No place for family violence: Real estate industry bulletin issue 182

September 2018

No place for family violence

Did you know WA has the worst rates of family and domestic violence (FDV) in Australia?

Sadly, family violence is a growing problem in our community and the abuse, whether physical or psychological, often occurs in rental homes. That’s why changes to Western Australia’s tenancy laws have been proposed – the Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment (Family Violence) Bill was introduced into Parliament on 15 May 2018. The legislation passed the Lower House in June and is set to take effect in December.

Real estate agency fined after $220,000 taken from clients: Real estate industry bulletin issue 181

Clients of a Perth real estate agency which has now closed had more than $220,000 of their money taken from the agent's trust account resulting in the company being fined by the Perth Magistrates Court and ordered to pay costs. 

Read the departmental announcement to learn more about the agent and the fine imposed.

WA tenancy law changes presentation

Landlords’ event to unpack WA tenancy law changes 

Presentation to Perth landlords who attended a Shelter WA Homelessness Week Event, to learn about ways to help tenants experiencing family and domestic violence (FDV) and other serious problems. The ‘Landlords Making A Difference’ session gave owners of rental homes the opportunity to hear from government, industry and the not-for-profit sector.

Financial reporting requirements

A licence holder must keep accurate records of its charitable collections activities. These collection records must include:

  • Accounts setting out the money and goods collected or received by the collector for a charitable purpose; and
  • Statements setting out the way the money and goods collected or received by the collector have been dealt with.

A financial report must be prepared each year that includes an income and expense (or profit and loss) statement and a balance sheet. 

No place for family violence - stakeholder event

Consumer Protection WA, in conjunction with the Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre, is hosting a networking session and delivering a presentation outlining upcoming FDV related tenancy law changes – the Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment (Family Violence) Bill 2018.

Legal Aid WA will also present details of its exciting new communication resource called Blurred Borders, which includes a Family Violence Kit for community lawyers.

You’re also welcome to attend if you’re a landlord, property manager or even someone who is renting a home.

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