Yes, most of the time a strata corporation can charge for copies of video surveillance or fob records. Under the Personal Information Protection Act (“PIPA”), individuals have the right to request copies of all personal information about them retained by a strata corporation, with a few limited exceptions.
When a strata corporation received a request, it may charge the person a reasonable fee to provide the records. Often, there are costs associated with reviewing, copying and providing personal information to an owner or another person.
Section 32 of the PIPA allows a strata corporation to charge a minimal fee, except for a request by an employee for his or her records, which must be provided free of charge (once again, subject to certain exceptions). If the strata corporation does charge a fee, it must provide a written estimate in advance. This may be collected in advance as a deposit.
Always remember that sections 35 and 36 of the Strata Property Act provide owners with extensive rights to access a wide range of records and personal information for no or minimal cost.
Oscar’s Commentary
The safest practice for a strata corporation that needs to charge fees for providing personal information not covered by the Strata Property Act is to simply charge persons requesting information the cost incurred by the strata corporation, including any strata management administration fees.
Strata corporations should avoid profiting from personal information requests as their fees can be challenged under the PIPA.