18 March 2019
We're pleased to say an amendment to Western Australia's tenancy laws in relation to family and domestic violence was passed last month (February).
18 March 2019
New legislation came in November 2018 that agents will need to be aware of as it affects the responsibilities of sellers on whose behalf you may be acting.
All electrical installations in new builds after 1 January 2019 have to comply with new wiring rules. In all residential premises final sub-circuits, including those protecting hard-wired appliances (such as stoves, air-conditioners, etc.), are to be Residual Current Device (RCD) protected.
18 March 2019
We're pleased to say an amendment to Western Australia's tenancy laws in relation to family and domestic violence was passed last month (February).
The Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment (Family Violence) Act 2019 is now due to commence next month (April).
18 March 2019
Family violence related changes to Western Australia’s tenancy laws will be implemented soon. Your Compulsory Professional Development training contained important information about these changes.
The amendments have been years in the making and have involved consultation with many organisations including REIWA.
18 March 2019
Renters affected by family and domestic violence (FDV) will soon have new options. We're pleased to say an amendment to Western Australia's tenancy laws in relation to family and domestic violence was passed last month (February).
The Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment (Family Violence) Act 2019 is now due to commence next month (April).
5 March 2019
All agents who hold a current triennial certificate and have held or received monies in trust during the 2018 calendar year must lodge an audit report with the Commissioner for Consumer Protection by 31 March 2019.
Agents who have not held or received monies in trust during 2018 should submit a Declaration of no receipt of trust funds in lieu of an audit report.
Section 87 of the Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978 provides that if a trading body corporate or firm complies with the requirements of Part VI of the Act, then the directors/ partners and/or person in bona fide control of the trading entity have also complied with Part VI of the Act, and are therefore not required to submit a separate annual audit report or statutory declaration. This only applies if you have been a director/ partner and/or person in bona fide control of the trading entity for the full audit period 1 January to 31 December.
7 February 2019
A security bond is a payment made in advance by a tenant to cover any damages or outstanding bills that may arise during a tenancy. As such, bond monies are required to be held in trust until the tenancy ends and agreement is reached between the parties as to how it will be paid out. Where parties can’t agree, a court order is required.
In Western Australia, all bond monies are required to be held in trust by the Bond Administrator at Consumer Protection.
6 February 2019
Compulsory Professional Development (CPD) is a legal requirement for all licensed settlement agents.
In 2018, nearly 10 per cent of agents failed to complete their CPD in time with many leaving it too late in the year to enrol in available courses. Failure to complete your CPD requirements in 2019 could result in your triennial certificate not being renewed, as you may not satisfy the requirement that you are a fit and proper person to hold a licence.
7 February 2019
As with any tenant bonds, all payments received via the Department of Communities Bond Assistance Loan Scheme must be lodged with the Bond Administrator at Consumer Protection within 14 days after receipt of the bond.
