What Do Strata Fees Cover? A Line-Item Breakdown

When you buy a condo or townhouse in BC, you don’t just pay your mortgage — you also contribute to the building’s operating budget through strata fees. But what do those fees actually pay for?

Typical strata fee inclusions

While every building is different, here are the most common expense categories that your monthly fees support:

• Building insurance — coverage for the structure and common property.
• Maintenance and repairs — cleaning, landscaping, elevator service, snow removal.
• Utilities for shared spaces — water, gas, or electricity for hallways, gyms, pools.
• Management fees — compensation for a property management company or on-site manager.
• Reserve/contingency fund — savings for future major expenses like roof replacement or envelope repair.
• Amenities — upkeep for gyms, pools, party rooms, guest suites.
• Other shared costs — garbage/recycling pickup, pest control, security systems.

Costs that are not usually included

Strata fees generally don’t cover inside your unit. Owners are usually responsible for:

• Their own property/contents insurance
• Utilities inside their unit (hydro, gas, internet, etc.)
• Repairs or upgrades inside their own walls

Always check your strata’s bylaws and annual budget for the exact breakdown.

Why fees differ between buildings

• Size & age of the building — Larger buildings spread costs across more units, while aging buildings may face bigger repair bills.
• Amenities — Pools, gyms, and 24/7 concierges all push fees higher.
• Maintenance approach — Some councils prefer higher fees and strong reserve funding; others keep fees low but risk special levies later.

Planning tip

When comparing buildings, don’t just look at the dollar figure. Ask for the strata’s Form B and budget to see what’s included. A higher monthly fee that covers more may actually save you money versus a low fee with hidden gaps.

👉 Want to estimate your own monthly share? Try the Strata Fee Calculator to see how your unit size and building budget translate into actual costs.

Need a quick estimate? Try the Strata Fee Calculator.