Consumer News

By Tim McKibbin – REINSW CEO

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which handles disputes between tenants and landlords, currently has no jurisdiction if one party lives in another state. This legal loophole was uncovered earlier this year.

I have written to the NSW Government to suggest the legislation is changed to reflect the situation in Queensland, where their equivalent tribunal (QCAT) is classified as a court.  However, the government is waiting for a decision on the matter from the High Court, which could take until the end of the year to be heard.

It is not satisfactory for this important issue to be ignored because it exposes tenants and landlords to more risk.

The NSW Government must act now to pass the required amendment to the legislation through Parliament as quickly as possible.