11 September 2020

Tyre dumping scam warning  

Perth landlords have been left with disposal bills of up to $100,000 from illegally dumped tyres, prompting a reminder about carrying out regular property inspections and due diligence when choosing tenants.

Consumer Protection is sharing the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s alert about the scam, which initially targets tyre retailers and vehicle wrecking yards with offers of cheap disposal of worn-out tyres. The offender then dumps the tyres at properties they have leased, including backyards of rented homes, and later abandons the property.

The property owner is left with the problem – and cost – of disposing of the used tyres, which are considered an environmental pollution risk and are subject to controlled waste regulations. One location in Wungong was used to store hundreds of tyres, which will cost the property owner about $100,000 for disposal.

Rental income may also be lost at affected properties during clearance of the tyres. Rules for abandoned goods do not apply if the products are considered unwanted waste.

To help prevent similar illegal and potentially hazardous activities, landlords and agents are encouraged to carry out regular property inspections. Up to four inspections a year are allowed for residential tenancies, with at least a week’s notice to the tenant. Conducting an inspection soon after a new tenant moves in may help to address any issues early on.

When considering applications from prospective tenants, thorough checks should be carried out, including recent rental references from an authentic former landlord or agent. It is good practice to sight original identification documents, rather than copies, when possible.

Illegal dumping can be reported to DWER's Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782 or to pollutionwatch@dwer.wa.gov.au.

Consumer Protection is also issuing a bulletin about the tyre scam to motor vehicle retailers and repairers.