NCAT Reality Check: “Preparation Is Key”

27 Aug 2026 · 1 min

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In this advisory segment, the speaker cautions that members of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) often grant tenants more latitude than landlords, sometimes even advancing a tenant’s case despite insufficient evidence. To counteract this perceived bias and maintain composure during hearings, the speaker recommends preparing a concise summary sheet—a "cheat sheet"—that serves as a quick reference point, helping parties stay focused and centered if the hearing becomes challenging or if they are having an off day.

Chapters

Preparation is key because when you're in the hearing, the members aren't waiting. They really, in my opinion, give unfair latitude to tenants as what they would to landlords or owners. In some cases, I've had members almost prosecute the cases on the behalf of a tenant who had— who didn't meet the burden of proof. But story for another day. So What we do as an office is we will typically prepare a summary sheet, and that summary sheet is like a cheat sheet. It's your quick point of reference because if you're in the hearing and things are going, or you may not be having a good day and you just need to center yourself, we'll just simply have some quick reference notes.