Owners corporations management
Apply to VCAT to resolve disputes about how owners corporation meetings are conducted, or disputes between the owners corporation and its manager about managers’ fees or performance or clauses in the management contract. These applications are made under the Owners Corporations Act 2006.
You can make these types of applications if you are an owners corporation, a lot owner or former lot owner, an occupier or former occupier of a lot, or a manager or former manager of an owners corporation.
Before you apply
- Try to speak with the other party to see if you can resolve the dispute. Make sure you and the other party agree whether to talk off the record and be prepared to negotiate and compromise.
- Follow the dispute resolution process contained in the rules of the owners corporation.
- Lodge a complaint with the owners corporation. They may decide to follow a process of internal dispute resolution.
- Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria as they can provide information about your rights as a consumer or business and provide conciliation and mediation .
- If you do not reach an agreement then you can apply to VCAT.
Do I need a lawyer or professional representative?
You do not need to have legal or other professional representation to appear at VCAT. If you wish to be represented by a lawyer or a professional advocate, usually you must ask for VCAT's permission. If you are represented by a lawyer, we will only communicate with them
Find free or low-cost legal services that may be able to assist you.
Need help with your application?
VCAT cannot give you legal advice. Seek legal help if you are unsure about your legal options. The following services may be able to help you:
Access and privacy
VCAT hearings and files are usually public.
VCAT has limited authority to restrict who can access cases and files but, in certain circumstances, you can apply for confidentiality. For more about applying for confidentiality.
Legislation that applies to this type of case
Cases VCAT can hear
VCAT can hear cases about:
- how meetings are conducted
- disputes between the owners corporation and its manager about managers’ fees or performance or clauses in the management contract.
An owners corporation needs a special resolution to make an application to VCAT that is not about recovery of owners corporation fees or breaches of the Act, regulations or owners corporation rules.
Cases VCAT cannot hear
VCAT cannot hear disputes about the management of service companies or company titles corporations.