Two searches overlap here: a payment dispute with a trader, and unpaid certificates and legal action. Disputes come in two kinds, a genuine disagreement about what is owed and a trader that simply is not paying. Treat them differently.
This is general information at the time of writing, not legal advice.
Is it a dispute or a debt?
- A dispute means the trader says it owes less than you claim, for example because a claim failed validation, a rate differs or a recall applies.
- A debt means the amount is agreed or clear, and payment is overdue.
Start by working out which. A dispute about a rate is resolved by reading the agreement. A debt is resolved by demand.
Step 1. Gather the evidence
- the signed agreement, with payment and recall clauses
- claim records, lodgement dates and the locked rate
- RCTIs and remittance advice
- emails and call notes, in date order
- proof you transferred the certificates, from the REC Registry
Step 2. Put it in writing
Write a clear email to the trader’s management: what you claim, the amount, the basis in the agreement and the date by which you expect an answer. Keep the tone factual. Most disputes end here.
Step 3. Letter of demand
If there is no resolution, send a formal letter of demand giving a final date, usually 7 to 14 days, and stating you will take further steps. A solicitor can send it for a modest fee, and it often changes behaviour.
Step 4. Formal options
| Option | Suits |
|---|---|
| Small claims tribunal or local court | Modest debts, where the facts are clear |
| Statutory demand | Debts owed by a company, above the minimum threshold |
| Debt recovery agent | Clear debts, where a solicitor is not warranted |
| Mediation | Genuine disputes where both sides want to settle |
Which tribunal or court applies depends on your state and the amount. A statutory demand is a serious step: it starts a clock, and it can end up in an insolvency application, so use legal advice.
Prevention
Most disputes trace back to loose terms. Before you sign, check the contract terms: payment trigger and date, recall rights, interest on late payment and how disputes are resolved. After you sign, keep your lodgement volume in line with what you have been paid.
What this means for installers
Be firm early. A trader that pays late once may do it again, and exposure builds with every claim you lodge. If you decide to move on, the switch page explains how to change traders without losing track of in-flight claims. For first steps when a payment is overdue, read STC payment not received. Our approach to terms and settlement is on pricing and how it works.