Columns » Owners Corporation Law

Mere disturbance of the peace not nearly enough for damages claim in VCAT

July 2nd, 2025 - Tom Bacon

A bitterly fought VCAT case has concluded, where a lot owner residing in her unit was found to have breached the rules of the owners’ corporation (OC) by engaging in acts of screaming, yelling, wailing and thumping for extended periods of time.

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Overdue levies are reaching tipping point

April 30th, 2025 - Tom Bacon

During the COVID pandemic, the Victorian Government introduced certain legislation that would have the effect of providing relief to those who could not pay their debts on time.

New legislation to protect owners’ corporations and homeowners slammed by builders’ association

April 2nd, 2025 - Tom Bacon

In a move that would surprise no-one at all, both the Master Builders Victoria (MBV) and Housing Industry Association (HIA) have issued a united rejection of the Victorian Government’s proposed new building dispute resolution legislation, describing it as “unfair and unworkable”.

Sign up today for solar panel grants for apartment buildings

February 26th, 2025 - Tom Bacon

If you live in an owners’ corporation (OC) with between three to 50 residential units, your building can sign up for a grant of up to $140,000 to fund the installation of solar panels on the building’s rooftop.

Victorian Building Authority dismantling drags on

January 28th, 2025 - Tom Bacon

The last rites of an embattled and ineffective government organisation are still playing out ... and it’s taking too long.

What to expect from the new Victorian Building & Plumbing Commission

November 27th, 2024 - Tom Bacon

An independent review that exposed serious failures in how the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) handled complaints from homeowners facing years of financial distress over defective or homes was the final straw for the State Government.

Owners Corporations must not sit on their hands when it comes to building defects claims

October 30th, 2024 - Tom Bacon

There are strict time limitation periods in Victoria’s building laws, which require owners of buildings to file their claims at VCAT or in the Courts promptly.

Amendments to short-stay legislation a welcome relief to owners’ corporations

October 2nd, 2024 - Tom Bacon

The government’s stunning decision to empower owners’ corporations (OCs) to choose for themselves about whether to permit short-term letting in their buildings is a game-changer for owner occupiers and tenants alike across Melbourne.

When buying an apartment “off the plan”, always check who the builder is too

August 28th, 2024 - Tom Bacon

With news hitting the public domain almost every other week about a prominent building company going into administration, many in the construction industry are now bracing for a ripple effect of smaller contractors and sub-contractors also pulling the plug.