Property owners with out-of-control gardens or hoarding habits could find their properties tidied up, with a bill for the work landing in their mailbox.
Come June 30, four new Brisbane City Council officers will be employed to crack down on unsightly properties across the city.
The new program will cost $500,000 a year and was announced as part of the 2017-18 budget.
Council community services chairman Matthew Bourke said the new program was in response to a growing number of investor-owners who were neglecting their responsibility as property owners.
"These council officers will be responsible for managing properties that are found to be breaching council's local laws for health, safety and amenity concerns, such as hoarding and unkempt properties with out-of-control vegetation," he said.
"Too many investors think that because they don't live in their property, they have no responsibility to maintain it, but this is not the case.
"Each property owner is responsible for ensuring their home and property is well maintained and not adversely impacting the amenity of neighbours.
"We're proud of our suburbs and want all residents to care for their properties."
It would not just be investment properties targeted. Any unsightly Brisbane residence could come to the attention of the officers.
At present, the council is monitoring 236 untidy properties.
If officers became aware of a problem property, they would identify the owners and encourage them to clean their properties voluntarily.
If this failed, the council would take action with enforcement notices and fines.
The new program would give the officers power to engage contractors to do the clean up and charge residents on their next rates notice for the council-ordered work.
Real Estate Industry of Queensland chief executive Antonia Mercorella said neglected properties were not only unappealing to look at but also reduced the kerb appeal for neighbouring properties and impact on house prices.
"Broadly speaking, the REIQ welcomes measures that will help property owners protect the value of their investment," Mr Mercorella said.
"Poorly maintained properties can attract pests such as rats and snakes, and this becomes a health and safety issue."
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