Dispute Resolution
Despite the best intentions, there are times when disputes or complaints may arise over buildings, fences, standards of workmanship and contracts for construction. This page provides information on who may be best placed to help with your issue.
Please click on a topic for more information.
Planning and Building Issues
In Western Australia, your local government has the responsibility for approving buildings and other structures in your area. You should contact them if you have any issue which relates to:
Planning:
- Building setbacks from boundary
- Building heights
- Privacy and overlooking
- Overshadowing
- Fencing Standards
Building:
- Building construction
- Unsafe buildings
- Retaining walls
- Swimming pools and spas
Contact details for the local governments of Western Australia, can be found by viewing to the Local Government List on the Department of Local Government website.
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Building Workmanship or Contractual Disputes
The Building Disputes Tribunal can help with disputes that relate to:
- Workmanship Complaints which arise from claims that building work has not been carried out to an acceptable standard.
- Contractual Complaints which result from the builder or owner breaking the terms of the building contract, or not complying with the Home Building Contracts Act 1991.
For more information or to lodge a complaint, please visit the Building Disputes Tribunal website or by phone (08) 9476 1222.
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Dividing Fences
A dividing fence is a fence that separates the land of different owners whether the fence is on the common boundary of adjoining lands or in a line other than the common boundary. A dividing fence does not include a retaining wall.
The Dividing Fences Act 1961 deals mainly with the process of sharing the costs of building and maintaining your dividing fence.
More information can be found by visiting our page on Dividing Fences.
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Payment Disputes
Every day, individuals and organisations enter into contracts for building and construction work. Sometimes disputes arise over payment.
The Construction Contracts Act 2004 provides a rapid adjudication process for builders and building contractors involved in a payment dispute with building owners or other builders and contractors.
More information on payment disputes can be found by visiting our page on Contract Payment Disputes.
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