How to File a VCAT Application in Victoria

If you have a dispute in Victoria — rental bond, consumer complaint, small claim, or building matter — the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is where most Victorians go for resolution. The VCAT process is designed for everyday people, not just lawyers.

For the forms, fees and each step, see our guide to making an VCAT application.

This guide walks you through filing a VCAT application, from choosing the right list to lodging online and what happens after you submit.

What is VCAT?

VCAT is Victoria’s state tribunal. It hears disputes across civil, administrative, and planning matters with simplified procedures, lower fees, and no requirement for legal representation in most lists.

VCAT is divided into divisions and lists:

• Civil Division — residential tenancies, goods and services, credit and debt, small claims
• Administrative Division — review of government decisions, planning and environment, guardianship
• Human Rights Division — discrimination, privacy, equal opportunity
• Planning and Environment List — planning permits, tree disputes, objections to development

Most everyday disputes fall into the Civil Division.

When to use VCAT

You can apply to VCAT if:

• A landlord or tenant breaches residential tenancy obligations (bond disputes, repairs, eviction)
• A trader refuses a refund or repair under Australian Consumer Law
• You are owed money for goods or services
• A builder or tradesperson has done defective work
• A local council has refused a planning permit
• You need to challenge a government decision

VCAT does not handle criminal matters, family law, or employment disputes.

Step 1: Check which VCAT list applies

VCAT has different application forms depending on the dispute type. The most common lists are:

Residential Tenancies List Bond disputes, repairs, eviction, rent arrears. Most applications are filed online.

Civil Claims List Goods and services disputes: faulty products, defective services, refund disputes, and unpaid money such as debt recovery and contract disputes.

Owners Corporations List Disputes between owners corporation and lot owners, building defects in strata properties.

Planning and Environment List Objections to planning permits, tree removal, enforcement orders.

Find the correct form on the VCAT website under “Make an application.”

Step 2: Gather your evidence

VCAT decisions are based on evidence. Before you file, collect:

• Contracts, invoices, receipts, or agreements
• Photographs of damage or defects
• Email or text message correspondence
• Expert reports (building inspections, valuations)
• Witness statements (if applicable)
• Copies of any prior demand letters or notices

You do not need to file all evidence with your application, but you must be ready to serve it on the other party and bring it to the hearing.

Step 3: Complete the application form

VCAT application forms are available online in PDF or as an interactive online form. Most lists now support online filing through the VCAT portal.

Key details you will need:

• Your full name, address, phone, email
• Respondent’s full name and address
• A clear statement of what you are claiming (refund, compensation, order for repairs, eviction)
• The amount claimed (if monetary)
• A brief summary of the facts

Be specific. Vague claims slow the process. For example:

Instead of “The landlord did not fix the heating”, write “The landlord failed to repair the heating system after written notice on 12 March 2024.”

Step 4: Lodge your application online or by post

Online filing (recommended)

Most VCAT lists now accept online lodgement through the VCAT Online Services portal. You create an account, upload your application form, and pay the fee by credit card.

Online filing is faster — applications are typically processed within 1-2 business days, and you receive instant confirmation.

By post or in person

You can still lodge by post or at the VCAT counter:

VCAT 55 King Street Melbourne VIC 3000

Post takes longer (3-5 business days for processing), and you must pay by cheque or money order.

Step 5: Pay the application fee (or apply for a waiver)

VCAT charges a filing fee based on the list and claim amount. Fees change each 1 July; check the current fee on the tribunal’s or court’s website before you file.

Fee waivers

If you hold a Centrelink Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or are experiencing financial hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver or reduction. Tick the fee waiver box on the application form and attach proof of concession or a statutory declaration explaining your financial circumstances.

VCAT grants most genuine fee waiver requests.

Step 6: Serve the application on the respondent

After VCAT accepts your application, you must serve a copy on the other party so they know a case has been filed against them.

How to serve

• By post — to their postal address (for a company, the registered address on an ASIC company extract)
• By email — if you emailed them before applying to VCAT, or they have given VCAT their email address
• In person — handed to them

In goods and services disputes, you must complete a declaration of service form confirming you sent the documents, and email it to VCAT at least one week before the hearing. In other case types, VCAT tells you if you need to complete one.

Step 7: Wait for the hearing date

VCAT will send you a hearing notice with the date, time, and location (or videoconference link). How long you wait depends on the case type:

• Residential Tenancies — VCAT says it contacts you as soon as possible after processing your application, and prioritises urgent applications, such as those involving family violence or urgent repairs
• Goods and services disputes — VCAT says it sends a timetable order about 20 weeks after it receives your application, and the steps take about 9-12 weeks before a hearing or mediation is listed

Check VCAT’s website for the current timeframe for your case type.

VCAT encourages parties to settle before the hearing. Many disputes resolve at a compulsory conference or mediation scheduled before the final hearing.

Step 8: Prepare for the hearing

VCAT hearings are less formal than court, but you still need to be organised.

What to bring

• All evidence (documents, photos, reports)
• Witness statements (if any)
• A written outline of your case (optional but helpful)
• A copy of the application and any orders sought

What to expect

• The VCAT member will hear both sides
• You present your evidence and explain your case
• The respondent does the same
• The member may ask questions
• Most hearings last 30 minutes to 2 hours

VCAT members are experienced in the relevant law and will guide the process.

Step 9: Receive the decision

VCAT delivers its decision (called an order) on the day of the hearing or later in writing. The order is legally binding.

If you win, the order might require the respondent to:

• Pay you money
• Return a bond
• Complete repairs
• Stop certain conduct
• Vacate a property

If the respondent does not comply, you can enforce the order through the Magistrates’ Court.

How Claim Done helps with VCAT applications

Claim Done prepares VCAT application documents based on the evidence you describe. You answer a short intake form, tell us about contracts, invoices, photos, and correspondence — and our Programmatic Algorithms draft the application document you file, with a clear statement of claim.

You receive the drafted PDF in about 5 minutes. You attach your own evidence and lodge it yourself through the VCAT portal or by post.

Claim Done does not give legal advice or represent you at the hearing, but we make sure your application is clear, accurate, and properly structured.

Prepare your VCAT application with Claim Done

Claim Done prepares your VCAT application documents in about 5 minutes, presenting your case clearly and citing the relevant Victorian law. Tell us what evidence you have, answer a few questions, and download your drafted application and a witness statement for a flat $97 fee. No subscription, no hourly billing. Prepare your tribunal application documents now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file a VCAT application in Victoria?

The filing fee depends on the list and the claim amount. Fees change each 1 July; check the current fee on the tribunal’s or court’s website before you file. Fee waivers are available for concession card holders or those experiencing financial hardship.

Can I file a VCAT application online?

Yes. Most VCAT lists now support online filing through the VCAT Online Services portal. You create an account, upload your application, and pay by credit card. Online applications are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

Do I need a lawyer for VCAT?

No. VCAT is designed for self-representation, and most people appear without a lawyer.

How long does a VCAT hearing take?

Most VCAT hearings last 30 minutes to 2 hours. Simple matters like bond disputes may be resolved in under an hour. Complex civil claims or planning disputes can take longer.

What happens if the other party does not comply with the VCAT order?

VCAT orders are legally binding. If the respondent does not comply, you can enforce the order through the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, including applying for a warrant or garnishee order.