Unregistered and unlicensed work

Unregistered or unlicensed building and plumbing work puts consumers at risk and undermines confidence in Victoria’s construction sector.

Registration and licensing help ensure practitioners meet required standards of competence and accountability.

When work is carried out outside this regulatory framework, owners and occupiers may be exposed to poor‑quality or non‑compliant work.

The role of the BPC

We monitor for unregistered and unlicensed work across Victoria and respond when risks are identified. Our evidence‑based approach combines monitoring, targeted inspections, community reporting and enforcement action.

How we identify unregistered work

We identify unregistered and unlicensed activity through:

• reports from the community, consumers and industry
• complaints about building or plumbing work
• targeted compliance and inspection activities in higher-risk areas
• engagement with online marketplace platforms to disrupt illegitimate advertising and work.

How suspected unregistered work is reported

Anyone can report suspected unregistered or unlicensed building or plumbing work using the BPC’s online tip‑off tool.

Reports can be made anonymously.

When enough information is provided, we assess the report and may take follow‑up action through our compliance and enforcement functions.

Investigating unregistered building and plumbing work

The BPC investigates reports and complaints about unregistered or unlicensed work.

Where evidence shows regulated work has been carried out without the proper registration or licence, we may take enforcement action, including criminal prosecution.

When we prosecute

Prosecutions are used to:

• hold offenders to account
• deter reoffending
• discourage others from operating outside the law

Unlike disciplinary action, which applies only to registered practitioners, prosecutions can be brought against any person or company.

We place a strong focus on unregistered practitioners because this behaviour undermines the regulatory framework and puts consumers at risk.

Supporting a safe and fair industry

The BPC regularly reminds consumers and industry about the importance of engaging registered and licensed practitioners, and the risks associated with unregistered work.

By enforcing registration requirements and promoting informed consumer choices, the BPC helps protect Victorians and supports a fair, safe and compliant building and plumbing industry.