From 3 August to 30 October 2026, The Tenancy Tribunal is running a pilot of scheduling categories. The pilot prioritises serious health and safety issues and some rent arrears applications over other situations.

Scheduling information

How long it takes to get a mediation or Tribunal hearing date depends on several factors. Such as:

• the urgency of the matter.
• the number of claims made
• whether a counter claim is made, or
• where the hearing is to take place.

Hearings can take place remotely, or in-person. 

Pilot scheduling categories

Pilot information

Priority 2(a) Significant health and safety risks

Applications where there is an ongoing, serious health and safety risk will be assessed by a Senior Tenancy Tribunal Adjudicator who determines if a case, or part of a case, can be scheduled as Priority 2. These cases do not need to meet any additional criteria.

Priority 2(b) Termination and possession due to rent arrears

Applications seeking termination and possession due to rent arrears must meet certain criteria to be eligible to be scheduled as Priority 2:

• Applications should only include claims for
  • termination of the tenancy and possession of the premises due to rent arrears
  • the application fee (optional).
• Landlords must choose to attend mediation if they wish for the case to be scheduled as Priority 2. 
• Landlords must participate reasonably at mediation.  
• If the landlord refuses to attend mediation, their case may not be as Priority 2
• If an agreement cannot be reached between the parties at mediation, a Tribunal hearing will likely be scheduled as Priority 2.  
• In cases where the applicant does not participate reasonably at mediation, the case may be scheduled with the same priority as other dispute applications.  

Hearings for Priority 2(b) cases are 45 minutes long.

A longer hearing may be needed if a cross-application is lodged, or if the application includes additional claims, such as water costs, damages or other outgoing claims.

Applicants who refuse mediation, or cases needing a longer hearing, will likely be scheduled as:

• Priority 3 for ongoing tenancies
• Priority 4 for tenancies that have ended.

Completing an application to the tenancy tribunal

Existing scheduling categories

These categories have been suspended until the pilot ends on 30 October 2026. 

Expedited abandonment

If tenants have abandoned the property, landlords can apply for an 'expedited abandonment application'. Landlords cannot legally take back possession of the property until the court transfers it back. This process can start within 48 hours if you meet the criteria.

More information on abandoned properties

Your case can be delayed if:

• The paperwork is incomplete
• tenants or landlords are not prepared for the tribunal hearing
• the case is more complicated than expected.

Sometimes a hearing date needs to be rearranged. Case coordinators will work with you to help avoid these delays where possible.