Other building agencies and their roles

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.

Handles complaints about

• professional conduct of architects
• breaches of legislation by architects
• non-architects who illegally misrepresent themselves as architects.

Relevant legislation

• Architects Act 1991

CAV provides a range of information to consumers on renting and accommodation, estate agents and building. CAV offers 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
• rental providers or property managers
• any professionals registered or licensed under the Business Licensing Authority including estate agents, conveyancers and engineers.

Relevant legislation

• Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995
• Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012

The DSCV provides free dispute resolution services for neighbourhood disputes between property owners, including disputes about fences, trees and drainage.

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 BPC, 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.

Relevant legislation

• Electricity Safety Act 1998
• Energy Safe Victoria Act 2005
• Gas Safety Act 1997
• Electricity Safety (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2020
• Electricity Safety (General) Regulations 2019
• Electricity Safety (Equipment Safety Scheme) Regulations 2019
• Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Regulations 2018

The EPA regulates environmental matters. If building or plumbing work has caused or is causing environmental harm, contact the EPA. 

Justice Connect's Domestic Building Legal Service provides free advice and assistance to eligible homeowners whose domestic building disputes were not resolved through BPC. It assists homeowners who do not have access to legal help from other sources.

If you need legal advice about your rights and obligations, the Law Institute of Victoria offers a referral service to help you find a lawyer.

VCAT hears disputes about domestic building work, including disputes about domestic building contracts.

For many domestic building disputes involving a homeowner, you must first use BPC’s dispute resolution service before you can apply to VCAT. If your matter does not resolve or is not suitable, BPC will explain the next and steps and provide the relevant certificate.

WorkSafe regulates workplace safety in Victoria. If a building or plumbing site poses an immediate safety risk to workers, contact WorkSafe. 

Councils have responsibilities for enforcing building regulations within their municipality. If you have concerns about non-compliant work or a building permit issue, your council building department may be able to assist.