Council clean-up process can be lengthy

DEALING WITH HOARDING HOUSEHOLDS IN VICTORIA

* A complaint must be lodged with council about the state of a property

* Councils have by-laws to deal with unsightly properties and can serve an order requiring clean-up

* Orders can be issued if there are concerns about fire risk and vermin impacting neighbours

* Councils can prosecute owners and bring in contractors to clean-up

* Orders cannot extend indoors

* A cost levy is issued against the home owner to cover the clean up