| Before applying for dispute resolution, the RTA encourages lessors, tenants and agents to attempt to resolve disagreements themselves by talking to each other and by finding out about their rights and responsibilities.
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The following guide may be useful in resolving disputes.
Know your rights and responsibilities
It is important to know your rights and responsibilities and how the law applies to your situation.
Communicate
- Talk to each party involved as soon as an issue becomes a concern.
- Express your views clearly, and listen to what the other person has to say. Try to understand their point of view, even if you don't agree.
- Check that you both understand what the problem is about.
- If the problem seems overwhelming, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Explore a range of options to best resolve the matter, including what you are prepared to do.
- It may be useful to put your communication in writing to the other party and to keep a record for yourself.
Ask for advice
Seek help before your concern escalates. You can get information or advice from a range of agencies, including the RTA, Tenancy Advice and Advocacy Services, the Tenants' Union, Real Estate Institute of Queensland and the Property Owners Association of Queensland.
Contacts for tenants
Contacts for lessors
Contacts for agents
Contacts for park operators
Keep records
It is wise to keep a written record of your discussions and to photocopy any forms you give.
Set realistic goals for reaching an agreement
Be realistic about what you can achieve in resolving the matter.
Ask yourself:
- What is a satisfactory outcome?
- What can I and the other parties live with?
- What is unacceptable?
Last Updated: 09 April 2003
