Unreasonable flow of water between properties

If there is an unreasonable flow of water onto your property or someone interferes with the reasonable flow of water onto your property, and this causes you to suffer loss or damage, you can make an application to us claiming compensation or seeking an order requiring the other person to do something to stop the unreasonable flow of water or interference.

These cases are heard and decided by the Building and Property List.

Find out if you're in the right place

What we can help with

  • loss or damage because of an unreasonable flow of water onto your property from another property (eg. water run off, flooding or ingress)
  • loss or damage because someone has interfered with the reasonable flow of water onto your property
  • loss and damage because of water flowing onto your property from the works of a water authority, such as a public sewer or stormwater drainage system.

What we can't help with

VCAT also hears and determines disputes relating to the management and use of water or relating to fees charged or the services provided by water authorities. See applications about natural resources or another type of environment and resources application.

Time limits

Generally you must apply within 6 years of the date of the unreasonable flow of water.

Make an application

We can explain the application process and what the form is asking you for. Contact us to get support.

We cannot give you legal advice. This means we cannot tell you what to write in your application or recommend how to get the outcome you want.

Seek legal help if you are unsure about your options or need advice about your claim.

Download the application form

You may have to pay a fee with your application. Read more about fees at VCAT and how to apply for fee relief.

  • COVID-19 has impacted normal timeframes for hearings about unreasonable water flow between properties. The current timeframes to get to a hearing after we receive your application are:

    We understand the impact of these delays to you and are working hard to reduce the backlog. As soon as a case opens, we make directions to get it moving. This means you won’t have to wait for a directions hearing, but you can still apply for one if you think it’s necessary.

    We assess your application and contact you as soon as we can take the next steps in your case to:

    • give you a date to come to VCAT
    • ask for more information if we need it
    • let you know if we can't deal with your dispute.

    We also send a copy of your application to the other party.

    Settling your dispute before your hearing

    When we open a case, you can still try to resolve the dispute yourself with the other party, right up until the hearing.

    If you do settle, you must contact us to tell us you've come to an agreement and don't need a hearing.

Do I need a lawyer or professional representative?

You do not need to have legal or other legal or other professional representation to appear at VCAT. If you wish to be represented by a lawyer or a professional advocate, usually you must ask for VCAT's permission.In many cases all parties are represented by agreement.

In many cases in the Building and Property List all parties are represented by agreement. If you are represented by a legal or other professional representative, we will only communicate with them.

Find legal services that may be able to assist you.

Access and privacy

VCAT hearings and files are usually public.

VCAT has limited authority to restrict who can access cases and files but, in certain circumstances, you can apply for confidentiality.

Legislation that applies to this type of case

Other organisations that can help

We can help you understand how to apply. We cannot give you legal advice or tell you what to write in your application. These organisations may be able to help you.

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)

Information on land planning, property and land titles and land administration.

Building Information Line

Information and advice about building and renovating.

Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria

Resolves customer complaints and disputes about electricity, gas and water service providers.