Why Strata Moving Rules Matter
If you live in a condo or strata building in Metro Vancouver, you cannot just show up with a moving truck and start hauling furniture. Under the BC Strata Property Act, strata corporations can fine residents up to $200 per violation for breaking moving bylaws — using the wrong elevator, moving outside permitted hours, or damaging common areas.
This guide covers every strata moving rule you need to know for condos in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and Richmond. Whether you are moving in or moving out, following these rules protects your damage deposit and avoids costly fines.
1. Elevator Booking Requirements
Most Metro Vancouver strata buildings require you to reserve the service elevator for your move. Here is what you need to know:
Booking Timeline
Book your elevator at least 2-4 weeks in advance. During peak season (June through August), popular time slots fill up fast. Contact your building's property manager or concierge as soon as you know your moving date.
Typical Time Slots
Most buildings offer 3-4 hour elevator windows. Some allow full-day bookings for larger moves. Common windows include 9 AM - 12 PM, 12 PM - 4 PM, and 9 AM - 5 PM. Weekend availability varies by building — many restrict moves to weekdays only.
What Happens Without a Booking
If you show up without an elevator reservation, the concierge will likely deny your movers access. This means rescheduling your entire move, potentially losing your moving crew for the day, and paying rebooking fees.
2. Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Nearly every strata building in Metro Vancouver requires your moving company to provide a Certificate of Insurance before moving day. The COI names the strata corporation as an additionally insured party, protecting the building against any damage during your move.
A professional moving company like Evergreen Movers will provide COI documentation free of charge. We send it directly to your property manager or concierge before your scheduled move — no extra effort from you.
Without a COI, your movers will be turned away at the door. This is the most common reason condo moves get delayed. Always confirm with your moving company that they will provide COI at least one week before your move.
3. Damage Deposits
Strata buildings typically require a refundable damage deposit of $200 to $500 before your move. Some buildings also charge a non-refundable move-in or move-out administrative fee of $50 to $150.
To get your full deposit back, your movers need to protect all common areas — hallways, elevators, lobby floors, door frames, and walls. At Evergreen Movers, we bring padded blankets, corner guards, floor runners, and Masonite sheets to every condo move specifically for this purpose.
4. Permitted Moving Hours
Most Metro Vancouver strata buildings restrict moves to specific hours. Here are the most common rules:
Always confirm your building's specific hours with the property manager. Some newer buildings in Downtown Vancouver and Brentwood have more flexible schedules.
5. Parkade Height Restrictions
This catches many people off guard. Parkade entrances across Metro Vancouver vary from 2.1 metres to 3.0 metres in clearance height. A standard moving truck often exceeds 3 metres, which means loading and unloading may need to happen at street level or in a designated loading bay.
At Evergreen Movers, we confirm parkade clearance heights during the booking process so we arrive with an appropriately-sized vehicle. This avoids the nightmare scenario of being turned away because your truck is too tall.
6. Common Area Protection Requirements
Strata bylaws typically require movers to protect these areas during a move:
- Elevator interiors — padded blankets or elevator pads on all walls
- Hallway floors — floor runners or Masonite sheets
- Door frames — corner guards on all doorways used during the move
- Lobby and entrance — floor protection from truck to elevator
Professional movers bring all of this equipment. If your movers do not have common area protection, your building may deny access or charge damages against your deposit.
7. Building-Specific Rules to Ask About
Every strata building has its own bylaws. Before your move, ask your property manager about these specific items:
- Is there a loading dock or designated loading zone? Where is it?
- Which elevator must be used for moving? (Service vs. passenger)
- Are there any restricted items? (Some buildings prohibit certain chemicals)
- Is there a specific entrance movers must use?
- Do you need to provide a key or fob for the moving crew?
- Are there noise restrictions during the move?
Strata Rules by Area
Downtown Vancouver & Yaletown
The strictest rules in Metro Vancouver. Expect weekday-only moves, mandatory COI, and tight elevator windows. Street parking permits may be required for the moving truck. Many buildings charge $300-$500 damage deposits.
Metrotown & Brentwood (Burnaby)
High-density condo towers with strict elevator scheduling. Metrotown buildings typically require 2+ weeks advance booking. Parkade clearance is often limited. Our Burnaby movers handle these buildings daily.
Surrey City Centre
Newer buildings with generally more flexible rules than Downtown Vancouver. Still require COI and elevator booking. Our Surrey movers are familiar with every major building.
Richmond Centre & Brighouse
Moderate rules similar to Burnaby. Bridge traffic (Oak Street, Knight Street) should be factored into move timing. Our Richmond movers plan routes around bridge congestion.
How Evergreen Movers Handles Strata Compliance
When you book a condo move with Evergreen Movers, we handle all strata requirements for you:
- COI provided free — sent to your building before moving day
- Elevator booking coordination — we communicate directly with your property manager
- Full common area protection — pads, runners, guards included at no extra charge
- Parkade clearance check — confirmed during booking, right-sized truck dispatched
- On-time arrival — we maximize your elevator window with efficient loading
Ready to Plan Your Move?
Evergreen Movers serves Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and all of Metro Vancouver. Get your free quote today.
