Category: Your Rights as a Homeowner

A building and pest inspection in Melbourne typically costs $400–$700 combined (or $250–$350 each if done separately).

Painting a standard bedroom yourself in Melbourne costs $100–$250 in materials versus $400–$900 for a professional painter — a worthwhile saving if you follow a proper prep process.

Victorian setback rules determine how close you can build to your property boundary. Here’s what ResCode requires, which structures are exempt, and what happens if you get it wrong.

Pool fencing is mandatory in Victoria for any pool holding 300mm or more of water. Here’s what compliance looks like, what it costs, and what happens if you get it wrong.

Millions of Australian homes contain asbestos. Here’s where it’s found, what you can legally remove yourself (up to 10m2 in Victoria), and when you must call a licensed removalist.

Your neighbour cannot legally direct stormwater onto your property. Here’s what Victorian law says, how to prove it’s artificial drainage, and how to get it fixed.

Who is responsible for a retaining wall in Victoria? The owner of the higher land is generally liable. Here’s what the law says, what repairs cost, and how to resolve disputes.

In Victoria, landlords are legally required to keep rental properties in good repair, including fixing leaking taps promptly. Tenants must report the fault in writing — and must not attempt repairs themselves without the landlord’s permission.

Learn repair responsibilities under Victoria’s Residential Tenancies Act 2018. Landlords pay for structural and electrical. Tenants pay for damage they cause.

Find out which home projects need council building or planning permits in Victoria. Detailed breakdown for sheds, carports, decks, fences, and more.

All Victorian pools and spas capable of holding 300mm of water must have a compliant safety barrier under AS 1926.1. Since 2019, pools must be registered with council, and since 2020, inspected every four years by a registered building surveyor. Non-compliance penalties reach $21,000. This guide covers barrier specifications, inspection requirements, and common compliance issues for Melbourne homeowners.

Under Victorian law, landlords must carry out urgent repairs within 24 hours and non-urgent repairs within 14 days. Tenants can arrange urgent repairs themselves up to $2,500 and claim reimbursement. This guide covers who pays for what, minimum rental standards, and how to resolve disputes via Consumer Affairs Victoria and VCAT.