and be answered:
If this question is absent, the strata is likely using an outdated version. A new, complete Form B should be requested.
Why All This Matters
For buyers and Realtors, a Form B that includes incorrect, outdated, or incomplete information can result in decisions being made based on inaccurate details about important matters. Confirming that the Form B is current, accurate, and complete is an important step that helps reduce the risk of relying on information that no longer reflects the strata’s actual circumstances.
For strata councils, ensuring that Form Bs are issued using the current version and that the information provided is accurate and complete is an important responsibility. As the elected representatives of the strata corporation, strata councils are ultimately responsible for ensuring the strata corporation meets its legal obligations, including providing accurate and complete Form Bs.
For strata management companies and strata managers, staying current with Form B requirements and ensuring that the correct version is being used is equally important. Errors or omissions on a Form B can affect transactions, create unnecessary uncertainty for buyers and sellers, and potentially expose the strata corporation or management company to liability.
As we hope is clear, the Form B is an important document that can have significant implications for multiple parties involved in a real estate transaction. Ensuring that it is current, complete, and accurate helps support a smoother closing process and reduces the risk of avoidable issues arising later on.
At Condo Clear, we review strata documents every day and share these insights to help buyers and owners feel more confident navigating strata living. Sign up for our Strata Tip of the Week Newsletter to stay up to date with the latest strata news and articles.
That’s it for this week. If you have any suggestions for other topics you’d like us to cover, please let us know at info@condoclear.ca.
Author: Mugurel Mic; Last Edited: May 11, 2026
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