Dispute resolution request (Form 16)

Under s 402 of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld), a lessor or tenant, or a provider or resident, may ask the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) to try to resolve a dispute, and the request must be in the approved form. Form 16 (version 19, May 2025) is that form. As soon as practicable the RTA must start a conciliation process unless it considers the dispute unsuitable (s 403). Participation is voluntary (s 406), and any agreement reached is put in writing and signed (s 408). Section 416 generally requires a dispute resolution request before applying to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) about the issue, except for urgent applications.

When you need it

• You have tried talking to the other party and cannot agree, about matters such as the bond, rent arrears, repairs, a claim greater than the bond, entry, pets, domestic and family violence, a tenancy database listing or personal information.
• You want to apply to QCAT. Section 416 says you must first make a dispute resolution request, unless the application is urgent.
• You can request online through RTA Web Services instead. Bond refund disputes can also be raised online through the Bond Refund Web Service.

1. 1

   Bond number and questions 1 to 3

   Enter the rental bond number and answer whether you have spoken to the other party, whether the tenants have vacated (with the date) and whether domestic and family violence is involved.

2. 2

   Items 4 and 5: property and who is lodging

   Enter the rental property address (room number for rooming accommodation), tick whether you are the owner, property manager, tenant or resident, and give names, phone, email and postal address. Tenants may optionally say whether they identify as part of listed groups.

3. 3

   Items 6 and 7: help needed and other party

   Tick any help you need, such as an interpreter or Auslan, and give the other party's names and contact details.

4. 4

   Items 8 to 10: the dispute and notices

   Copy the bond number and address onto page 2. Tick what the dispute is about, list any notice to leave, notice of intention to leave, notice to remedy breach or domestic and family violence notice with its expiry date, and state the reason it was issued.

5. 5

   Item 11: authorisation

   Everyone requesting conciliation prints their name, signs and dates, agreeing that the RTA may contact the other party with their name and the dispute details.

• Lodge online through RTA Web Services, email a scan to bonds@rta.qld.gov.au (file under 5MB), or post it to RTA, GPO Box 390, Brisbane Q 4001. Sign it before lodging and keep a copy.
• The RTA confirms the request by email or letter, and a conciliator then contacts the person who lodged it. The service is free.
• If a lessor or provider lodges a dispute about the bond, they must give the tenant or resident supporting evidence within 14 days (s 136AA).
• If no agreement is reached, an application may be made to QCAT for a decision.

• Gather your documents while you wait: the agreement, entry and exit condition reports, photos, receipts, quotes and any notices.
• Conciliators are impartial and cannot make decisions; they help the parties negotiate.
• A person must not make a record of anything said during the conciliation process (s 409). A request can be withdrawn by written notice (s 410).