How much does NCAT cost for a tenancy case in NSW?
Applying to NCAT for a tenancy matter costs $64 for most renters — or just $16 if you hold a qualifying pension card. If you can’t afford either amount, you can apply to have the fee waived entirely.
NCAT (the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal) is the place where most tenancy disputes in NSW get resolved. It handles everything from bond claims to unpaid rent to repairs. The fee to file a residential tenancy application is low by legal standards, but it still helps to know exactly what you’ll pay — and what happens if money is tight.
All fees below are current as at 9 August 2026 (fee schedule effective 1 July 2026). Fees are reviewed periodically. Always check ncat.nsw.gov.au for the latest amounts before you apply.
The standard application fee
Tenancy matters fall under NCAT’s Consumer and Commercial Division. The standard application fee for a residential tenancy proceeding is $64.
If you are applying on behalf of a company — for example, a corporate landlord — the fee is $128.
This fee covers the cost of lodging your application. There is no additional charge for the hearing itself.
Concession holders pay less
If you receive a qualifying pension or allowance, you pay $16 — 25% of the standard fee.
The following entitlements qualify:
- A pension or allowance under Chapter 2 of the Social Security Act (this covers Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, JobSeeker, and similar payments)
- A service pension or special rate pension under veterans’ entitlements legislation
- A pension from the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs as the surviving spouse of a member of the Australian Defence Force or Peacekeeping Forces
- A pension from the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs as the unmarried or widowed mother of a deceased unmarried member of the Australian Defence Force or Peacekeeping Forces
- A student assistance allowance from the Commonwealth (for full-time study)
- A Legal Aid grant, or assistance from a community legal centre
Note: a Health Care Card or Seniors Card on its own does not qualify for the reduced fee. If you are unsure whether your card or payment type qualifies, contact the NCAT Registry before you apply.
To claim the reduced fee, show your pension card (both sides if information appears on both), a student card, or a letter from Legal Aid or your community legal centre when you lodge your application.
What if you can’t afford even $16?
You can apply for a fee waiver. NCAT can waive the fee entirely if paying it would cause you serious financial hardship, or if there is some other special reason.
To apply for a waiver:
- Download the “Request for fee waiver” form from ncat.nsw.gov.au
- Attach supporting documents — for example, bank statements, a Centrelink income statement, or anything else that shows your financial situation
- Submit the form by post or in person at an NCAT Registry or a Service NSW centre
Fee waiver requests cannot be submitted through NCAT Online. NCAT will notify you whether the waiver is approved in full, partially, or refused.
If your waiver is refused but you still believe you can’t afford to pay, contact the NCAT Registry directly to discuss your options.
Do you get the fee back if you win?
Sometimes, but you shouldn’t count on it. NCAT’s general rule is that each party pays their own costs. This is different from some courts, where the losing side automatically pays the winner’s legal costs.
In practice, a Member may order the losing party to reimburse the winner’s application fee — this happens in tenancy matters but is not automatic. Ask for it at the hearing if you win; you may or may not get it.
Broader costs orders — for legal fees, for example — are rare. NCAT has a targeted power to award costs against someone whose conduct was unreasonable (for example, a landlord who repeatedly failed to comply with NCAT orders, or brought a claim that had no basis at all). This is a limited power, not a routine one. Don’t bank on recovering anything beyond the application fee.
A separate provision — section 208 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 — deals with a different situation. If someone takes a tenancy dispute to a court when they should have used NCAT, the court can order them to pay the other party’s costs. This protects renters (and landlords) from being dragged into expensive court proceedings for matters NCAT was designed to handle.
Other costs to be aware of
The application fee is the main out-of-pocket cost for most renters. But a few other expenses can come up.
Getting copies of documents. NCAT may charge a small fee for certified copies or transcript requests. Check the current fee schedule at ncat.nsw.gov.au.
Legal representation. You do not need a lawyer at NCAT and most renters represent themselves. If you do hire a solicitor, that cost is yours to bear — NCAT does not routinely order the other party to pay your legal fees.
Evidence and witnesses. If you need a tradesperson’s written assessment or a witness to attend, that is your own cost to arrange.
In short: for most tenancy matters, your only NCAT cost is the $64 application fee (or $16 on concession).
How to pay
Online: Apply through NCAT Online Services and pay by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express). This is the fastest method for Consumer and Commercial Division cases.
Secure payment link: If you lodge without paying immediately, the NCAT Registry will email or SMS you a secure payment link for card payment.
By post: Attach a cheque or money order payable to “NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal” with your paper application.
In person: Pay at an NCAT Registry or a Service NSW centre using cash, credit card, or EFTPOS.
Don’t let the fee stop you
Sixty-four dollars is a fraction of what most tenancy disputes are actually worth. If your landlord owes you bond money, if repairs have gone unfixed, or if you’ve been given an unlawful notice — a $64 filing fee is not a reason to walk away.
If you’re thinking about disputing a bond claim, see our guide on how to dispute a bond claim in NSW for what to expect from the process.
Wondering if it’s worth applying to NCAT for your specific dispute?
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