Retail Lease Dispute Lawyers in Victoria: VSBC Mediation and VCAT

Serving Melbourne's Chinese community since 1990 · Mandarin-speaking lawyers · Queen Street, Melbourne CBD

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When you book, you can send photos of the contract, lease or business documents by WhatsApp so the lawyer can review them during the consultation.

Rent arrears, outgoings disputes, repairs, refused assignments, withheld deposits, early termination: lease disputes hit the business directly. Chua Tan Associates acts for tenants, landlords and guarantors in Victorian retail lease disputes, in English and Mandarin.

Mediation before VCAT

Victorian retail lease disputes generally must first be referred to the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) for mediation. If mediation fails, the VSBC can issue a certificate so the matter can go to VCAT. There are exceptions for some matters, such as claims solely for unpaid rent or injunctions.

A lawyer who knows mediation

Our lawyer and mediator Justin Chua is a nationally accredited mediator who sits on mediation panels around Australia. He knows how mediation works and can help you identify the real issues, prepare your documents and put your position effectively, aiming to settle before VCAT.

Disputes we handle

Rent arrears and breach notices
Outgoings and disclosure statement disputes
Repairs and equipment failures
Refused consent to assignment
Security deposits and bank guarantees
Early termination and repossession
Director guarantee liability

Frequently asked questions

The landlord has locked me out. What should I do?

Get legal advice immediately. Depending on the situation, urgent action may be needed and timing is critical.

Do I need a lawyer for mediation?

Not always, but a lawyer can assess your legal position, prepare documents and make sure any settlement is clear and enforceable.

Typical situations (illustrative)

The following are illustrative examples of common issues, not actual cases.

A landlord seeks to take back the premises over rent arrears; at VSBC mediation the parties agree a repayment plan and avoid VCAT.

Who handles your matter

Justin Chua, lawyer and mediator. He holds a commerce (accounting) degree, worked in finance in Hong Kong, previously held a real estate agent's licence and ran an agency, has run restaurant and accommodation businesses himself, and is an accredited family business advisor and nationally accredited mediator. He reads contracts and leases from an operator's point of view.

More about Justin Chua, lawyer and mediator

Tan Chua has more than thirty years of property law experience and handles property, retail lease and related transactions.

Book a consultation

Speak with us before you sign. Book a paid consultation online, call +61 3 9602 3988, or message us on WhatsApp at +61 490 369 102. We work in English and Mandarin.

This page contains general information only and is not legal advice. You should not rely on it for any specific matter. Please book a consultation for advice on your circumstances.