HMLynch
Jul 8, 2008, 11:14 AM
I own a Strata unit in a seven unit complex. In 2000 the chairman of the strata council told us that he had obtained a work order from the City to do repairs to the "envelope" of the building because one owner had detected an objectionable odor in the planter outside her unit. The chairman hired a "Building Sciences" company who supplied field reports for a cost of $6000. He then said the reports called for fifty thousand dollars worth of work. Long story short, myself and the Chairman were the only two able to keep our units under the hardship of the costs which in the end totaled $70,000.
When I realized no work had actually taken place I went to the City who told me that no work permit had ever been obtained by the chairman. I sent for copies of the field reports which were mostly items of "information" and no where on these reports was there a mention of $50,000 or even enough work needing to be done that would near that amount. Also, the couple who first noticed the odor which started the whole "repair" process were employees of a building envelope company. And the husband was the vice chairman of the Strata Council. Further investigation through WCB showed that the Roofing/Waterproofing company did not exist nor did the construction company who did the "reparation work". All bogus according to WCB!
I believe this was a deliberate attempt to get rid of the owners because this complex is in a highly desirable part of Vancouver (False Creek). When talking with the chairman while the "work" was in progress I was surprised that he semed to have a lot of knowledge regarding everyone's financial position which he didn't mind sharing with me.
I want to sue the Strata Corporation but wonder if the Statute of Limitations would have run out by now. I didn't sue earlier because my way of dealing with the loss was to withhold my monthly fees in order to recoup my portion ($12,000) but now the new strata chairman is threatening to sell my unit! So I will pay my withheld fees and then sue in a separate action. Can anyone please offer some help re the limitations.
When I realized no work had actually taken place I went to the City who told me that no work permit had ever been obtained by the chairman. I sent for copies of the field reports which were mostly items of "information" and no where on these reports was there a mention of $50,000 or even enough work needing to be done that would near that amount. Also, the couple who first noticed the odor which started the whole "repair" process were employees of a building envelope company. And the husband was the vice chairman of the Strata Council. Further investigation through WCB showed that the Roofing/Waterproofing company did not exist nor did the construction company who did the "reparation work". All bogus according to WCB!
I believe this was a deliberate attempt to get rid of the owners because this complex is in a highly desirable part of Vancouver (False Creek). When talking with the chairman while the "work" was in progress I was surprised that he semed to have a lot of knowledge regarding everyone's financial position which he didn't mind sharing with me.
I want to sue the Strata Corporation but wonder if the Statute of Limitations would have run out by now. I didn't sue earlier because my way of dealing with the loss was to withhold my monthly fees in order to recoup my portion ($12,000) but now the new strata chairman is threatening to sell my unit! So I will pay my withheld fees and then sue in a separate action. Can anyone please offer some help re the limitations.