VCAT Building Disputes
Residential and commercial property owners, including small business owners, sometimes have disputes with builders, other contractors, or tradesmen about defective material used and/or workmanship. For example, water leaks in walls, ceilings and plumbing that have not been resolved with builders can be taken to VCAT. We assist commercial and residential property owners with VCAT building disputes. We have a great track record as VCAT lawyers in Melbourne and have helped many property owners to get favourable VCAT building dispute decisions.
VCAT Commercial Lease Cases
VCAT in Melbourne hears disputes about commercial leases for a range of reasons, which can include compensation for interference or disruption to trading, injunction applications, relief from forfeiture of lease applications and rent review disputes. Although VCAT was set up as an informal jurisdiction, VCAT decisions are binding, so you want to ensure you are prepared. As VCAT lawyers in Melbourne, we can assist you with commercial lease disputes, including for retail leases, being heard by VCAT.
VCAT Owners Corporation and VCAT Claims
A range of disputes about the management and use of common property and areas within subdivided land, such as units or apartments, can be taken to VCAT. In addition, VCAT can hear consumer and trader disputes, including those regarding buying or selling goods or services. As expert VCAT lawyers in Melbourne, we can assist you with VCAT owners corporation disputes and VCAT claims.
VCAT Planning and Environment
Disputes about decisions made on the development, subdivision and use of land – including planning permits, objections to planning permits and planning schemes – can be taken to VCAT. The Planning and Environment Division at VCAT also deals with disputes concerning natural resources and the environment. The VCAT specialist lawyers at Velos & Velos Lawyers can assist with VCAT planning and environment cases.
VCAT Guardianship, Administration and Powers of Attorney
VCAT has broad jurisdiction over the affairs of people who are not able to make personal, financial or medical decisions due to disability. At Velos & Velos, we can assist you with VCAT matters concerning guardianship, administration and powers of attorney.
Supply Disputes – VCAT Dispute Cases
You can apply to have the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) resolve a dispute with:
- A supplier or possible supplier
- A purchaser or possible purchaser
- The supply or possible supply
- Purchase or possible purchase of goods and services
For supply dispute resolution, services must be supplied in either trade or commerce, including some claims relating to real estate.
Fair Trading
Disputes can also include damages for violation of the Fair Trading Act 1999 that occurred as part of trade or commerce. These can apply to:
- Traders
- Companies
- Businesses
- Consumers
- Individuals
VCAT disputes can be applied regardless of whether the product in question was for private or business use.
VCAT Lawyers Melbourne for Motor Car Disputes
The Motor Car Traders Act 1986 applies a stricter time limit of 3 months to its claims. However, the amount you can claim has no limit. Whoever you are making a claim against could make a VCAT counterclaim for any money you may owe them.
What are the Time Limits for Applying?
Claims under the Fair Trading Act 1999 must be brought no later than six years after the dispute.