Consumer Protection

• Land valuer fined $4,000 for failing to meet accepted industry standards
• Inaccurate valuations have implications for buyers, sellers and tax purposes
• Maintaining standards is vital in upholding community confidence in the industry

An Applecross land valuer has been reprimanded and fined $4,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal for failing to maintain basic industry standards when preparing estimates for four WA properties.

Moving house is widely considered to be one of life’s most stressful events, so we always urge consumers to choose their removalist carefully to avoid any extra drama on the day.

Consumer Protection has recently received a growing number of complaints about the conduct of removalists advertising on social media. Initially the trader quotes an hourly rate and requests a small deposit, however upon arrival they demand a large lump sum be paid up front with a promise to return any unused money once the job is complete.

• Puppies not delivered on agreed dates and deposits not returned
• Seven WA consumers still waiting for their money back after cancelling orders
• Consumers urged to buy existing puppies and not rely on breeding programs

A consumer alert has been issued relating to the failure of a dog breeder to deliver within an agreed time and provide refunds requested by numerous customers.

As rents continue rising across Western Australia, many tenants are finding that in addition to paying more money to live in their home each week, there is an extra expense they need to consider.

After rent is increased at a property, a landlord or property manager is entitled to ask the tenant to pay extra money towards their security bond.

• Rockingham real estate agency and licensee fined a total of $23,000
• Inaccuracies in trust account records and tenancy bonds lodged too late
• Warning to agents to ensure trust account accuracy and timely bond lodgements

A Rockingham real estate agency and its licensee have been fined a total of $23,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) for failing to lodge tenancy bonds with the Bond Administrator on time as well as several trust account violations.

Finding the right mechanic to fix or service your car can be a daunting prospect, as some consumers may worry about being overcharged or even quoted for work that’s not needed.

There’s also the risk that if the vehicle repairer doesn’t do the job properly, they could be putting yourself, your passengers and other road-users at risk.

That’s why it’s important to do your homework before choosing a repairer, including asking for recommendations or searching for online reviews.

• Investigation into tickets allegedly sold for more than the allowed 110 per cent.
• Viagogo urged to do more to prevent illegal ticket sales on their website.
• Evidence that some tickets on Viagogo are at least double the original price.

Consumer Protection is investigating ticket re-selling website Viagogo for possible breaches of WA’s anti-scalping laws and is alerting WA ticket buyers.

• Vast majority of dealers/repairers inspected found to be complying with the law
• Inspections carried out in Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River areas
• Three vehicles issued with defect notices and one unlicensed repairer found

A sweep of parts of WA’s South West by Consumer Protection automotive officers has recently given the vast majority of motor vehicle dealers and repairers in the area a tick of approval.

• High complaint numbers prompt reminder to research solar installers
• Issues involve poor quality parts, installers not using due care and skill
• Some complaints about companies that have gone out of business

WA consumers looking to install home solar energy systems are urged to select their installers carefully, following a high number of complaints reported to Consumer Protection.

• Unlicensed motor vehicle repairer to pay $3,000 fine and $418 in costs
• Repairer ignored four warnings to re-apply after his licence expired
• Licensing laws important to maintain high industry standards in WA

A Bayswater motor vehicle restorer and repairer who ignored several warnings about operating without a licence has been fined $3,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court.