Resolving disputes

State-by-state paths when you need a regulator or tribunal.

If things go wrongAlready in a dispute

Building disputes in Australia

Warranty periods, deadlines and dispute paths for every state and territory. Start here if something's gone wrong on your build.

If things go wrongAlready in a dispute

Building disputes (SA)

A plain-English guide to resolving a building dispute in South Australia — from a written complaint and CBS conciliation to Magistrates Court claims and SACAT disciplinary action.

If things go wrongAlready in a dispute

Building disputes (TAS)

A plain-English guide to resolving a building dispute in Tasmania — from a Notice of Dispute and CBOS mediation to TASCAT, plus the 6-year window and strict eligibility rules.

If things go wrongAlready in a dispute

Building disputes (ACT)

A plain-English guide to resolving a building dispute in the ACT — compliance complaints via Access Canberra, mediation, and ACAT civil disputes including Scott Schedules for defect claims.

If things go wrongAlready in a dispute

Building disputes (NT)

A plain-English guide to resolving a building dispute in the Northern Territory — from NT Consumer Affairs and the Commissioner of Residential Building Disputes to NTCAT and the courts.

If things go wrongAlready in a dispute

Building disputes (WA)

From Notice of Proposed Complaint to Building and Energy and SAT — plain-English steps if your WA builder won't fix defects.

If things go wrongAlready in a dispute

Take your builder to NCAT (NSW)

A plain-English, step-by-step guide to resolving a building dispute in NSW — from a Building Commission NSW complaint to an NCAT hearing, and the evidence you'll need.

If things go wrongAlready in a dispute

Take your builder to VCAT (VIC)

A plain-English guide to resolving a building dispute in Victoria in 2026 — from BPC (formerly DBDRV) conciliation to VCAT, the certificate you need, and the evidence that wins.

If things go wrongAlready in a dispute

QBCC complaints (QLD)

How to make a Queensland builder fix defective work in 2026 — from a written notice and QBCC complaint to a Direction to Rectify and QCAT, plus the deadlines that catch people out.