If you feel the amount of fees you have been charged is unreasonable or excessive in relation to an estimate previously given, the first thing to do is to contact the surveyor. Often disagreements can be sorted out satisfactorily by a face to face discussion to obtain explanations for the total survey account.  This may avoid lengthy and expensive legal battles.

 

If however you still find you are unable to reach agreement the best avenue for resolving fee disputes is through the Disputes Tribunal of the Department of Courts.

 

Disputes Tribunals are not like formal courts and are informal, inexpensive, quick and private.  There are no lawyers or judges.  Disputes are heard by a referee who has been carefully selected and trained.  A referee is someone who will either help you to come to your own solution or will determine your dispute.  Any ruling they make is binding and will, if necessary, be enforced by the Courts.  The Tribunal will consider cases, if all the parties involved agree, of amounts up to $12,000.

 

For full details on how to bring your dispute to the Disputes Tribunal see