What is a Form F?
A Strata Form F Information Certificate is written verification from a strata corporation that there is no outstanding balance – including strata fees, special levies, fines, chargeback costs – owed by the strata lot owner. Like a strata Form B Information Certificate, each Strata Form F is uniquely created for a specific strata lot at a given point in time and the information provided is verified by a signature of either the strata manager or, commonly in case of self-managed strata corporations, by two strata council members on behalf of the strata corporation. Click here to see a blank sample Form F.
When is it required?
A Form F is required for registration at the Land Title Office on the completion date for each and every strata property conveyance – including purchases and “family transfers” to add or remove an owner from title – as well as agreement for sale and leases or assignments of leases in a strata corporation. The Form F must be valid at the time of completion. A Form F expires and is no longer valid after 30 days from the document date.
Thus, the Form F simultaneously protects the buyer from assuming strata arrears associated with the seller and protects the interest of the strata corporation by ensuring that an owner cannot sell without first paying his debt to the strata.
How to Order a Form F
A Form F Certificate of Payment must be ordered from the Strata Corporation – usually through the online e-Strata Hub portal or the strata management company – and is paid for by the ordering party. The base cost is $15 for the Form F, but, depending on the management company and delivery platform, there may be additional costs for delivery and/or rush services.
*Commonly, your Notary Public or lawyer will facilitate ordering the Form F*
Note re Outstanding Balances
If there are outstanding amounts owing to the strata corporation, the property owner(s) must ensure their balance is paid in full in order to obtain the Form F. If an owner does not or cannot pay their outstanding balance before the Form F is issued, the Notary will order the Form F, receive the strata’s confirmation of the outstanding balance and then provide a legal undertaking to collect and remit the outstanding balance to the strata corporation upon completion of the property transaction.
