The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) is responsible for making decisions on a range of residential tenancy disputes. 

There are different types of tenancy disputes, and the RTA recommends customers review:

• QCAT’s Residential tenancy disputes webpage, for definitions of each type of dispute, application processes, time limits and frequently asked questions
• QCAT’s Practice Direction No.4 of 2023, Applications for Residential Tenancy Disputes, which outlines what each party must do before and at a residential tenancy dispute hearing in order for QCAT to deal with the matter in a way that is informed, fair and efficient.

Before submitting a non-urgent tenancy dispute application with QCAT, property managers/owners and tenants/residents must first try to self-resolve their issues with the other party directly or complete the RTA dispute resolution process.  

If parties were unable to reach a mutually acceptable outcome during dispute resolution, the RTA will issue a Notice of unresolved dispute.

The person who initially lodged the Dispute resolution request (Form 16) then has the option to choose to apply to QCAT for decision, and is responsible for paying the filing fee and providing three copies of the application (one for QCAT, one for the applicant, and one for the respondent).

If the matter is a bond dispute, you must apply to QCAT for a decision within 7 days of receiving the Notice of unresolved dispute. You should also notify the RTA in writing that you have lodged the bond dispute with QCAT by the due date. If the applicant withdraws their application or QCAT dismisses it, the RTA will refund the bond according to the initial request.

If a matter is urgent (as defined under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008), parties can lodge an urgent application directly with QCAT. 

The term 'urgent' does not mean the application will be fast-tracked, just that it does not have to go through the RTA’s dispute resolution service.