Category: Your Rights as a Homeowner

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.

Find out if you need council planning permits for sheds, carports, decks, fences and pergolas in Melbourne. Victoria’s exempt development rules explained.

Understand your stormwater and drainage rights in Victoria. Find out what to do when your neighbour’s water runs into your yard in Melbourne’s SE suburbs.

Find out who is legally responsible for retaining walls in Victoria — your property, your neighbour’s, or a shared obligation. Melbourne homeowner guide.

If a neighbour’s tree is damaging your property, your rights depend on whether they had notice of the risk. Learn how to document damage, use VCAT, claim through insurance, and deal with protected trees in Victoria.

In Australia, neighbours share fence costs equally under state fencing laws. Learn the Victoria Fences Act process, how to serve a Fencing Notice, when to use VCAT, and what happens if your neighbour refuses to pay.

You can legally cut overhanging branches to the fence line in all Australian states. Learn the rules for Victoria, NSW and QLD — including protected trees, who pays for damage, and when to call VCAT.