Tony Gioventu
The Province
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Past articles by Tony:
Condo Smarts: Are strata and condo corporations required to file tax returns?
Despite the fact that strata corporations are basically deemed non-taxable corporations, not all of them are exempt from taxation. Read more. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Best to deal with claims in a timely manner
A strata owner reaches out to CHOA's Tony Gioventu to find out how to deal with outstanding collections from 2019 and 2022. Read more. → Read More
Condo Smarts: How rental bylaws for strata corporations change under Bill 44
A strata corporation's bylaw that sets any restrictions or limitations on rentals is no longer enforceable, says CHOA's Tony Gioventu. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Impact of changes to age restriction bylaws
Changes to strata age restriction bylaws were part of Bill 44, which came int0 effect on Nov. 25. The amendment applies to every strata. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Legal expertise key to holding successful condo wind-up meetings
Condominium Home Owners Association executive director Tony Gioventu advises on voting protocol for strata wind-up process. Read more. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Impact of B.C. legislation changes on rentals, age restriction bylaws
Tony Gioventu explains recent changes to BC legislation in which strata rental and age-restriction bylaws will no longer be enforceable. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Steps to take when strata bylaws have been amended or repealed
Unless it has been amended or repealed, the Schedule of Standard Bylaws of the Strata Property Act applies to all B.C. stratas. → Read More
Condo Smarts: What type of alterations require strata permission?
For the most part, fixtures such as replacing carpets, painting, upgrading cabinets and doors and changing light fixtures rarely require much scrutiny. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Who pays when the strata damages a unit?
There is a liability condition for strata corporations known as above and below the deductible. Every owner and tenant is named insured on a strata corporation policy. If a claim on the insurance is above the deductible amount, it is a claim on the strata policy, and the deductible is a common expense. → Read More
Condo Smarts: There is a lot of misinformation on proxies
A proxy is a person who has been assigned the voting rights for the meeting. It is not the form that is used. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Strata relies on proper record keeping for operations
Digital record storage aids record keeping and provides access for property manager, council and owners → Read More
Condo Smarts: Written permission required to alter common property
Two owners have given notice to the strata council that they will install solar panels to reduce their energy use. This will require securing the panels to the roof, and access for the power cables and may have a long-term impact on maintenance and potential costs of replacing roofs in the future. → Read More
Condo Smarts: When are pets exempt from bylaw restrictions?
Pets are prohibited in our building, and a new owner has a dog and a cat. Our strata council has given notice they are in violation of our bylaws. The owners have responded that the pets are medically certified and necessary for their daughter's mental health, who is disabled. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Unenforced pet bylaws cause division amongst homeowners
May be time for a fresh start on a pet bylaw and the owner ratification or an amendment of the existing pet bylaw at a general meeting. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Strata council wrestles with unit owner's request to prune tree
Our strata council is struggling with a challenge from an owner relating to an alteration request on common property. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Preventing fraud in a strata
'We quickly discovered that the tenant, our treasurer, as she claimed to be an accountant, also appeared to have stolen a fair bit of our reserve funds.' → Read More
Condo Smarts: Exemption from rental bylaws doesn't apply to short-term stays
Short-term accommodations are considered business/hotel activities → Read More
Condo Smarts: Management fees determined in service agreement
The management company may only charge what you have agreed on. Before you take any steps, review the service agreement in detail. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Converting strata type can raise a host of tricky issues
If your strata corporation is interested in converting your strata plan to a bare land, you will need a lawyer who is familiar with the Strata Property Act and development of a strata corporation. → Read More
Condo Smarts: Storm season is here — is your strata corporation ready?
Every building has components vulnerable to seasonal change that exposes both the structure and the users to risk. → Read More