There are a number of different people involved in a SACAT hearing. Some parties are only involved in certain matters.
Tribunal Member
The Tribunal Member is the person who will hear and decide your case. They will hear the evidence you provide and make a decision according to the law.
Learn more about our Tribunal Members
Applicant
The applicant is the person who makes the application to SACAT.
In a housing application, they are the person who wants SACAT to make an order about a tenancy agreement or the occupation of premises. They can be either:
- A tenant
- A resident of a retirement village
- A resident of a rooming house or residential park
- The landlord or a representative (agent) of the landlord
- A rooming house proprietor
- A park operator
- A retirement village administering authority or operator
- A neighbour
The applicant usually speaks first at a hearing to provide their evidence and say what they think is the right decision. They have to persuade SACAT that the orders they are seeking should be granted, for example that an order ending the tenancy should be made.
Respondent
The respondent is the person responding to the application made to SACAT.
The respondent may be:
- The landlord or a representative (agent) of the landlord
- A rooming house proprietor
- A park operator
- A retirement village administering authority or operator
- A tenant
- A resident of a retirement village
Who the respondent is depends on who the applicant is. For example if the landlord has made the application, then the tenant is likely the respondent. The respondent will respond after the applicant provides their views and equally try to persuade SACAT that the orders they want should be made, or that the orders sought by the applicant should not be made.
Interested party
An interested party is an individual or organisation who has a legal interest in the matter. An individual or organisation must be joined to a SACAT matter to be an interested party and be involved in the matter.
They may or may not participate in the hearing.
In a housing application, an interested party may be another tenant at the property.
Legal representation
There are a number of legal organisations and support services that may be able to help you with your matter.
However, SACAT is much less formal than a court and its procedures are less complicated - most people who come before SACAT do not have legal representation and SACAT's Tribunal members are highly experienced in conducting matters efficiently and fairly, whether or not lawyers are involved.
If you want to use a lawyer in your housing matter, there are specific requirements you must meet. You will also need to include details in your application about why you cannot appear yourself and why you need a legal practitioner.
