Step by step guide - Completing your NCAT application

You can apply:

• using NCAT Online Services, or 
• by completing the Commercial list application form and lodging it at any NCAT Registry.

If you are applying on NCAT Online Services, you will need to set up an account and register your details on the NSW Online Registry website.

If you are not filing your application online, you need to fill in the Commercial list application form. You can:

• download a fillable PDF form and fill it in on your computer or device, or
  
• print out the form and fill it out using blue or black pen.
  

You should include the following information:

• whether a Fencing Notice has been served
  
• the date the Fencing Notice was served
  
• a full description of the land where the fencing work is to be done, including street address, lot or portion number
  
• your details including address
  
• the details of the owner of the neighbouring property
  
• any dates you are not available to go to NCAT
  
• any special access needs or whether you need an interpreter
  
• what orders you want about fencing work, or example, an order determining the boundary or an order determining the fencing work to be carried out
  
• describe the fencing work you want done, for example, the removal of an old fence, what you would like any new fence to be made of, the height and location of the fence and who you would like to do the work on the fence
  
• the estimated cost of the fencing work including how the cost should be divided between the neighbours.
  

For a completed example of what an application to NCAT could look like, see Sample Commercial list application.

When you have finished filling out the form, you need to sign and date it.

You should make a copy of the completed form and keep it for your records.

You should attach a copy of the Fencing Notice that you sent to your neighbour (or your neighbour sent to you) to your Application. 
 
If it was not possible to serve a Fencing Notice on your neighbour, you may still be able to apply for a Fencing Order. When you fill out the form, you should explain the steps you took to find and contact your neighbour. For more information on what you can do to find your neighbour, see Talk to your neighbour.

You do not need to send or attach a Fencing Notice if you are:

• claiming half the costs for fencing work that was urgent and done without a Fencing Notice being served.
  
• challenging a claim for half the costs for urgent fencing work.
  

However, you will need to attach other information to support your application. For example, if you believe that urgent fencing work was necessary and that your neighbour should contribute to the costs, you should attach information explaining what happened and why the work was urgent. For more information, see Your rights and obligations.

You must pay a filing fee when your lodging your application online or at an NCAT Registry.

The fee is $58.00 for claims worth less than $10,000​ (as at 1 July 2023). Pensioners and full time students that get a government benefit can pay a reduced fee of $15.00. In some circumstances an applicant can ask not to pay a fee (a fee waiver) or for a fee to be postponed (paid later).

For information, see Fees at NCAT on the NCAT website.

After you file your application, NCAT will send a Notice of Conciliation and Hearing to you and your neighbour telling you when and where it will hear your case.

NCAT hears matters in Liverpool, Penrith, Sydney city, Newcastle, Tamworth and Wollongong. NCAT also holds hearings at other locations in NSW and sometimes runs hearings by telephone. NCAT will tell you what arrangements are made for your case.

You should start preparing for the hearing as soon as possible. For more information, see:

• Step by step guide - Preparing for the NCAT hearing , and 
• Step by step guide - Presenting your case at the NCAT hearing