Can I get an MRO against my neighbour for noise or harassment?

Possibly. If a neighbour's behaviour is genuinely intimidating, offensive, damaging your property, or likely to breach the peace — and is likely to continue — an MRO may be appropriate. Ordinary disagreements or one-off annoyances usually will not meet the test.

Is an MRO weaker than a VRO?

An MRO addresses less serious conduct and carries a lower breach penalty ($1,000 versus up to $10,000 and imprisonment). If the conduct involves violence or threats of violence, a VRO offers stronger protection and you should consider applying for that instead.

Can an MRO be made against a family member?

No. MROs cannot be made between people in a family relationship. Family situations are dealt with through FVROs.

Does breaching an MRO lead to jail?

Breaching an MRO is an offence punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. It does not carry the imprisonment penalty that applies to breaching an FVRO, VRO or Police Order.

Should I try mediation first?

For neighbour and nuisance disputes that are not dangerous, mediation through a community justice or dispute resolution service is often worth considering before or alongside an MRO application.

Misconduct Restraining Orders (MRO) in WA: Neighbour and Nuisance Disputes Explained

A Misconduct Restraining Order (MRO) is a court order under the Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA) that stops a non-family member from behaving in a way that is intimidating or offensive, damages your property, or breaches the peace — where the conduct does not amount to violence. MROs are most often used in neighbour disputes, workplace conflicts and ongoing nuisance situations.

Key facts at a glance

Governing law: Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA), sections 34–35
Who it protects against: a person you are not in a family relationship with
Use it for: intimidating or offensive conduct, property damage, or behaviour likely to breach the peace
Where to apply: any Magistrates Court of WA registry
Cost to apply: no court filing fee
Breaching an MRO: a fine of up to $1,000

What does an MRO cover?

A court can make an MRO where it is satisfied the respondent has behaved, and is likely to behave again, in a way that is intimidating or offensive to you, likely to lead to a breach of the peace, or causes or is likely to cause damage to your property. The conduct does not need to involve violence or a threat of violence.

How is an MRO different from a VRO and an FVRO?

Order	Relationship	Conduct it addresses	Breach penalty
FVRO	Family member	Family violence (incl. coercive control)	Up to $10,000 / 2 years
VRO	Non-family	Violence, threats, acts of abuse	Up to $10,000 / 2 years
MRO	Non-family	Intimidation, offence, property damage, breach of peace (non-violent)	Up to $1,000

What does the court weigh up?

When deciding an MRO, the court balances your need for protection against the respondent's freedom of movement and freedom of association. Because an MRO restricts what someone can do without any finding of violence, magistrates look closely at whether the order is justified and proportionate to the conduct complained of.

How do you apply for an MRO?

You lodge an MRO application in person at any Magistrates Court of WA registry. There is no filing fee. An interim order may be made, served on the respondent, and the respondent has 21 days to object. Strong MRO applications usually include specific evidence — dates, times, what was said or done, photographs of property damage, messages, and any independent witnesses.