This fact sheet provides general information only.  It is not provided as legal advice and is intended as a general guide only.  If you have a legal issue or query you should refer to the legislation or seek legal advice.

Disputes about residential tenancies can be brought to the CTTT.  The Social Housing Division covers providers/landlords and their tenants where the landlord is:

• Housing NSW (NSW Department of Housing)
• NSW Land and Housing Corporation
• Office of Community Housing
• Aboriginal Housing Office
• an organisation registered with the Office of Community Housing or under Part 5 of the Aboriginal Housing Act 1998. 
  

The full range of disputes which can be dealt by the CTTT are set out in the Social Housing Division application form (PDF size:352k).

Common tenancy disputes between providers/landlords and tenants include:

• When a provider/landlord believes the tenant has not paid rent, they can apply for an order from the CTTT that the tenant pay the arrears
• When a tenant needs the provider/landlord to repair something that has been damaged or broken, they can apply for an order from the CTTT that the provider/landlord repair or maintain something
• When a provider/landlord needs access to the premises to install or repair a smoke alarm, they can apply for an order from the CTTT that they be given access to the premises on a certain day and time
• If a tenant's rent subsidy is cancelled they can apply for an order from the CTTT that the rent is excessive
• If a provider/landlord offers alternative social housing premises to a tenant, and the tenant refuses to move into them, the provider/landlord can apply to the CTTT to terminate the tenancy agreement.

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Social Housing Division application forms are available from CTTT Registries, Fair Trading Centres.  Application forms can also be downloaded from the application forms page.

Applications can be lodged at a CTTT Registry, or completed and lodged on-line through the CTTT website.

A fee of $34 (or $5 for people who receive a Government pension, a social security or education benefit, or hold a Seniors Card) is paid when the application is lodged.

If you need an interpreter or other assistance to help you at the CTTT hearing, there is a section on the application form where you can ask for this help.  This is a free service.

Learn more about the CTTT's application process or download the Application process flow chart (PDF size:21k)

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If you need more information call the CTTT on 130 135 399 or browse our website.

The Getting Help fact sheet (PDF size: 364k) lists a wide range of services in NSW that can help you with your legal questions.  Hard copies of this fact sheet are available at CTTT Registries and Fair Trading Centres.

Interpreting or translating help is available from the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) - cal 131 450.  Telephone interpreting is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The translation service operates during business hours.

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