Applying to resolve a dispute
You can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to help resolve a dispute.
Before you apply
Before you apply make sure you have all the correct information and supporting documents.
Fees
There are fees when applying to resolve a dispute.
Fee for mediation - $250.
Fee for hearing/case conference - $500
Note: If a dispute is not resolved through mediation and then goes to a hearing, the total amount required to be paid is $500. If a $250 fee has been paid for a mediation, and the dispute is then referred to hearing, a further fee of $250 is required.
You may get the fee back if your claim is successful and the adjudicator orders the other party to pay the costs back to you. For the Tenancy Tribunal to consider awarding cost for an application fee paid, you will need to indicate this on the application form.
Ensure you have all the correct documents
The supporting documents required for an application will depend on your dispute.
You can upload more supporting documents or add a note to the application after you have submitted it. You cannot edit or change any existing documents or information that you already uploaded.
Any documents you provide will be shared with the other respondent.
Types of disputes and examples of documents that should be provided
Building a unit title development
If your dispute is related to building a unit title development, you should attach:
- Record of title for the base land (previously known as a Computer Register or Certificate of Title)
- registered lease of base land.
Selling a unit title
If your dispute is related to selling a unit title, you should attach:
- notice to the body corporate confirming occupation of the future development unit
- draft sale and purchase agreement
- disclosure statements.
Ownership and/or utility interest, or unit boundaries
If your dispute is about the ownership and/or utility interest, you should attach:
- unit plan
- correspondence or contract confirming a working relationship with the body corporate e.g. with a registered valuer.
Management of a unit title development (by body corporate or administrator)
If your dispute is about the management of a unit title development, you should attach:
- High Court order appointing the administrator
- meeting minutes recording a resolution of the body corporate or body corporate committee.
Maintenance of common property
If your dispute is about the maintenance of common property, you should attach:
- contract between the contractor and the body corporate
- registered body corporate operational rules.
Recovering unpaid levies
If you want the Tenancy Tribunal to order someone to pay overdue levies, you should attach:
- meeting minutes recording a resolution of the body corporate or committee
- a copy of the resolution that confirms the levy amount
- the demand sent for payment of the levy
- Record of Title for the unit (previously known as a Computer Register or Certificate of Title)
- invoices or receipts for costs associated with recovering the levy.
Objecting to a designated resolution
If you are objecting to a designated resolution, you should attach:
- Record of Title for your unit (previously known as a Computer Register or Certificate of Title)
- registered mortgage, caveat, easement, other interest, or notice of claim
- lease or licence
- written notice appointing an agent
- notice of designated resolution
- notice of objection to a designated resolution (Form 27 in the regulations)
- minutes of any relevant body corporate meetings.
Submitting your application
Applications to the Tenancy Tribunal can be submitted through the disputes application portal.
Step 1. Ensure you have all relevant documentation.
Step 2. Log in to the disputes portal using your RealMe login.
Make a new application online(external link)
If you do not have a RealMe login you can create one through the RealMe website.
Step 3. Determine if you require a general application or a levies application.
Levies application – A levies application is used where an application is wanting to recover unpaid levies.
General application – Use the general application form for all other disputes.
Examples of general disputes include:
- disagreement of body corporate decisions
- management of a Unit Title Development
- maintenance of common property.
Step 4. Once you have gathered all relevant information you can submit your application.
Step 5. The disputes team will be in touch with further information once they have reviewed your application form.
Amend or withdraw an application
Withdraw an application
You can withdraw your application at any time. This can be done through the disputes portal.
Disputes portal login(external link)
A partial refund may be available if you withdraw your application up to 2 before a scheduled mediation, case conference, or hearing.
After you withdraw your application, the refund can only be made once you have submitted a receipt of a written request for a refund. You must include your certified New Zealand bank account details.
Requests by an applicant for a refund must be received within 3 months of the date of withdrawal.
This information can be sent by:
- email to info@tenancy.govt.nz or
- post to PO Box 76469, Manukau 2241.
The Unit Titles Act 2010 Dispute Resolution Refunds Policy is available on written request through the Unit Title enquiry form.
Amend an application
You can view, amend, or provide more information for an existing application by logging in to your account.
You can upload more supporting documents or add a note to the application after you have submitted it. You cannot edit or change any existing documents or information that you already uploaded.
Disputes portal login(external link)
Appealing a decision
If you are not happy with a decision, you can appeal to the District Court.
For more information on the Disputes process visit the Tenancy Tribunal website.
Disputes Tribunal - Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand(external link)
Last updated: 14 April 2025
