Can the strata enter my unit? Entry rules under the Standard Bylaws

Last reviewed November 10, 2026, against the current Strata Property Act, Strata Property Regulation and Standard Bylaws on BC Laws.

What the bylaw says

Standard Bylaw 7(1): an owner, tenant, occupant or visitor must allow a person authorized by the strata corporation to enter the strata lot:

• in an emergency, without notice, to ensure safety or prevent significant loss or damage, and
• at a reasonable time, on 48 hours' written notice, to inspect, repair or maintain common property, common assets and any portions of a strata lot that are the responsibility of the strata corporation to repair and maintain under the bylaws or insure under section 149 of the Act.

Bylaw 7(2): the notice must include the date and approximate time of entry, and the reason for entry.

If your strata has filed its own entry bylaw, that applies instead. Some extend the purposes, for example to checking for bylaw compliance or annual fire inspections.

Emergency entry

No notice is required where entry is needed to ensure safety or prevent significant loss or damage: an active leak, fire, a gas smell, a person in distress. Good practice:

• Knock and call first.
• Enter with two people where possible, such as the manager and a council member or the contractor.
• Do only what the emergency requires.
• Leave a written note of who entered, when and why, and follow up in writing.
• Use a locksmith if there is no key, and record the cost.

Whether the strata holds keys to units is a matter for its bylaws. The Standard Bylaws do not require owners to provide one.

Entry on notice

The notice must be given in a way the Act allows. A notice put under the door, in the mail slot or emailed is deemed given four days later (section 61), so stratas should allow for that or hand the notice to the resident. For building-wide work such as annual dryer vent cleaning or fire alarm testing, send the notice early and post reminders.

What the bylaw does not allow

Under the Standard Bylaws, entry on notice is for the listed purposes. It is not a general right to look around, to check who lives there, or to gather evidence of a bylaw contravention inside the unit. The strata investigates most complaints from outside the lot, or asks the resident for access.

Rented units

The bylaw binds tenants directly, so a tenant must allow authorized entry on proper notice. The strata's notice goes to the tenant as occupant, and it is sensible to copy the owner. A landlord's own right to enter is separate, governed by the Residential Tenancy Act, with its own notice rules.

If a resident refuses entry

Refusing entry that complies with the bylaw is a bylaw contravention.

1. Give a second written notice and offer alternative times.
2. Explain the consequences: damage, cost and enforcement.
3. Follow the section 135 process for a fine.
4. Charge resulting costs where the bylaws and the Act allow, such as a contractor's return visit.
5. Apply to the Civil Resolution Tribunal or court for an order granting access, where the work is necessary.

The strata should not force entry in a non-emergency. Get an order.

An owner who has the right to use common property, including limited common property such as a balcony, must also allow the strata reasonable access to it (section 77).

Advice for owners

• You may ask who is entering and why, and to be present.
• You may ask for another time if the one given is unreasonable, but answer promptly.
• Secure pets and valuables.
• If entry happened without proper notice and was not an emergency, write to council. Repeated disregard can be raised at a hearing or with the tribunal.
• Damage caused by the strata's contractors during entry should be reported in writing at once, with photos.

Records council should keep

A copy of each notice with the date and method of delivery, a log of entries with names and times, and a note of any refusal. Record decisions about refused access and enforcement in the minutes by strata lot number.

Questions councils and owners ask

Can the strata enter my unit without permission in BC?

In an emergency, yes, without notice. Otherwise only on 48 hours' written notice for the purposes in the bylaw.

How much notice must a strata give to enter a unit?

At least 48 hours' written notice, stating the date, approximate time and reason, under the Standard Bylaws.

Does the strata have a key to my unit?

Only if you have provided one or your strata's bylaws require it.

Can I refuse entry?

Not if the notice complies with the bylaw. Refusal is a bylaw contravention.

Can the strata enter to check for a bylaw violation?

Not under the Standard Bylaws, which limit entry on notice to inspection, repair and maintenance of what the strata is responsible for.

This page is general information for BC strata corporations, not legal advice. Your strata's own filed bylaws may differ from the Standard Bylaws. See the current text of the Strata Property Act and the Strata Property Regulation on BC Laws.

Related guides

Common Property
Emergency Repairs
Water Damage Responsibility
Giving Notice to Owners
Tenant Rights
Bylaw Enforcement