Strata owners often make the mistake of believing that their rights as owners are absolute and that they may do as they wish within their own strata unit. Although each set of bylaws is different, a strata corporation’s bylaws will generally require owners to obtain permission from the strata council before making any alteration to their strata lot.
As a condition of their approval, a strata council may require an owner to enter into an alteration or indemnity agreement with the strata corporation. Such agreements will typically require the owners to undertake all costs of the alterations (both present and future).
Significant alterations to common property will not only require the approval of council- they will also require approval of owners at a general meeting by a 3/4 vote.