Consumer Protection

31 July 2018

How to handle refurbishments

At Consumer Protection, we receive multiple calls and complaints about retirement village residence refurbishment costs, often relating to the timeframes involved or the costs being unreasonable. Excessive refurbishment fees are in the top three categories that we receive complaints about. These complaints frequently relate to villages renovating residences to a higher standard than is required by the legislation, and charging the resident for these works, without gaining their agreement first.

Residential parks bulletins provide topical information and reminders to park tenants and managers.

Change of auditor request - Settlement agent

Lodging the application

This application may be lodged via:

Email 

audits@lgirs.wa.gov.au

Fax

(08) 6251 2801

Post: 

Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety
Consumer Protection
Locked Bag 14
CLOISTERS SQUARE PERTH WA 6850

19 July 

Homelessness Week event for landlords

You are invited to hear a variety of speakers talking about action that landlords can take to prevent and respond to homelessness on 9 August 2018. Consumer Protection’s Trish Blake will speak at the event about the upcoming family and domestic violence legislative changes to the Residential Tenancies and Residential Parks Acts.

Read the full media statement from Consumer Protection "Landlords’ event to unpack tenancy law changes".

16 July 2018

Considering buying a rent-roll?

Buying a rent-roll can be an attractive way to grow your business. However, it can be a complex undertaking and a source of headaches down the road if not done carefully.

Let us help you navigate some of the common pitfalls. Please note that it’s always also a good idea to consider obtaining independent legal and financial advice before making the decision to acquire a rent-roll, even if you already have one.

Who needs to complete a reference

Business references must be provided when applying for a new real estate and business agent licence (for sole traders, directors and partners). Business references must also be provided when a new director is added to an existing company licence.

10 July 2018

Bond money must be lodged with the Bond Administrator no later than 14 days after you have received the money from the tenant. This includes any bond assistance loan money that may have been paid to you from the Department of Communities (Housing division).

A real estate agent had his licence and triennial certificate suspended and the agency received a substantial fine over the misuse of a trust account.

Read more about the agent, the suspension and the fine imposed on the departmental announcement "Six month ban and fine for real estate agent over misuse of trust account (James Ademola Oladejo / Jim's Realty Pty Ltd)".