Perth Vacant Property Registration - City Bylaw Guide

Housing and Building Standards Western Australia 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia councils manage vacant and potentially unsafe properties through building compliance, local laws and reporting pathways. This guide explains how the City of Perth handles vacant properties, the enforcing departments, what penalties or orders may apply, and practical steps owners and neighbours can take to register, report or resolve issues. It draws on official City of Perth guidance and relevant state building legislation so you can find forms, contacts and next steps quickly.

Overview

There is no single, statewide "vacant property registration" scheme mandated for all Western Australian councils; local practice is set by each council under relevant local laws and the Building Act 2011 (WA). The City of Perth handles vacant building complaints through its Building Compliance team and related local law officers; see the City of Perth compliance and reporting pages for contact details and reporting procedures.[1]

Report safety risks promptly to avoid escalation.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Perth and authorised officers have powers to inspect premises, issue notices and require remedial action where a building is unsafe, unsanitary or a public nuisance. Exact monetary penalties, continuing offence rules and time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited City of Perth page; state legislation provides the broader enforcement framework.[2]

  • Enforcer: City of Perth Building Compliance and Local Law Officers (official contact via the City of Perth site).[1]
  • Inspection powers: authorised officers may inspect and record building condition; procedures are set out by the City and under state building law.[1]
  • Fines and penalties: not specified on the cited City of Perth page; consult the Building Act 2011 (WA) and local laws for statutory maxima and infringement notices.[2]
  • Escalation: councils commonly issue improvement notices, followed by fines or court action for non-compliance; specific escalation stages and amounts are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Complaints: submit via the City of Perth online reporting forms or contact Building Compliance directly for urgent safety risks.[1]
If a building poses immediate danger, contact emergency services and the council without delay.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth publishes reporting and building compliance webpages for unsafe or vacant properties. There is no clearly labelled "vacant property registration" form published on the cited City page; if a registration or specific permit is required the City will publish the form or application details on its site or provide them on request.[1]

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Failure to secure vacant premises leading to vandalism or public hazard - remedial notice, secure works order and possible fines (amounts not specified on the cited page).[1]
  • Unsafe structural conditions discovered during inspection - rectification order under building law; further action if not complied with.[2]
  • Lack of maintenance creating public health issues - improvement notices and possible prosecution where warranted.
Keep records of notices, communications and remedial works for appeals and evidence.

Action Steps for Owners and Neighbours

  • Owners: contact the City of Perth Building Compliance to report vacancy, request guidance and provide contact details for ongoing management.[1]
  • Respond promptly to any improvement or remedial notices to avoid escalation to fines or court action; deadlines will appear on the notice (if issued).
  • Neighbours and tenants: report safety or nuisance concerns online to the City of Perth and include photos and dates when possible.[1]
  • If you receive a notice and disagree, seek review instructions on the notice and consider applying for any statutory review or lodgement of an appeal within the timeframe stated (time limits not specified on the cited pages).

FAQ

Does the City of Perth maintain a public vacant property register?
No specific public vacant property register is published on the City of Perth compliance pages cited; contact Building Compliance for current arrangements.[1]
What penalties apply for failing to secure a vacant building?
Monetary fines and enforcement orders may apply, but exact fine amounts and continuing-offence rules are not specified on the cited City of Perth page; consult the Building Act 2011 (WA) and local laws for statutory details.[2]
How do I report an unsafe vacant property?
Report via the City of Perth online reporting form or contact the Building Compliance team listed on the City website; provide photos, address and contact details.[1]

How-To

  1. Collect evidence: photos, dates and any correspondence about the vacant property.
  2. Check the City of Perth building compliance pages for reporting instructions and any published forms.[1]
  3. Submit a report or complaint through the City of Perth online system or by phone to Building Compliance.
  4. Respond to any notices if you are the owner; comply or seek review according to instructions on the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Perth handles vacant property issues through building compliance rather than a single statewide register.
  • Contact the City of Perth Building Compliance for reporting, guidance and forms.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Report a problem (building, safety, nuisance)
  2. [2] Building Act 2011 (Western Australia)

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