Consumer Protection

7 August 2015

The Department of Commerce (the Department) would like to advise agents of additional information contained within the Property Interest Report (PIR) issued by Landgate.

The PIR now provides information for 68 interests, restrictions or responsibilities that are not listed on the Certificate of Title but may affect an owner’s use or enjoyment of land. The number of listed interests will continue to increase over time.

How does the electronic submission system benefit agents?

Electronic transactions (eTransactions) allows you to lodge, make changes to and release bonds online. eTransactions are available as part of BondsOnline and are faster, easier, and more secure than the manual bond form process.

The agency controls the timing of funds being debited from their trust account. This makes it easier for you to comply with the Real Estate and Business Agents Act, regulations, and code of conduct.

What are eTransactions?

Electronic transactions (eTransactions) allow real estate agents and landlords to lodge, make changes to, and release tenancy bonds online without paper forms. eTransactions is available to agents and landlords who use the BondsOnline.

eTransactions replaces the need for paper forms.

Is my personal information secure?

Keeping your personal and financial information and bond money secure is our top priority. Only authorised departmental staff and your agent or landlord will be able to access your private information.

15 June 2015

As cooler and wetter weather approaches, property managers should consider reminding their lessors to undertake pre-emptive seasonal maintenance. Preventative measures can decrease the incidence of damage to premises as a result of weather conditions.

10 June 2015

The Department of Commerce (the Department) calls on agents to be vigilant in keeping a close eye on the operation of the agency’s trust account in light of two recent cases. The two unrelated cases resulted in fines caused by failing to keep full and accurate trust account records.

Input wanted during review of property industry rules - 27 May 2013

The Department of Commerce has released a discussion paper which reviews the property industry Codes of Conduct. The paper aims to stimulate discussion and invite written submissions on the Codes from industry participants. It will take on a broad review of the Codes and follows amendments made to strengthen client identity verification requirements in 2011.

Release of fee deregulation position paper for consultation  - 14 May 2014

The Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll, has released a position paper proposing that government regulation of the fees charged by settlement agents and land valuers cease.

Western Australia is the only Australian state or territory that regulates the fees charged by land valuers. The fees are fixed under the maximum remuneration provisions of the Land Valuers Licensing Act 1978.

SCAM ALERT: Government Officer Impersonated - 12 April 2013

A licence applicant recently informed the Department they were contacted by someone impersonating a Consumer Protection licensing officer.

The caller, who appears to have contacted the applicant as a result of the ‘notification of intention to apply for a licence’ published in The West Australian newspaper, requested personal information including his Medicare number, driver’s licence number and mother’s maiden name.