Strata living often brings people of diverse interests and backgrounds close together. Disagreements and disputes sometimes arise. Hopefully, most disputes can be sorted out by the people involved simply talking about it.

Mediation

Mediation is a structured negotiation process in which a neutral and independent mediator assists parties in a strata or community scheme dispute to achieve a resolution. Mediation is the preferred way to resolve disputes once the parties involved have made every effort to resolve a dispute.

From 7 February 2005, the following types of disputes were removed from the range of matters where mediation must be attempted before going to Adjudication:

• applications for appointment of managing agents
• applications for interim orders or stays
• applications for variations or revocations of previous orders
• applications authorising acts in initial period
• applications about allocation of unit entitlements
• applications for imposition of civil penalties.

Options beyond mediation

There is information on procedures and options for resolving strata and community disputes through other avenues in the Strata and community disputes fact sheet.

Forms

View or download the following forms in PDF format or pick up a copy from any Fair Trading Centre.

• Application for Mediation (size: 322k)
• Application for Adjudication (size: 696k)
• Application to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (size: 319k)
• Notice to comply with a by-law (size: 58k)