• Self resolution
  • Knowing your rights and responsibilities
  • Keeping records
  • Communicating
  • Support and assistance
  • Self Resolution Checklist
• The Dispute Resolution Service
  • Matters not suitable for conciliation
  • Applying for dispute resolution
  • Preparing documents for conciliation
  • The role of the conciliator
  • Preparing for conciliation
• Handling tenancy disputes in the Small Claims Tribunal
  • Introduction
  • Options for resolving disputes
  • Role of the Small Claims Tribunal
  • Applying to a Small Claims Tribunal
  • The hearing
  • After the hearing

Introduction

Download Handling Tenancy Disputes in the Small Claims Tribunal as a PDF (845kB)

Making an application to the tribunal about a tenancy dispute is a serious matter. This information is designed to guide you through all stages of resolving a dispute through the tribunal under the legislation administered by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.
We regard this information as essential reading before you apply to the tribunal and encourage you to refer to all sections. You need to be sure that your dispute is appropriate to take to the tribunal, that there is no other way to resolve the dispute, and that you know exactly what to expect. You should be aware that once your dispute goes to the tribunal, the outcome rests with the referee and you are bound to accept their decision.

These web pages provide information about:

• the options available for resolving tenancy disputes
• the role of the tribunal in resolving tenancy disputes
• applying for a tribunal hearing
• preparing for and attending a hearing
• what happens after the hearing.