Last updated 2 October 2026 · Reviewed by the Claim Done team · Not legal advice

Landlord Tenant Dispute in Australia — How to Resolve It

Landlord and tenant disputes are among the most common civil disputes in Australia. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, understanding the process — and your rights — is the first step to a resolution.

Common landlord-tenant disputes

• Bond not returned — landlord has withheld all or part of the bond without justification
• Rent arrears — tenant has not paid rent according to the lease
• Property damage — damage beyond fair wear and tear
• Repairs not carried out — landlord refuses to fix urgent or non-urgent maintenance issues
• Illegal entry — landlord entering the property without the required notice
• Lease end disputes — disagreement about end-of-lease condition report

Applicable legislation by state

How to resolve a landlord-tenant dispute

Step 1: Put it in writing

Whether you are a landlord owed rent or a tenant asking for repairs or your bond, a written notice or letter citing the relevant tenancy Act sets out the problem and what you want done. Some disputes end there; if not, it is a record for the next step.

Step 2: File a tribunal application

If that does not resolve it, apply to your state’s tribunal (in Western Australia and Tasmania, the body listed below). Waiting times for a hearing vary by state and by the type of claim.

For bond disputes specifically

In most states, rental bonds are held by a government authority (e.g. NSW Fair Trading, RTBA in Victoria). Either party can apply for bond disbursement through the relevant authority or directly to the tribunal.

How Claim Done helps with tenancy disputes

Claim Done prepares tenancy letters and notices that cite your state’s tenancy legislation: an End-of-Lease Bond Dispute Letter for tenants, a Tenant Repair/Breach Notice for repairs and other breaches, and a Rent Arrears Notice for landlords.

Start your bond dispute letter — $49

Tribunal process for tenancy disputes

Each state has a specific tribunal for tenancy disputes:

Bond dispute: what to expect

1. At the end of the tenancy, either of you can apply to the bond authority for the bond to be paid out
2. If only one of you applies, the other is usually notified and given a set time to dispute it (the period depends on your state)
3. If they lodge a claim you dispute, you file with the relevant tribunal
4. The tribunal will hear from both sides — bring your condition report, photos, and lease agreement
5. The tribunal decides how the bond is split

Urgent applications — illegal eviction and rent increases

Some tenancy matters can be listed urgently, such as an illegal lockout or utilities being cut off. Contact your state tribunal to ask whether your matter qualifies.

How Claim Done helps with tenancy disputes

• End-of-Lease Bond Dispute Letter — for tenants disputing a bond claim or asking for the bond back ($49)
• Tenant Repair/Breach Notice — formal notice to the landlord about repairs or another breach ($49)
• Tribunal application — your claim drafted to match your state's tenancy tribunal form ($97)
• Witness statement — structured factual statement for your hearing ($49)

Start a repair or breach notice →