Property Claims

Resolving Property Disputes with Northpoint Legal

Property disputes can be complex and costly, involving legal conflicts over ownership, damage, boundaries, or contractual obligations. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, tenant, or business owner, understanding your rights is essential in navigating property-related legal issues. At Northpoint Legal, we provide comprehensive representation for individuals and businesses involved in property claims in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.

If you are facing a property dispute, our team can help you understand your legal options and work toward a resolution.

Understanding Property Claims in BC

Property claims can arise from various legal issues related to real estate, land use, property damage, and contractual disputes. These claims are governed by provincial statutes such as:

• BC Property Law Act – Governs property rights and ownership disputes
• Residential Tenancy Act – Regulates landlord-tenant relationships
• Strata Property Act – Applies to condominiums and strata properties
• Occupiers Liability Act – Covers liability for injuries on private or commercial property

For more details on property regulations, visit the BC Laws Database.

Common Types of Property Claims

1. Boundary Disputes & Easements

Property boundaries can become contentious when neighbors disagree over land use, fencing, or encroachments. Legal issues may include:

• Unclear property lines or survey disputes
• Unauthorized construction on neighboring land
• Easement disputes regarding shared access roads or pathways

2. Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Disagreements between landlords and tenants can lead to legal claims involving:

• Evictions and wrongful termination of leases
• Damage to rental property
• Security deposit disputes
• Rent increases and unpaid rent

For tenant rights and landlord obligations, visit the BC Residential Tenancy Branch.

3. Real Estate Contract Disputes

When real estate transactions go wrong, legal disputes may arise over:

• Breach of contract – Failure to complete a purchase or sale agreement
• Misrepresentation – False information provided about a property
• Failure to disclose defects – Undisclosed structural or environmental issues

4. Property Damage & Insurance Claims

Property owners may need legal representation in disputes involving insurance claims for property damage, including:

• Water damage from floods, leaks, or plumbing failures
• Fire and smoke damage
• Structural defects or construction negligence
• Denial of insurance claims by property insurers

5. Strata Property & Condo Disputes

Strata properties are subject to unique legal challenges, including:

• Disputes between strata councils and unit owners
• Condo bylaw enforcement issues
• Special levy disputes and maintenance obligations

For strata property legal guidelines, visit the BC Strata Property Act.

6. Expropriation & Government Land Claims

Government authorities may expropriate private land for public projects. Property owners facing land seizures may have legal grounds to dispute:

• Fair compensation for expropriated land
• Procedural fairness in expropriation proceedings
• Zoning or bylaw changes affecting property values

7. Trespass & Nuisance Claims

Property owners may seek legal action if unauthorized individuals:

• Enter their land without permission (trespass claims)
• Cause disruptions such as excessive noise, pollution, or odors (nuisance claims)

For more on property trespass laws, visit the BC Trespass Act.

8. Property Assessment & Classification

BC Assessment is responsible for classifying and assessing the value of property in British Columbia. Property owners may challenge their assessment or classification if they believe the valuation is incorrect or unfair. Disputes can be brought before BC Assessment directly, or appealed to the Property Assessment Review Panel (PARP) or the Property Assessment Appeal Board (PAAB).

Common assessment-related disputes include:

• Denial of an application for farm classification
• Assessment of a property's value as too low or too high

Understanding your rights to dispute an assessment can help protect your financial and legal interests. For more information, visit the BC Property Assessment Appeal Board.