Report a building issue
Council investigates reports of illegal building work and buildings that may pose a risk to the safety of occupants or the public. If you believe building work may be illegal or a building may present a safety risk, you can submit a building investigation request.
Reporting urgent issues: If the issue requires an immediate response, for example, if there is a building at risk of collapse or an immediate danger to life, please contact us by phone. For all other issues please submit an online request.
Business hours: 03 8470 8899
After hours: 03 8470 8889
Before you submit a request to investigate
Council can investigate certain types of building issues. There are some concerns that are the responsibility of other parties or individuals. Learn what we can and can't investigate below.
| Council can investigate |
Council can’t investigate |
| Building work carried out without the required building permit |
Defective building work where a relevant building surveyor is supervising work under a building permit: Private Relevant Building Surveyor. See Is there a building permit? |
| Buildings altered or converted without approval e.g. a garage converted into a bedroom |
Fencing disputes or property boundary issues: Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria |
| Buildings being used for a purpose that may not be approved e.g. an unapproved rooming house |
Neighbourhood disputes involving noise, privacy, trees etc: Victoria Legal Aid, Victoria Police |
| Dangerous buildings or structures |
Residential tenancy or commercial leasing disputes: Consumer Affairs Victoria, Business Victoria |
| Buildings damaged by fire, vehicle impact, fallen trees or similar events |
Domestic building contracts or building insurance disputes: Building and Plumbing Commission |
| Swimming pools or spas with missing or non-compliant safety barriers |
General building site management issues such as cleanliness, dust, truck movements or parking. See Neighbouring construction |
| Demolition carried out without the required permit |
Unsafe work practices: WorkSafe Victoria |
| Essential safety measures that are not adequately maintained (for example, fire protection systems, exits, emergency lighting or smoke detection systems) |
Asbestos removal or management: WorkSafe Victoria |
Is there a building permit?
If a building permit has already been issued, the Relevant Building Surveyor who issued the permit is the primary authority responsible for ensuring the building work complies with the Building Act and Building Regulations.
If your concern relates to work carried out under a building permit, you should contact the Relevant Building Surveyor listed on the permit.
Before submitting a request with council you can check whether a building permit has been issued for the property on the Find a building permit application page or call 03 8470 8899.
How to report a building safety issue
If you believe building work has been undertaken without the required approvals, or a building presents a safety risk, you can submit a building investigation request.
To submit a request, you'll need to provide:
- the address of the property
- a description of the issue
- photographs or supporting evidence
- your contact details.
Submit a building investigation request
Note: We need your contact details to verify the legitimacy of your report or to contact you if further information is required. Your personal information will be managed in accordance with Council’s privacy and data protection obligations. Read our Privacy statement for more information.