Adjudication is a dispute resolution process used by the CTTT to resolve most strata and community schemes disputes.

Adjudication process

The Adjudication process usually involves the following five steps:

Step 1: Attempt mediation
Mediation is compulsory for most strata and community schemes disputes prior to lodging an application to the CTTT. Learn about mediation.

Step 2: Lodge CTTT application
An application is lodged with the CTTT after mediation is attempted.  The applicant does not need to be the same person who applied for mediation.

Step 3: Submissions
All interested parties are invited to lodge a written submission to the CTTT.  The submissions period timeframe is generally 28 days. Learn more about submissions.

Step 4: Determination on the papers
Adjudication decisions are made ‘on the papers’.  This means the application is decided only on the application documents and submissions.  There is no hearing.

Step 5: Orders and written reasons
Adjudicators orders and the reasons for the decision are made in writing and sent to all people involved in the dispute, the owners corporation or community association and those who sent a submission.

Download the Adjudication fact sheet (PDF size: 344kb) for more information about the adjudication process.

Adjudicator orders

Adjudicators make orders on a wide range of strata and community schemes disputes:

• Repairs to ceilings, walls and bathrooms
• Water penetration through windows and shower floors
• Breach of by-laws such as:
  • keeping pets without approval
  • excessive noise
  • insufficient floor coverings
  • parking on common property
• Unauthorised alterations to common property
• Making, changing or invalidating a by-law
• Appointment of a managing agent (strata schemes)
• Validity of meetings and resolutions
• Variation of insurance
• Contributions and levies (strata schemes).

Who is an Adjudicator?

An Adjudicator is a person appointed under the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996 or Community Land Management Act 1989.  Most Adjudicators are also appointed as Tribunal Members.

Can I appeal an Adjudicator's decision?

Yes.  Adjudicator decisions can be appealed to the CTTT, however there are time limits:

• An appeal against an order dismissing an application must be lodged within 21 days after the order takes effect.  The time limit may only be extended in limited circumstances.
• An appeal against any other order must be lodged within 21 days after the order takes effect.  The time limit may be extended up to 90 days.

If you are lodging an appeal out of time, you will need to provide reasons why you have not lodged within the time limit.

Learn more about appealing an Adjudicator's decision.