Unsightly properties and abandoned trolleys

Unsightly properties

An unsightly property is one that is unclean, dangerous or neglected.

An unsightly property might have:

  • lots of rubbish in the house or spilling out on the lawn
  • broken down machines or vehicles in the front yard
  • offensive graffiti
  • an overgrown or out of control lawn or garden

If a property is neglected, it reflects on the rest of the area. It may also attract vermin or create a fire risk. We want to keep Moreland safe and tidy for everyone. We all have a responsibility to care for our community.

For this reason, we have created a law which states that property owners and occupiers must take care of their property and must not let it become unsightly. To do this, you can:

  • look after your garden and lawn
  • store building and other materials in your backyard, a shed or garage, or in your home
  • take your rubbish and waste to the kerb on pick up days and do not let any extra rubbish or waste pile up anywhere.

In addition, all vacant land in Moreland must be fenced, kept tidy and maintained. Even if you rent out your property, you still have a responsibility to make sure renters have not let the property become unsightly. If you breach this local law, you may be given a fine, a Notice to Comply or a referral to the Magistrates’ Court.

Download Moreland City Council General Local Law 2018 (DOC 622Kb).

How to report unsightly property

You can report an unsightly property online or by contacting us.

After we receive your report, we will inspect the property. If we agree that the property is unsightly or dangerous, we can give the property owner/occupier a Notice to Comply in accordance with the Moreland City Council General Local Law 2018 (DOC 622Kb).

Report unsightly property

What are my fire prevention responsibilities?

Every year before and during the fire danger period we inspect the properties that might spread or cause a fire.

As a property owner it is your responsibility to make sure your property is free of long grass, undergrowth, out of control vegetation, weeds and other materials that might create a fire risk.

If we think your property is causing a fire risk, we will give you a Fire Prevention Notice. See our Fire Prevention Notice flyer (PDF 247Kb) for further information.

Abandoned shopping trolleys

Whenever you use a shopping trolley, you need to return it to the supermarket or shop you got it from. Shopping trolleys shouldn't be left on the street, footpath or nature strip. Abandoned trolleys can be unsafe, as they can get in the way on roads and footpaths or can end up in waterways.

Report an abandoned shopping trolley

If you see an abandoned shopping trolley somewhere in Moreland, you can report it in the following ways: