Consumer Protection

The Department has received another report of a scam attempt.  Fortunately, the scam was thwarted by the property buyer’s attention to detail. 

The scammer attempted to divert settlement funds from the buyer into their own bank account, by creating an email address similar to that used by the settlement agent. 

The attempt failed because the buyer noticed the discrepancy and contacted the settlement agent using previously verified contact details.  

The Department has received another report of a scam attempt.  Fortunately, the scam was thwarted by the property buyer’s attention to detail. 

The scammer attempted to divert settlement funds from the buyer into their own bank account, by creating an email address similar to that used by the settlement agent. 

The attempt failed because the buyer noticed the discrepancy and contacted the settlement agent using previously verified contact details.  

5 April 2017

This bulletin replaces issue 136 Changes to the Sale of Land Act – what you need to know.

On 3 April 2017, the Sale of Land Amendment Act 2016 (the Act) came into effect in Western Australia.  The legislation introduces greater protections for consumers when signing sales contracts for land that is not yet owned by the developer. 

5 April 2017

This bulletin replaces issue 66 Changes to the Sale of Land Act – what you need to know.

On 3 April 2017, the Sale of Land Amendment Act 2016 (the Act) came into effect in Western Australia.  The legislation introduces greater protections for consumers when signing sales contracts for land that is not yet owned by the developer. 

6 April 2017

South-East Asian crime gangs based in the eastern states are renting homes from Perth landlords and turning them into indoor cannabis farms, causing extensive damage.

Consumer Protection is urging private landlords to be aware of this recent criminal activity costing property owners' tens of thousands of dollars in repair bills.  (Scroll down to view the photos of the damage).

31 March 2017

A Victoria Park property manager who misled her client regarding a licensing arrangement, has been reprimanded and fined $3,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal, and had her registration as a real estate sales representative suspended for six months.

Samantha Peploe was working for a licensed real estate agency as a property manager and responsible for managing two properties in Teddington Road, Burswood. In July 2014, she informed the owner of the properties that she was leaving the agency and pursuing her own business Freedom Occupancy.

Landlords bulletins provide topical information and reminders for property managers, agents and landlords.

23 March 2017