Unhealthy or Unsafe Premises
If a property is not maintained, it can become so overgrown with vegetation that it can attract or provide harbourage for vermin, such as rats and mice.
Land may be considered messy or may contain weeds which can spread but such circumstances are not necessarily unhealthy or unsafe.
An overgrown property is land in which an Authorised Officer of The Hills Shire Council has determined to be unhealthy or unsafe as it provides harbourage for vermin or has the potential to provide harbourage for vermin due to the length and/or thickness of the grass/weeds. This does not apply to trees, bushes or hedges.
If an overgrown property is causing an issue, it is recommended that you discuss your concerns with your neighbour directly. In most cases, a positive outcome can be negotiated and neighbourly relations can be maintained.
If you are unable to come to an agreement with your neighbour, have concerns about approaching your neighbour, or the land is vacant you may lodge a complaint with The Hills Shire Council. You will be requested to provide your name, contact details, residential address and detail how the conditions of this property are affecting you/your family.
Council has authority to require work to be done where there are conditions that are unhealthy or unsafe under the Local Government Act, 1993.
For any legal action to be taken Council must be able to demonstrate or prove to a court how or why the conditions of the property are a threat to public health or safety and how any remedial work specified in an Order is warranted. This process, under the appropriate legislation, may take 8 – 12 weeks, following the receipt of the complaint.
Unhealthy or unsafe premises can be reported to Council via this online form.
Additional Information
Fire Risk
If your concerns are in regards to a potential fire risk and the subject property is located outside of the Sydney Fire District (Fire and Rescue NSW area) please lodge a request with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) for their investigation and action.