British Columbia
Form B (Information Certificate): What BC Strata Buyers Need to Know
Before you remove subjects on a BC strata purchase, you need to understand Form B — and the full document package that comes with it. Here is a complete guide to what Form B contains, why the 2026 depreciation report deadline matters, and how Pellucis turns 400+ pages into a scored forensic briefing.
2026 Depreciation Report Deadline — What Buyers Need to Know
BC regulations now require all stratas with 5+ lots to have a current depreciation report. Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Capital Regional District stratas must comply by July 1, 2026. If the strata you are buying into does not have a current report, ask why — and treat it as a material risk factor.
What Is Form B?
Form B is a standardized disclosure document mandated by BC's Strata Property Act. The seller's strata corporation must provide it within 7 days of request. Form B discloses the current strata fee, any special levies approved or anticipated, the contingency reserve fund (CRF) balance, any liens on the strata lot, and whether the strata is party to litigation.
On its own, Form B is a one-page summary. The real intelligence is in the full package of supporting documents that accompanies it.
What's in a Complete Strata Package
Form B Certificate
Strata fee, CRF balance, approved special levies, liens, litigation status.
Depreciation Report
30-year capital replacement plan. Pellucis calculates reserve runway and flags underfunding.
Current Budget
Operating and contingency reserve contributions. Reveals whether fees cover actual costs.
Financial Statements
Prior year audited or reviewed financials. Pellucis extracts CRF balance, operating surplus/deficit, and arrears.
AGM & Council Minutes
Governance record. Pellucis scores procurement, action-item closure, conflict density, and capital project discussions.
Bylaws & Rules
Governing documents. Pellucis flags rental restrictions, pet bylaws, EV charging rules, and amendment history.
Insurance Certificate
Property and liability coverage. Pellucis flags high deductibles — a $100K+ deductible is a chargeback risk.
Depreciation Reports: BC's 2026 Deadline
BC's Bill 44 (2022) eliminated the ability for stratas to opt out of depreciation reports by 3/4 vote. Compliance deadlines vary by region:
Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, CRD
High — largest markets, most affected buyers
July 1, 2026
All other BC regions
Medium — same rules, later deadline
November 1, 2026
If the strata you are buying does not have a current depreciation report, ask why. Under the new rules, corporations in non-compliance face regulatory action — and the absence of a depreciation report means capital planning is unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Form B (Information Certificate) in BC?
Form B is a standardized disclosure document that BC strata corporations must provide to buyers under the Strata Property Act. It discloses the current owner's strata fee, any special levies approved or anticipated, the contingency reserve fund balance, outstanding liens on the strata lot, and whether the strata is in litigation. It is the BC equivalent of Ontario's status certificate.
What documents come with a Form B strata package?
A complete BC strata package typically includes: the Form B certificate itself, current budget, depreciation report (if the corporation has one), two years of AGM and council minutes, financial statements, bylaws and rules, insurance certificate, and any registered amendments. The package can run 200–800 pages for larger stratas.
Are depreciation reports mandatory in BC?
Yes — since 2012, stratas with 5 or more strata lots must obtain a depreciation report every 5 years. However, stratas could previously opt out by a 3/4 vote. Bill 44 (2022) eliminated the opt-out. For most existing stratas, the deadline to have a current report varies: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Capital Regional District stratas must comply by July 1, 2026. All other BC stratas follow by November 1, 2026.
What is the Metro Vancouver depreciation report deadline?
BC's Strata Property Amendment Regulation (in force 2023, with compliance deadlines staggered by region) requires stratas in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Regional District, and Capital Regional District to have a current depreciation report by July 1, 2026. Stratas in all other BC regions must comply by November 1, 2026.
What should I look for in a depreciation report?
Key items: the remaining useful life of major systems (roof, envelope, mechanical, elevators), the 30-year projected cost of capital replacements, the current contingency reserve fund balance versus the projected requirement, and the recommended annual contribution. Pellucis calculates reserve runway — how many years the current balance and contributions can fund planned replacements — and flags shortfalls.
How is Form B different from a status certificate?
Form B and Ontario's status certificate serve the same purpose — financial and legal disclosure for buyers — but differ in format, required contents, and governing legislation. Form B is governed by BC's Strata Property Act; the status certificate is governed by Ontario's Condominium Act. The documents look different but Pellucis analyzes both under the correct provincial framework.