Please note: dividing allotment boundary fencing may require a building permit if it exceeds 2m in height.
Under the Fences Act 1968, the property owner and the neighbour are equally responsible for any dividing fences. The Act outlines:
- Who’ll pay for it
- What type to build
- What notices to send each other
- How to resolve disputes
Please note, the above may not apply where properties are:
- Adjacent to Crown land
- Adjacent to “Roads”, including road reserves, footpaths, laneways, walkways and right of ways.
- Adjacent to other authorities land such as Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), Goulburn Murray Water, VicTrack etc
Contact your neighbour
To obtain the adjoining property owner’s address details, please complete the following:
Disputes over fencing
Victorian local councils cannot help with fencing disputes between neighbours.
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria offers a free, confidential service provided by the Department of Justice. You do not have to be in a dispute to use their services. They can provide information and advice prior to approaching your neighbour regarding a fencing issue. However, if you are in a dispute, they also provide a range of free resolution services.
Dispute Settlement Centre Victoria