5 decisions published by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal between 30 October to 5 November 2026, summarised in plain English. Each one links to the full published decision.
Builders, renovations and building defects
- Scaffolding refund order cut from $19,965 to $6,000 and sent back for a fresh hearing (NCAT, 2026) $6,000
A tribunal member ordered a builder to refund $19,965 for perimeter scaffolding after finding the builder had conceded it was never erected, but the hearing transcript showed the builder had said the opposite. The Appeal Panel allowed the builder's appeal, reduced the amount payable to $6,000, and sent the refund claim back for a fresh hearing before a different member.
Other civil disputes
- Police costs bid refused: losing an NCAT appeal is not enough to shift legal costs
A self-represented man lost his appeal against a decision refusing him more time to challenge a police decision about access to government information, and the Commissioner of Police then asked for $7,500 in legal costs. The NCAT Appeal Panel dismissed the costs application, finding none of the matters raised amounted to the "special circumstances" the law requires before costs can be awarded.
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Strata and body corporate disputes
- Owners corporation’s costs claim refused after a lot owner withdrew its appeal (NCAT, 2026)
A lot owner appealed a strata decision that dismissed its compensation claim and ordered it to repair a concrete slab, then withdrew the appeal 26 days later. The owners corporation asked for its costs of the stay application and call over; the Appeal Panel dismissed that costs application and made no order as to the costs of the appeal.
House rentals, bonds and tenancy
- Tenant’s appeal against consent orders ending her tenancy refused and dismissed (NCAT, 2026)
A tenant and her landlord each had applications on foot at NCAT, one about repairs and one about termination, and at a conciliation and directions listing they agreed to orders ending the tenancy on 30 October 2026 and wiping the rent and water claims. The tenant later appealed, saying she had been denied a hearing, that the Tribunal had no power to make the orders, and that she had consented by mistake; the Appeal Panel extended the time to appeal but refused leave and dismissed the appeal.
Faulty goods, refunds and consumer claims
- Appeal dismissed: tribunal could not order a homeowner to pay a trader who lost the consumer claim (NCAT, 2026) $1,948
A homeowner won an order that a tradesperson refund $1,947.50 of a deposit for flyscreen and mesh work that was never finished. The tradesperson appealed, arguing the tribunal should also have dealt with his claim for money owed under a second contract; the Appeal Panel dismissed the appeal.
Every NCAT decision we have summarised: NCAT cases. Thinking of applying? How to lodge a NCAT application.
What happens when you put the builder on formal notice
Same problem. What a prepared case looks like.
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