Dispute resolution under the Owners Corporation Act 2006 (Vic): Engaging with conflict in communal living

In Australia and internationally there have been increases in living in apartment complexes, medium-density housing and master-planned estates where there are shared services and common communal areas. In response to the growth in conflict in such housing developments, there is a need to develop appropriate internal dispute resolution schemes with the option of taking unresolved matters to some form of decision-making such as a tribunal. Under the Owners Corporation Act 2006 (Vic), owners corporations must engage in dispute resolution prior to litigation being brought to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). In this article the authors report on research into the experiences of owners corporation managers and committees regarding conflict and argue that reform is required in Victoria to assist with dispute resolution in residential developments with community assets.