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The dynamics of the Canadian housing landscape have given rise to multiple strata properties, from high-rise skylines in Vancouver to townhome complexes in the Okanagan. With such incredible growth, there comes an increasing responsibility for strata councils and managers, many of whom are now facing a serious challenge: there aren’t enough qualified staff.
Due to various reasons and budget constraints, burnout, or simply a lack of qualified candidates, many strata corporations are facing challenges in staying on top of daily operations. Emails are typically left unattended, maintenance is piled up, and compliance with the Strata Property Act becomes a major growing concern.
The solution? Property management software is purposely made for strata environments. These digital platforms don’t replace people, but they do reduce the workload, make communication more streamlined, and help strata communities operate more smoothly, even with fewer hands on deck.
Here, we will be exploring the four most common and popular software solutions in Canada, Condo Control, Yardi, LeapAP, and Condo Manager, with a special focus on how they support understaffed or self-managed B.C. stratas.
Why software is becoming essential for strata corporations in B.C.
Strata councils in British Columbia have a very specific set of traits and responsibilities, including managing finances, enforcing laws, maintaining, organizing AGMs, and communicating with multiple owners and residents.
When the staffing is procured, these tasks typically fall onto the shoulders of either volunteer council members, who are already juggling multiple jobs, families, and other obligations.
Here’s where digital platforms become game-changers:
● Centralized communication means fewer email chains and missed updates.
● Digital document storage keeps all records, minutes, bylaws, and budgets accessible and secure.
● Automated workflows reduce the need for manual follow-ups.
● Resident portals empower owners to self-serve and reduce reliance on staff.
● Maintenance tracking and amenity booking are handled in real-time.
But not all software platforms are created equal. Let’s take a deeper look at each.
Condo Control: Tailored for Canadian strata living
Condo Control is one of the options that happens to fit B.C.’s unique needs extremely well. Its strength lies in its user-friendliness and a comprehensive suite of features that are specific to the real-world needs of councils and managers, especially those with very limited staffing.
Key features
● Communication tools
Sends announcements, sets up discussion forums, and automates email notices. Everything is systematic, time-marked, and accessible in one place.
● Document management
Store and share by any rules and regulations, meeting minutes, engineering reports, and financial reports. All files are easy to search, secure easily, and accessible 24/7.
● Amenity booking system
Residents can reserve party rooms, guest suites, and elevators online, reducing back-and-forth with managers or concierge staff.
● Service requests & maintenance tracking
Residents submit service tickets online, and councils can assign, monitor, and archive requests with clear visibility.
● Financial & budgeting tools
Integrates with accounting systems to streamline invoicing, fee collection, and reporting.
● Customizable access for Councils
Provide council-only views of legal documents, budgets, and other sensitive materials.
● Resident engagement portal
A modern dashboard for residents to pay fees, access documents, submit requests, and stay informed, all without needing to contact a manager.
Why it’s a good fit
For strata corporations that are self-managed, or where managers are overwhelmed, Condo Control provides exactly what’s needed: a digital assistant that never takes a day off.
Here is a list of reasons why it’s the most strata-friendly:
● Self-service functions rapidly reduce the volume of manual requisitions
● Cloud-interactive system lets you manage the property on the go or on a remote basis
● The platform is highly responsive and intuitive, meaning no IT background is needed
● Canada-based support, which resolves issues quickly and locally
Yardi: Enterprise-level power
Yardi is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in property management software, offering a wide range of tools for real estate companies, developers, and property managers. And for that reason, it must be on this list. Below are the key features that make it optimal for property management:
Functionality
● Portfolio management for large property groups
● Rent collection and financial reporting
● Maintenance tracking and resident portals
● Integration with marketing, leasing, and utility billing systems
Condo Manager: A legacy player in strata software
Condo Manager has been in the industry for nearly two decades and is widely used in Quebec and certain parts of Canada. It offers many of the standard tools that are intuitive, easy to use, and make it a highly preferred choice on the go. With that, it provides owner databases, budget planning, fee tracking, and even analytical reports.
How it functions
● Designed specifically for condo and strata management
● Offers both on-premise and cloud versions
● Familiar interface for those who’ve used it for years
Although still usable for strata corporations, Condo Manager might not be the best suited for the modern efficiency that today’s understaffed councils are in search of, especially for urgent matters.
How these platforms compare
Final thoughts: Digital support for modern strata councils
For stratas juggling tight budgets and limited manpower, Condo Control’s Canadian-specific features make it a strong contender worth considering alongside larger, more complex platforms like Yardi or niche automation tools like LeapAP.
This is where tools like Condo Control become not just helpful, but essential. With features specifically built for strata councils, resident engagement, legal compliance, and seamless operation, it allows even a small or part-time management team to operate at full strength.
For B.C. councils seeking to future-proof their operations and reduce dependency on scarce staffing, Condo Control offers a scalable, smart, and supportive solution, right at their fingertips.