Why does the price increase at the end of my Fixed Term Membership?
At the end of your Fixed Term, the rate automatically goes up to the month-to-month rate only if the member chooses not to terminate or renew. We will reach out before the start of your notice period to discuss your options for renewal.
At this time you can choose to:
Renew your membership for the same length of time again
Move to a different duration (month to month, 6 month, 12 month or 24 month)
Upgrade or downgrade your membership
Terminate your membership
The reason we can offer such a competitive price on Fixed Term memberships is because of the long term commitment, so the price increase only applies if the member chooses not to renew or terminate.
What happens if there is a lockdown and I am not permitted by the government to access the office?
Central House generally remains open throughout any lockdown as we support members who work in essential services. Central House has never been forced to close in a lockdown – we are still here keeping the space secure, accepting mail and deliveries and keeping the office running. Local Governments make decisions about which industries are considered essential and this may vary between different stages of restrictions. Each member has a responsibility to ensure that they are following all current laws, including whether they may attend the office in a lockdown. Central House remains operational to service members who do attend the office. Providing Central House lawfully remains open during a lockdown, members are not able to pause or discount their membership, even if the lockdown prevents you from accessing the space. This means that members are required to continue paying their membership fees as normal.
We offer two membership types, Fixed Term and Month-to-Month memberships. A month-to-month membership allows you to terminate your membership with just 30 days notice. If you are concerned about lockdowns preventing you from accessing the space, then a month-to-month membership provides excellent flexibility.
Central House always puts our members first and we will always do everything we can to support our members. Fairness in business is important to us and in periods of extended lockdown we have always worked with our community to support with fee relief and payment plans for anyone who requires it.
What does your Force Majeure Clause mean?
Our Agreements have a Force Majeure clause which protects members in the case that Central House is not able to provide you with access to the space for more than 30 consecutive days. For example, if a fire causes severe damage to the building or there is unexpected building works which forces us to close and we cannot provide members access to the space for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, memberships can be suspended for up to 6 months and you won’t have to pay during any period of suspension. If you are on a Fixed Term Membership, your membership will be extended for any period of suspension so you still get the benefit of the full membership you signed up to.
It’s important to note that government lockdowns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have never forced Central House to close, and as such, suspending your membership under the Force Majeure clause does not apply in this context.
What happens if I want to terminate earlier than my agreed term?
Fixed Term memberships require that you commit to the full term, so there is no option for early termination (unless you pay out your contract). We are able to offer significantly reduced rates because of this long term commitment, but month to month memberships are available for members who require more flexibility.
How do I terminate my membership at the end of my Fixed Term?
If you wish to terminate your membership at the end of your Fixed Term then you’ll need to provide us with written notice as outlined in your agreement. For example, if you have a 12 month agreement with a 3 month notice period which terminates on the 31st of December, you’ll need to provide us with written notice of your intention to terminate by the 30th of September.
Why is the liability in Clause 11.1 limited to one month?
This is because our fees are charged one month in advance. It covers our breaches to the terms such as not being able to provide you access to the space.Central House maintains public liability insurance which covers us in the case that a breach is caused or contributed by our negligence.
All other issues of liability are generally covered under 11.3 (outlining that you still have all your usual consumer rights as per the Australian Consumer Law).
Why do you need to take a deposit?
We take a deposit to cover damages to property (e.g. desks, access passes, office keys) or any other unpaid fees. As long as you leave the space in the condition that you found it, all office keys and access passes are returned to us and all of your fee payments are up to date then your deposit will be returned to you in full at the end of your membership with us.
Can we negotiate on the Notice Period for my Fixed Term membership?
No, notice periods are not negotiable. In order to offer a competitive rate on long term agreements, we need the full notice period for termination to give us time to fill the space when it becomes available. If you require a shorter notice period then your best option is to take a month-to-month membership requiring just 30 days notice to terminate.
What does your Public Liability Insurance cover?
Every venue has public liability insurance which coversCentral House as a business in case anything happens in the space as a result of our negligence. Members should have their own Public Liability Insurance as they would with any other office arrangement.
For example, if the floor is wet and Central House hasn’t managed this risk (e.g. signage) and someone slips and becomes injured then Central House Public Liability Insurance covers us for this.
Do we need our own insurance?
Yes. Every Member should have their own insurance for their business as they would normally in any office. This includes but is not limited to public liability insurance, contents insurance and workers compensation insurance.
Why do you charge a Joining Fee? When does it get charged?
Joining Fees are charged to cover the costs of onboarding members to all Central House systems including the app and Central House perks as well as our access pass system. Every time a new member joins Central House and requires onboarding (e.g. new hires) the one-off $100 Joining Fee is applied.
How do I pay? Can I pay via invoice?
All payments are via direct debit.
Contact Us
For further information, please contact us at:
Central House: enquiries@centralhouse.com.au
1300 886 778
101 Moray Street
South Melbourne VIC 3205
