How to File a Legal Response to QCAT Without Hiring a Lawyer

You have received a QCAT application. The other party is taking you to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. In a minor debt claim you have 28 days from the date you were served to respond, and if you miss it, the applicant can ask QCAT for a decision by default. In consumer and trader, tenancy and dividing fence disputes, no response is required.

For the forms, fees and each step, see our guide to making an QCAT application.

This guide explains how to respond to a QCAT application in Queensland, what must be included in your response, common defences, and how to lodge your documents.

What is QCAT and when must you respond?

QCAT is Queensland’s tribunal for civil and administrative disputes. It handles residential tenancy disputes, minor debt claims (up to $25,000), neighbourhood disputes, guardianship matters, and certain administrative reviews.

If someone has lodged an application against you at QCAT, you are the respondent. The person who filed is the applicant. In a minor debt claim you must file a response. In other minor civil disputes, file a reply if you:

• Dispute the facts alleged
• Have a legal defence
• Want to make a counterclaim
• Wish to be heard at the hearing

In a minor debt claim, if you do not file a response, the applicant can lodge a request for a decision by default, and that decision is enforceable against you in the courts. In other disputes, the hearing goes ahead without your material.

Deadlines for responding to a QCAT application

In a minor debt claim (the applicant used Form 3) you have 28 days from the date you were served to file a response on Form 7. In consumer and trader, residential tenancy and dividing fence disputes no response form is required; you can file a reply and your evidence before the hearing.

For other kinds of QCAT matter, the time to respond depends on the type of matter.

Check the front page of the QCAT application you received. It will state the deadline. If you are unsure, contact QCAT’s registry or check the QCAT website for your specific matter type.

What must be included in your QCAT response

In a minor debt claim, your response is Form 7, Response to minor civil dispute – minor debt, on QCAT’s website.

Your response must include:

• Your full name and contact details as the respondent
• The QCAT file number printed on the application
• Your response to each allegation — admit, deny, or state you do not know
• Your version of events — a clear chronological account
• Any legal defences — set out the legal basis for your defence
• Any counterclaim — if you are making a claim against the applicant (not allowed in a minor debt claim)
• Supporting documents — attach copies of contracts, invoices, emails, photos, or other evidence

Do not leave sections blank. If you do not know something, say so. If you admit part of a claim but dispute the amount, specify what you admit and what you dispute.

Common defences in QCAT matters

Your defence depends on the type of claim. Below are the most common defences by matter type.

Debt claims

• Debt already paid — provide bank statements, receipts, or payment confirmation
• Debt disputed — the amount is incorrect, inflated, or includes charges not agreed
• No contract existed — you never agreed to the terms claimed
• Breach by the applicant — they failed to deliver goods or services as agreed
• Statute of limitation — the debt may be older than the applicable limitation period

Residential tenancy disputes

• Damage pre-existed — the property was already damaged when you moved in (entry condition report evidence)
• Fair wear and tear — the damage is normal wear and tear, not tenant damage
• Bond already used — the landlord deducted the amount from your bond
• Landlord breach — the landlord failed to maintain the property or breached their obligations under Queensland tenancy law

Neighbourhood disputes

• No nuisance occurred — the alleged noise, odour, or interference did not happen or is exaggerated
• Reasonable use of property — your conduct is lawful and reasonable
• Applicant’s conduct — the applicant is the source of the problem

Consumer claims

• Goods fit for purpose — the goods or services were as described and met consumer law standards
• No misleading conduct — you did not make false representations
• Refund already provided — you refunded or replaced the goods

How to lodge your response with QCAT

You can lodge your response online, by post, or in person.

Online lodgement (preferred)

1. Go to the QCAT website and log in to the online portal
2. Select “Lodge a document”
3. Enter the QCAT file number
4. Upload your completed response form and supporting documents (PDF format)
5. Pay the filing fee if applicable (many matters are fee-exempt)
6. You will receive a lodgement confirmation email

By post

Mail your completed response form and supporting documents to:

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal GPO Box 1639 Brisbane QLD 4001

Include a cheque or money order for the filing fee if required. Allow 3–5 business days for processing.

