Guide
Resolving body corporate disputes in Queensland
Most Queensland body corporate disputes follow three steps. First, try to resolve the dispute yourself. Next, apply for conciliation through the Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management. Adjudication is the final step within the BCCM Office, and an adjudicator’s order can be appealed to QCAT on a question of law. QCAT also hears certain complex disputes.
1. Try to resolve it yourself
You must first try to resolve the dispute with the other party. That might mean writing to the owner or the committee, or putting a motion to the committee or a general meeting. Keep written records, because they help if the dispute goes further.
2. Conciliation
If that does not work, you can apply to the BCCM Office. In most cases conciliation is the compulsory first step in formal dispute resolution. An impartial conciliator helps the parties negotiate their own agreement.
3. Adjudication
If conciliation does not resolve the dispute, adjudication through the BCCM Office is the final step in the Office’s process.
When QCAT is involved
QCAT hears appeals against adjudicators’ orders, on a question of law only. It also hears certain “complex disputes”, including contractual disputes about the engagement of a body corporate manager or caretaking service contractor. Levy debts are recovered through QCAT as a minor civil dispute or through the courts, not by an adjudicator.
Where to get information
The BCCM Office’s information service is on 1800 060 119 (freecall). It provides information about rights and obligations, but it cannot give legal advice. For advice on your own situation, speak to a lawyer.
Our role
As body corporate manager we carry out the body corporate’s decisions, prepare motions and correspondence, and keep the records a dispute may rely on. We do not decide disputes between owners or give legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is conciliation compulsory for body corporate disputes in Queensland?
In most cases, yes. Conciliation is the compulsory first step in formal dispute resolution through the BCCM Office, after you have tried to resolve the matter yourself.
Can you appeal a body corporate adjudicator’s decision?
Yes, to QCAT, but only on a question of law.
Sources
- Self resolution for disputes (Queensland Government)
- Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management
- Body corporate and community management disputes (QCAT)
- Owner's contributions (Queensland Government)
Checked 22 October 2026. The law and official guidance change, so check the current source before relying on it. This page is general information about Queensland body corporate law, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, speak with a lawyer.