An unsightly property can simply be one where lawns are too long, weeds are out of control and the garden needs attention. At the other end of the scale, an unsightly property can resemble a junk yard with excessive machinery, hard waste or building materials. Dilapidated and unsafe buildings are buildings that have not been kept in a state of good repair and pose a hazard if they are used.
Unsightly properties can also be where the appearance of the land is one of neglect and is out of character with other properties in the vicinity.
A property or premises can be considered unsightly, and possibly dangerous, if it has one or more of the following:
- Unconstrained or excessive rubbish
- Disused excavation, machinery, vehicles or waste material
- Accumulated items
- Excessive vegetation, including grass or weeds exceeding 200mm in height
- Graffiti which is visible to the public.
Unsightly and poorly maintained properties can:
- Have a negative effect on the area's appearance and property values
- Potentially be a fire hazard
- Lead to graffiti, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour such as drug use
- Attract vermin such as rats and mice or create a fire hazard.
In a commercial/industrial environment, unsightly properties can also have a detrimental impact on business because potential customers associate poor housekeeping/property maintenance practice with poor business practice.
Well maintained properties, whether private, commercial or industrial, add greatly to the beauty and amenity of our municipality. For these reasons, the Whitehorse Community Local Law ( PDF 280.06KB) requires property owners/occupiers to maintain their properties and prevent them from becoming unsightly.
What a property owner or tenant/occupier is required to do
The Community Local Law 2014 ( PDF 280.06KB) simply states that the owner/occupier of land must not allow or permit their property to become unsightly, or detrimental to the general amenity of the neighborhood or the buildings to become dilapidated. In addition they must also ensure that their property does not constitute a danger to a person’s health or another person’s property.
A simple maintenance program will help keep your property looking good. The following tips can assist you with best practice litter and waste management at home to improve the appearance of your property:
- Keep your property in a clear, tidy and sanitary condition by removing accumulated rubbish and unnecessary items from the property
- Pack and stack required goods and timber in an orderly fashion at least 300mm above the ground
- Store building and other materials in a neat and tidy manner, preferably in your backyard, a shed, or screened from public view. Where possible, any other materials should be stored in sheds or other suitable receptacles
- Maintain lawns and trees to keep the area neat and tidy
- Clear overgrown foliage and vegetation and clean up unsanitary conditions e.g. dog faeces
- Reduce pests such as rats and mice by regularly inspecting the property and clearing out possible places for them to shelter. Dispose of food or store it in vermin-proof containers and make use of mice and rat baiting services.
Note: If you are a landlord, remember you are jointly responsible with your tenant/s to ensure that rented properties are also maintained.
If your property is unsightly or your buildings are dilapidated
If a complaint is received by Council that your property is unsightly or your buildings are dilapidated, a Community Laws Officer to inspect the property.
If the officer believes that it does constitute an unsightly property, contact will be made with you and a request to resolve the issue will be made.
If contact is not made, a Notice to Comply may be issued to you directing certain works 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.
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