Dealing with Challenging Owners: Best Practices (legal perspective)

Are you a strata council member, property manager, or condo owner struggling to manage difficult personalities in your building? This episode features experienced strata lawyer Phil Dougan (Citadel Law) in conversation with Thomas Beattie (OctoAI), diving deep into the best practices, legal considerations, and real-life strategies for handling bullies, hoarders, and other challenging owners in BC strata communities.Key topics covered:- Types of problem owners and the psychology behind their behavior- Step-by-step legal process for bylaw enforcement (Section 135)- Why rigorous documentation and due process protect your council- The difference between powers and duties – and why it matters- Tips for balancing firm enforcement with fairness and empathy- How proactive leadership and preventative legal advice can save thousands- When to escalate to the CRT or Supreme Court for injunctions- Compassionate approaches to issues like hoarding or mental illnessLearn how council members can enforce bylaws effectively, uphold their duty of care, and create a safe, supportive community—without endless litigation or burnout.LEARN MORE► Discover OctoAI’s strata intelligence solutions: https://octoai.com/► Learn more about Citadel Law: https://citadellawyers.ca/