To start a case at SACAT, you need to make an initiating application. This tells SACAT and the other people involved in your case what you want SACAT to do.

Please be aware that an application will generally always be provided to the other party involved in your dispute.

All applications are made electronically through SACAT’s online portal. The online application form will prompt you for the information we need. If you make a SACAT Online Services account, you can return to your application at any time to provide more information or documents before submitting it.

Having this information organised and available will also help you throughout your case.

Before you start

Check the information requirements below before making your application otherwise your application may not be accepted.

Any documents you include must also meet our document requirements.

If you aren't sure what you want SACAT to do, you can seek independent legal advice and/or information from:

SACAT cannot provide legal advice or tell you what to write in your application.

If you are making a housing application, consider preparing the following:

  • The address of the premises that are the subject of the application
  • The name and contact details of the tenant, landlord, agent, rooming house proprietor, park operator, or any other person involved in the management of the property
  • Relevant dates regarding the occupation of the property (eg when the tenancy or other agreement was entered into, when the occupation of the premises began, when occupation was terminated)
  • The rent payable for occupation of the premises, and the amount and identifying details of any bond or similar security that was paid
  • If there is a tenancy agreement, whether it is a periodic or fixed term agreement

There are other documents you should also have ready before starting a housing application to SACAT:

  • A copy of any relevant agreement that gives you permission to live in the property (eg a tenancy or rooming house agreement)
  • Any notice given by the landlord/rooming house proprietor/park operator or tenant/resident of the property (eg a notice to remedy a breach of agreement or a notice to end a tenancy)

You may have one, many or none of these documents.

If a copy is not reasonably available to you, provide sufficient details about the documents so SACAT can identify the relevant document and the person who holds it.

Make sure your documents meet our requirements.

Additional documents to provide

There may be additional documents required for specific housing and rental disputes. Make sure your documents meet our requirements.

Simple breach disputes

If the application is about rent you will need to provide:

Our rent calculator (XLSX, 22.3 KB) (XLSX) (XLSX) (XLSX) (XLSX) is useful for calculating remaining rent.

If the application is about outstanding water invoices:

Serious breach disputes

If the application is about serious breach of the agreement, you will need to provide:

  • Evidence of the breach, which may include:
    • Photos of damage to the property, or
    • Witnesses to give evidence about disruptive behaviour

See Breaches for more information.

Hardship applications

If the application is to end an agreement on the basis of hardship, you will need to provide:

  • Evidence of hardship – for example, for financial hardship, payslips or Centrelink payment statements

Expiration of agreement / frustration

If the application is to end an agreement on the basis that it has expired or is frustrated, you will need to provide:

  • Any notices served on the other party terminating the agreement
  • Evidence of why the agreement is frustrated, for example photos or a Housing Safety Authority notice

See Hardship, expiration of agreement and frustration for more information.

If the application is to determine the rights of parties to an agreement, you will need to provide:

  • Evidence in support of your application – for example:
    • Emails, letters and SMS messages between the parties about the dispute
    • Photos
    • Inspection sheets
    • Invoices
    • Witnesses

See Parties' rights disputes for more information.

If the application is about a dispute at the end of a tenancy, you will need to provide:

  • Any notices served by either person in the agreement (including any documents served on the person with the notice)
  • If the dispute concerns a claim on the bond and/or for compensation, evidence in support of your application - for example:
    • A statement/summary of claims, including the amounts you are claiming
    • Inspection sheets/photos
    • Invoices/quotes
    • Rent records
    • Break lease calculations
    • Witnesses

See End of tenancy disputes for more information.

You will need to provide:

  • A copy of the residence agreement
  • A written explanation of the issues in dispute
  • Any evidence relevant to the application, such as:
    • Recent statements of account of the administering authority
    • Emails
    • Letters
    • Other correspondence between the parties

See  Retirement Village Disputes for more information.

The Office for Ageing Well (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) may help you prepare your application.

Apply to SACAT

All applications to SACAT are made online. You can use a computer, tablet or smart phone.

Make an application

The application form will prompt you for the information we need.

If you make a SACAT Online Services account, you can return to your application at any time to provide more information or documents before submitting it.

If you are unable to complete the form online, you can contact the Tribunal for assistance on 1800 723 767 and a staff member may assist you complete the form by telephone.

You can also visit SACAT’s offices at Level 4 or 7, 100 Pirie Street, and use a computer at one of SACAT’s public kiosks where staff may also provide assistance.