The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal) (also known as QCAT) will make orders about disputes and delivers justice in a way that is independent, cost effective and flexible.

The Tribunal makes decisions on a range of matters including decisions about bonds and tenancies.

If parties are unable to reach an agreement with assistance from the Dispute Resolution Service, then the matter may proceed to the Tribunal for an order to be made.

This means after conciliation is attempted a Notice of unresolved dispute will be issued unless it is an urgent application to the Tribunal. A Notice of unresolved dispute means that the RTA’s dispute resolution process has concluded without agreement. If you want a decision on your dispute, you can lodge an application at the Tribunal.

Checklist for making an application to the Tribunal

• Obtain your Notice of unresolved dispute from the RTA after conciliation process.
• Visit the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) website, phone 1300 753 228 or contact your local Magistrates court for application forms, information and fees.
• Lodge your application at the Tribunal with your Notice of unresolved dispute and pay your filing fee (contact the Tribunal for the fee schedule).
• You will need to provide several copies of your application to the Tribunal – one for the Tribunal, one for yourself and one for each respondent.
• If tenants need help with the application to the Tribunal, contact the local Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service. This is a free service available to tenants.
• The Tribunal will notify all parties of the hearing by post.

Further information on the Tribunal including how to apply and fee information is available on the QCAT website or on the RTA's information sheet Handling tenancy disputes in the Tribunal.