28 April 2017
A new Australian Standard applies from 1 May 2017 to new installations of smoke alarms in residential dwellings. Importantly, this includes new smoke alarms installed in dwellings subject to transfer of ownership, lease or hire and replacement alarms in dwellings leased or hired. This does not trigger a requirement to replace existing compliant alarms.
24 April 2017
Since 1 December 2016, Consumer Protection has taken a tougher stance where residential tenancy bonds have not been lodged within the required time. A delay in lodging bond money puts the funds at risk.
The law states that security bonds must be lodged with the Bond Administrator within 14 days of being received from the tenant/s.
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.
There are laws in place to protect your rights when buying tickets in WA.
January 2023 - Current
Patricia Blake (known as Trish) became Commissioner for Consumer Protection and Executive Director for Consumer Protection in January 2023.
