Resolving residential tenancy disputes

Steps to take to resolve residential tenancy disputes and key contacts for help and support.

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Key information

Repairs, maintenance or damage disputes

If a tenant or landlord is unable to resolve a dispute about repairs, maintenance or damage through NSW Fair Trading's tenancy and real estate complaint service, either party may be able have the dispute investigated further.

Fair Trading can investigate whether:

Fair Trading will then decide whether to issue a landlord or tenant rectification order based on these investigations.

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) can also make orders relating to repairs, maintenance or damage to the property.

Rental bond disputes

A claim for a rental bond can be submitted by either the tenant or the landlord or agent once the tenancy has ended, but only if the status of the bond is "HELD".

If a tenant doesn't agree with a landlord's or agent's claim on their bond, the tenant should try to talk to their landlord or agent about what could be done to deal with the dispute and try to come to an agreement.

If they cannot come to an agreement, they need to apply to the Tribunal and notify NSW Rental Bonds, before the 'due for payment' date.

Getting help with resolving disputes

Resolving disputes through the Tribunal

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) is an independent body that hears and decides on applications for orders from tenants and landlords.

A landlord or tenant can decide to lodge an application with the Tribunal if:

A landlord or tenant can apply directly to the Tribunal for orders relating to a residential tenancy instead of first making a complaint to Fair Trading, if they wish.

If you have a tenancy dispute

Get in touch with The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) about tenancy disputes, including payment of the rental bond, rent increases, unpaid rent, termination of the tenancy agreement, compensation, repairs and other breaches of the residential tenancy agreement.