At Aitken Partners, we provide practical legal advice on disputes, governance, levies, building defects and compliance matters, helping Owners Corporations, lot owners, managers and developers navigate their rights and obligations with confidence.
Our expertise includes the following areas:
We begin by understanding your circumstances, identifying the key issues and reviewing any relevant documentation.
Clear advice is provided on your rights, obligations and available options.
We develop a tailored strategy designed to achieve practical and cost-effective outcomes.
This may involve dispute resolution, compliance advice, debt recovery or legal proceedings where necessary.
We implement the agreed strategy and guide you through each stage of the matter.
You receive practical advice, clear communication and ongoing support focused on protecting your property and achieving the best possible outcome.
We have over 100 years of experience representing businesses from across Australia in various legal matters. The Aitken Partners staff have the skill and passion for providing clients with unparalleled representation and legal services, working to understand the needs of each case and the individuals associated with it.
An Owners Corporation is a legal entity formed to repair and maintain common property in a subdivision, such as an apartment building or townhouse complex. It is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of common property, enforcing by-laws, and making decisions that affect all owners.
Under Victorian Owners Corporation legislation, the Owners Corporation is generally responsible for maintaining and repairing common property and common services. Determining responsibility can sometimes require interpretation of the plan of subdivision and related documentation.
Yes. Owners Corporations have legal rights to recover unpaid fees and levies from lot owners. This may involve issuing notices, commencing debt recovery proceedings and taking enforcement action where necessary.
Many disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation or formal dispute resolution procedures. Where agreement cannot be reached, legal action may be required. Obtaining legal advice early can help identify the most effective and cost-efficient pathway.
In certain circumstances, an Owners Corporation may have rights to pursue a builder, developer or other responsible party for defects affecting common property. These rights may be subject to statutory limitation periods and warranty provisions.
Yes. Owners Corporations can create, amend or revoke rules in accordance with Victorian legislation. Legal advice can help ensure that proposed rules are valid, enforceable and appropriate for the community.
A special levy is an additional contribution raised to fund extraordinary expenses such as major repairs, building works or unexpected costs. The process for raising a special levy must comply with the Owners Corporations Act and the Owners Corporation's governance requirements.
Owners Corporations in Victoria are primarily governed by the Owners Corporations Act 2006 and the Owners Corporations Regulations 2018. These laws set out the rights, responsibilities and obligations of Owners Corporations, lot owners, committees and managers.
In most cases, an Owners Corporation is not required to lodge a tax return. However, it's important to consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with all relevant tax laws and regulations.
Located in Melbourne CBD at Level 28, 140 William Street, Melbourne. Servicing all Melbourne suburbs online and within a 15-minute drive for: Melbourne CBD, Carlton, Fitzroy, Richmond, South Yarra, St Kilda, Brunswick, Collingwood, Prahran, South Melbourne, North Melbourne.
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