Moving into or out of a condo in BC: strata rules, elevators and move fees

A condo move is two moves in one: the one you plan, and the one your building plans for you. Most stratas have rules about when you can move, which elevator you use and whether you pay a fee. Here's what BC law says about those fees, and how to get through moving day without a fine or a lost booking.

Can a strata charge a move-in or move-out fee?

Sometimes, within limits. Under BC's Strata Property Regulation, a strata corporation may charge user fees for the use of common property, such as an elevator or loading bay, only if the amount is reasonable and the fee is set out in a bylaw, or in a rule that has been ratified by the owners. The fee can be a fixed amount or one worked out on a reasonable basis, such as the strata's costs or how long the space is used (Strata Property Regulation, section 6.9, checked 5 October 2026).

So before moving day:

• Ask the strata manager or council for the move bylaws or rules and any fee schedule. If someone asks for a fee that isn't in a bylaw or ratified rule, ask where it comes from.
• Check whether a damage deposit is held, how it's paid and when it comes back.
• Renting? Your landlord should give you the building's move rules too.

Booking the elevator and loading bay

In most towers you book a move window with the building: the elevator, and the loading bay or a parking space for the truck. You make that booking, not the movers. Once you have the window, send it to your movers so they can plan the crew to finish inside it.

Questions worth asking when you book:

• What are the move hours, and are weekend or holiday moves allowed?
• Is there a height limit for the underground or loading bay? Bigger trucks often don't fit.
• How long is the window, and what happens if the move runs over?
• Does the building have any paperwork it needs from you or your movers before the booking is confirmed?

Moving-day checklist

• Confirm the window with the concierge or strata a day or two before.
• Reserve the elevator at both ends if you're moving between two condos.
• Measure big furniture against the elevator door and your unit's door. A sofa that came in through a different building may not go out through this one.
• Pack and label everything before the crew arrives, so the window goes on carrying, not packing.
• Keep the hallway clear and let neighbours on your floor know.

How we handle condo moves

We plan the crew to the building: usually 2 movers for a studio or one-bedroom, 3 for two or three bedrooms, and 4 for larger homes. There's no extra charge for stairs, a long carry from the loading bay, or a building without an elevator, and furniture is taken apart where needed to fit the elevator, then put back together. Moving blankets, floor protection and dollies are included on every move. Flat prices by home size are on our pricing page; a studio or one-bedroom is $599. See apartment and condo moving.

Book your building window first, then call us at 604-348-7640 or get a moving quote.

Source: Strata Property Regulation, B.C. Reg. 43/2000, section 6.9, checked 5 October 2026.