Unhealthy Premises

When the condition of a neighbour’s property becomes a nuisance, such as accumulated waste, hoarding and squalor, uncollected dog faeces, smelly bins, or green swimming pools, it can affect the comfort and wellbeing of those nearby.

The City of Coffs Harbour encourages a voluntary and cooperative approach to resolving these issues. Start by having a respectful conversation with your neighbour to outline your concerns. In many cases, people are unaware their property is causing a problem.

If the property is managed by a housing authority (such as Mission Australia), contact them directly for assistance.

Residential Properties

Step 1.Talk to your Neighbour

Start with a calm, respectful conversation to explain your concerns. Many people are unaware their property is causing a problem, and a friendly approach often resolves the issue.

Step 2.Access Free Legal Guidance

If the issue persists and personal communication has been unsuccessful, you can seek guidance from:

Legal Aid NSW – www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au

LawAccess NSW – Offers free legal information and dispute resolution advice.

Step 3.Lodge a Complaint with The City

If all other options have been exhausted and the issue continues, you may lodge a complaint with The City of Coffs Harbour:

By phone: 02 6648 4000
By email: coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au
In person: Customer Service Centre
Yarrila Place, Level 1, 27 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 3.30pm

What action can we take?

Complaints between neighbouring properties are generally considered a private matter not requiring the City's involvement.

We may provide information to the resident and advise the neighbour that a complaint has been received but will generally not take compliance action.

We will assess whether the complaint:

poses a public health risk or impacts the broader public.
is having a significant detrimental effect on the environment.
cannot be resolved privately, such as with private legal action.

If a complaint meets the above criteria and is substantiated with evidence, we may undertake further investigation of the matter.

For further information on our adopted response to complaints about the condition of premises please refer to our Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

Non-Residential Properties

If you have concerns about bedbugs, mould, green swimming pools, unsightly yards, or unclean rooms in a holiday house or private rental, we recommend contacting:

The Managing Agent – Speak directly with the property manager or landlord first.
NSW Health – For health-related risks such as mould or pest infestations. Environmental health risks and regulation
Fair Trading NSW – For tenancy and consumer rights issues. Residential tenancy complaints | NSW Government

For short-term rental accommodation issues, visit:
Short term rental accommodation | City of Coffs Harbour

Important

The City is not the regulatory authority for private rental or holiday accommodation services.
We do not investigate cleanliness complaints for these properties.

If the matter is service-related, customers should contact the managing agent or NSW Fair Trading to lodge a complaint.

The City may only investigate if conditions pose a public health or environmental risk or significantly impact the broader community. In such cases, action will proceed in accordance with our Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

Mosquito breeding and stagnant water

Mosquitoes can breed in stagnant water, including unmaintained swimming pools, containers, and other water‑holding areas around the home. Where mosquito breeding occurs, it may pose a public health risk.

What we recommend first

The City of Coffs Harbour encourages residents to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding by:

removing or reducing standing water
maintaining swimming pools and water features
speaking respectfully with neighbours where safe and appropriate, as people may be unaware that there is a problem

Practical mosquito prevention advice is available from NSW Health: Mosquitoes are a health hazard fact sheet

City of Coffs: Pest animals | City of Coffs Harbour

When will The City investigate?

The City does not regulate the colour or general appearance of private swimming pools.

The City may investigate only where there are credible indicators of mosquito breeding posing a public health risk, such as:

persistent or excessive mosquito activity affecting neighbouring properties, and/or
standing or stagnant water present for an extended period, and/or
reports of mosquito impacts on health or well-being

Green, dirty or unmaintained pools, and isolated or one‑off mosquito activity without an ongoing public health impact, are treated as an information‑only matter in accordance with the City’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy: Compliance and Enforcement Policy

Lodging a mosquito breeding concern

If you believe mosquito breeding may be occurring and poses a public health risk, you may lodge a concern with the City for assessment.

Providing clear details about what has been observed (such as ongoing mosquito activity, stagnant water conditions, or duration of the issue) will assist the City in determining whether the matter meets the criteria for investigation. Supporting information, such as photographs, may be provided where lawfully obtained and available.

Residents should not enter private property or place themselves at risk to gather evidence.

Hoarding & Squalor

Hoarding refers to the persistent accumulation of items or animals, creating extreme clutter, while squalor describes an unsanitary living environment caused by prolonged neglect. These situations can pose health, safety, and environmental risks and are often linked to mental health challenges, trauma, or lifestyle factors.

The City encourages a voluntary and supportive approach before enforcement. Follow these steps:

Step 1.Talk to your Neighbour

Start with a calm, respectful conversation to explain your concerns. Many people are unaware their property is causing a problem, and a friendly approach often resolves the issue.

Step 2.Access Free Legal Guidance

If the issue persists and personal communication has been unsuccessful, you can seek advice from:

Legal Aid NSW – www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au

LawAccess NSW – Offers free legal information and dispute resolution advice

Safety and Reporting Options

If the issue remains unresolved after speaking with your neighbour and seeking legal guidance, there are several ways to address health and safety concerns while supporting a respectful resolution.

Fire Safety Risks

Request a free smoke alarm and home safety visit from Fire and Rescue NSW
Contact Coffs Harbour Fire Station: (02) 6690 6157
Lodge a fire risk concern with Fire and Rescue NSW

Step 3.Reporting to The City

If conditions pose a health, safety, or environmental risk, you can lodge a complaint with The City:

Phone: (02) 6648 4000
Email: coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au
In person: Yarrila Place, 27 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Please include:

A clear description of the condition and steps you’ve already taken
Photos or supporting evidence (while respecting privacy)

How We Respond
The City will review your request and consider action in the following circumstances:

Poses a public health risk or impacts the broader community
Has a significant detrimental effect on the environment
Cannot be resolved privately (e.g., through mediation or legal action)

Regulatory interventions are complex and often temporary. For long-term solutions, support agencies are best equipped to assist people experiencing hoarding or squalor due to underlying health challenges.

Need Help Disposing of Large Items?

If your situation involves bulky household items that need to be removed, The City can assist with convenient disposal options for eligible properties, including:

Free tipping vouchers
User-pays kerbside collections

Learn more or book a service: Coffs Coast Waste Services

Local Support Services

Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre – (02) 6648 3694
Reconnect Centre – (02) 6655 5151
Carexcell – 1300 707 761
Warrina Women & Children Refuge – (02) 6652 4000
Catholic Healthcare– 1300 931 638
Useful Resources | Hoarding & Squallor | Catholic Healthcare
Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre – 1800 595 212
Coffs Harbour Health Campus – Mental Health Unit – (02) 6656 7900

Emergency or Urgent Assistance