Ep122: Sophie Lyon - The VCAT Process

As a tenant, VCAT is probably your first experience of a court process, and it's pretty scary for those new to the property industry.  It's you against property managers with experience. It's you unsure if you will ever see your money again. It's you feeling awfully alone. Today we are going to give you the heads up of what the VCAT process is all about, and how you can go to VCAT with confidence.

Sophie Lyon, Director of Jellis Craig Boroondara and one of the Directors of the REIV, as well as our fabulous property management expert, gives us everything we need to know about property management with a smile, black and white language and the comfort of knowing we are getting the right advice. She is an expert in her field, regularly being asked to be a guest speaker in property management both in Australia and overseas including in the USA and New Zealand and the loveliest person in Melbourne real estate.

1. What happens if my rental provider wants to keep some of my bond or, worse, ask for more money than my bond and I don't agree?

2. Assuming in that scenario we are going to VCAT, can you take us through the VCAT process? Take us through the VCAT process.

    a). How long does it take for my case to be heard?

    b). How can I prove that we did the right thing after we left the property?

    c). Can I get professional help or the renter's union to represent us at the hearing?

    d). What should I prepare for the hearing and what should I have accessible for the hearing?

3. Who pays for the VCAT hearing?

4. How long does the hearing take? Do I need to take the whole day off work, or is it a couple of hours?

5. Can the hearing go for days or sessions?

6. Should we make a value assessment, where the cost in time, money and the waiting or stress of it all, is worth it for the amount of money you're fighting for?

 

CONTACT SOPHIE at Jellis Craig - Boroondara.

Phone: (03) 9810 5053

Email: sophielyon@jelliscraig.com.au

Website: jelliscraig.com.au

 

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