In person

Attend the QCAT registry at Level 9, Bank of Queensland Building, 259 Queen Street, Brisbane, or at a regional registry (Southport, Maroochydore, Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton, Toowoomba). Bring your completed form, supporting documents, and payment.

What happens after you file your response

Once your response is lodged, QCAT will:

1. Expect you to give the applicant a copy — QCAT says you must give a copy of any reply, evidence or counter application to QCAT and to the other parties
2. Set a hearing date — QCAT will notify both parties of the hearing date, time, and location (or whether it will be conducted by phone or video)
3. Issue directions — QCAT may issue case management directions requiring you to file further documents, witness statements, or attend a compulsory conference

You must comply with all directions. Failure to comply can result in your response being struck out or costs orders against you.

Compulsory conferences and mediation

QCAT often requires the parties to attend a compulsory conference before the hearing. This is an informal meeting where a QCAT member tries to help the parties reach an agreement.

If you reach an agreement at the conference, QCAT will make consent orders reflecting the agreement. If you do not reach an agreement, the matter proceeds to a hearing.

Compulsory conferences are not hearings. You do not need to present evidence or make legal submissions. You discuss the dispute and explore settlement options.

Preparing for the QCAT hearing

If the matter proceeds to a hearing, you must be ready to present your case. This includes:

• Organising your evidence — bring original documents, photos, and any physical evidence
• Preparing a witness statement — a written statement signed by you (and any witnesses) setting out the facts
• Preparing a chronology — a timeline of key events
• Preparing legal submissions — a short written outline of your legal arguments (optional but helpful)

QCAT hearings are less formal than court, but you must still present your case clearly and comply with the rules of evidence. The tribunal member will ask questions and may request further documents.

Final checklist before lodging your QCAT response

Before you lodge, confirm:

• You have completed all sections of the response form
• You have attached all supporting documents (contracts, invoices, emails, photos)
• You have signed and dated the form
• You have paid the filing fee (if applicable)
• You have kept a copy of everything for your records
• You have lodged within the deadline (28 days in a minor debt claim)

Late responses are possible but require QCAT’s permission. Do not rely on an extension — lodge on time.

How Claim Done prepares your QCAT response in about 5 minutes

Claim Done’s Tribunal Response / Defence Pack service drafts your side of the case fast. You complete a 5-minute intake form, tell us what evidence you have, and our Programmatic Algorithms draft four separate A4 PDFs:

• A response summary
• A defence position statement
• A chronology
• An evidence list

You review them and attach your own evidence. In a minor debt claim, they support the Form 7 you complete and file yourself; in other disputes, they are the reply and evidence you file before the hearing. Claim Done does not complete QCAT forms, compile an evidence bundle, or lodge, file or serve anything for you. For witness statements and legal submissions, see the separate witness statement template and Legal submissions services. Flat fee of $129. No subscription. Australia-wide.

This is not legal advice. Claim Done generates legal-style documents based on the information you give us.

Start your QCAT response now at claimdone.com.au/services/tribunal-response-defence-pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not respond to a QCAT application?

In a minor debt claim, the applicant can lodge a request for a decision by default, and that decision is enforceable against you in the courts. If a decision by default is made, you can apply to have it set aside: you need to explain why a response was not filed in time and include your response to the original application. In consumer and trader, tenancy and dividing fence disputes, no response is required, but without your material QCAT has only the applicant’s side.

Can I lodge a QCAT response after the deadline?

Yes, but you must apply to QCAT for leave to file a late response. You will need to explain why you missed the deadline and show that you have an arguable defence. QCAT may grant or refuse the application.

Do I need a lawyer to respond to a QCAT application?

No. QCAT is designed for self-represented parties. You can prepare and lodge your own response using the response form on QCAT’s website and supporting documents. Claim Done can help you prepare a professionally drafted response without hiring a lawyer.

How much does it cost to file a response with QCAT?

Most QCAT matters have no filing fee for a response. Some administrative review matters may require a fee. Check the QCAT website or the application you received for fee details.

Can I make a counterclaim in my QCAT response?

In consumer and trader, tenancy and dividing fence disputes, yes: file a counter application using the form QCAT’s website lists. QCAT does not allow one in a minor debt claim. You must set out the facts, the legal basis for your claim, and the orders you seek.