B.C.’s Civil Resolution Tribunal has told a Vancouver strata owner to remove tents being used for storage from common property.
In a June 17 decision, tribunal member David Jiang said the strata claimed Chui Cheng placed a canopy tent on common property and stored boxes and other personal items beneath it. She then erected a second tent, the strata claimed.
The strata sought an order that Cheng remove personal property from the common property.
Cheng, however, denied liability.
Cheng said she removed some her items from the tent but said remaining items included a table, teapot, cups, apples, snacks, plants and flowers.
“She says she should be allowed to keep the tent on common property because it beautifies the living environment and provides entertainment facilities to neighbours,” Jiang said. “She does not directly address allegations about the second tent.”
The tribunal said the strata's photos showed two tents located on a grassy exterior fenced area next to the building.
Photos from March 2023 showed numerous items under the tent, to the point that they pushed up against the tent’s roof. Items included cardboard boxes and Rubbermaid bins.
Jiang found the tents violated the strata bylaw, and that Cheng had been using them like storage sheds.
He gave Cheng 14 days to remove the tents and garbage bags and boxes and their contents plus contents from the common property yard area.
Jiang also ordered Cheng to reimburse the strata $225 in tribunal fees.
