An overview of the Victorian government agencies that deal with building, their roles in the industry and how they can help you.
The ARBV registers architects, approves companies and partnerships, and handles complaints about architects.
It is illegal for someone to represent themselves as an architect or say they provide 'architectural design services' if they are not registered with ARBV. Consumers can check if an architect is registered or has been disciplined on the ARBV’s website.
The ARBV does not resolve disputes for consumers or have any powers to award compensation.
CAV provides guidance and information to consumers on renting and accommodation, estate agents and building. CAV offer free advice to property owners and tradespeople on their rights and responsibilities when building or renovating through the Building Information Line.
Call the Building Information Line on 1300 55 75 59 Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (except public holidays).
CAV also provides consumer guidance and information for domestic products and services valued up to $100,000 under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Some aspects of domestic building are covered by the ACL such as consumer guarantees.
Handles complaints about
Breaches of ACL, including consumer guarantees for goods and services (if ineligible for DBDRV)
Rental providers or property managers
Any professionals registered or licensed under the Business Licensing Authority including estate agents, conveyancers and engineers
DBDRV is a free service that helps resolve domestic building disputes between homeowners and building practitioners such as builders, sub-contractors, architects, and building surveyors. It conciliates matters between both parties and has the power to issue legally binding dispute resolution orders and certificates. Check that you are eligible for DBDRV at Is our service right for you?
You must try to resolve the issue through DBDRV before making an application to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
ESV is Victoria’s safety regulator for electricity, gas and pipelines. It ensures electrical and gas work is compliant with safety requirements. It licenses electricians and ensures gas and electrical appliances are safe to use. While gasfitters are licensed by the VBA, you may contact ESV about gas safety issues.
Handles complaints about
Electrical and gas installations/work that is unsafe or breaches the law
Disputes with electrical or gasfitting tradespeople or business
The VBA is Victoria’s building and plumbing regulator. The VBA carries out inspections, investigations, and audits to enforce compliance with building legislation. It registers and licenses builders, plumbers, building surveyors and other practitioners and provides expert technical advice to industry.
The VBA does not have powers to settle disputes between homeowners and builders or provide compensation to impacted consumers.
Handles complaints about
Breaches of building legislation by practitioners, including illegal work done by unregistered or unlicensed people
VMIA offers domestic building insurance (DBI), which covers homeowners for incomplete or defective building work when the builder has died, disappeared, or become insolvent; or has failed to comply with a Tribunal or Court Order. Insurance claims can be lodged with VMIA.
Most DBI is taken out through VMIA, though some builders may choose to be insured through private insurers. Refer to your copy of the policy when making a claim.
