Unsightly properties

Why are well maintained properties important?

Well maintained properties, whether private, commercial or industrial, add greatly to the beauty and amenity of Moreland.

Those that are poorly maintained lead to perceptions that an area is unsafe, untidy and poorly cared for. This has a negative effect on the amenity of the area and can lead to increased levels of graffiti, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.

In a commercial or industrial environment, they can also have a detrimental impact on business, because potential customers associate poor housekeeping practice with poor business practice. For these reasons, Council has created a local law that requires property owners or occupiers to maintain their properties and prevent them from becoming unsightly.

What does ‘unsightly’ mean?

Unsightly land is land that contains:

• unconstrained rubbish
• disused excavations
• excessive waste and/or vegetation
• disused machinery or vehicles
• partially completed or partially demolished buildings, or
• graffiti.

What are my requirements as a property owner or occupier?

The local law simply states that the owner or occupier of land must not cause, allow or suffer their property to become unsightly and detrimental to the amenity of the neighbourhood. In addition, an owner or occupier of land must ensure that their property does not constitute a danger to a person’s health or another person’s property.

Hints for maintaining your property

• Regularly maintain gardens and lawns, to ensure a consistent appearance with your neighbours.
• Store building materials in a neat and tidy manner, preferably in your back yard or otherwise screened from public view.
• Where possible, any other materials should be stored in sheds or other suitable receptacles.

If you are a landlord, you are jointly responsible with your tenant/s to make sure rented properties are also maintained.

Why should I maintain my property?

International research has shown that poorly maintained properties attract higher levels of anti-social behaviour like graffiti, vandalism and drug use. There is also the potential to attract vermin or create a fire hazard. Poor maintenance also has a negative impact on property values and contributes to perceptions that an area is not respected by its community. Owners/occupiers are therefore encouraged to be proactive in maintaining their properties.

What happens if I don't maintain my property?

If a complaint is received by Council that your property is unsightly, the first step will be for a Local Laws Officer to inspect the property. If the officer deems that it does constitute an unsightly property, a Notice to Comply will be issued.

The Notice to Comply will outline the circumstances causing the land to be deemed unsightly, and will state the works required to be completed by a specific date. If the works are not completed by that date or alternative arrangements have not been made with the officer, a contractor may be enlisted to complete the work on behalf of Council.

Once the work is completed to the satisfaction of Council an invoice will be sent to you for payment of these works.

Differential rate

In addition to the local law provisions, Council has a differential rate for vacant land and unoccupied land in Moreland. Vacant land is any land on which no building is erected. Unoccupied land is any land on which a building is erected but not occupied. The purpose of differential rates is to encourage proper management of land, and/or buildings on that land. The differential rates are targeted directly at those landowners who allow their sites to deteriorate and become unsafe and pose a risk to public safety or amenity.

Differential rate rebate

For those properties levied the differential rate, owners have the ability to reduce the amount payable by applying for a performance rebate. To receive the rebate, property owners must agree to satisfy performance criteria detailed under Council’s ‘Vacant and Unoccupied Land Management Rebate Policy’.

Owners should complete and return the rebate application form to Council, detailing the works that will be undertaken to satisfy the performance criteria. Applications must be received by the due date. Late applications may not be accepted.

Report an unsightly property

• Make an online customer request.
  Step-by-step instructions help you through the process. In the first screen tell us where the problem is. Then give us details about the issue. Track the status of your request online too.
• Contact Council