Consumer Protection

Client identification verification and real estate fraud prevention.

Identity fraud and scams are increasingly prevalent throughout the community, and the property industry is not immune to falling victim to such events.

Two highly publicised incidents in September 2010 and March/April 2011 resulted in properties being sold in Western Australia without the knowledge and consent of the lawful property owners.

These sales were undertaken by real estate agents who were contacted by criminals masquerading as the true owners.

This document goes on to address:

This guide is intended to help auditors produce high quality reports in the required format.

Guidance notes :  code of conduct for settlement agents

The rules covered in the code have been redrafted in line with modern legislative requirements and to ensure consistency with the other property industry codes and the Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978.  It is important to note the duties and responsibilities of agents and sales representatives remain the same.  

Agents and sales representatives must:

A property settlement agent or solicitor ensures all the conditions of the sale of property contract are fulfilled.

This fact sheet provides general information about choosing a settlement agent or solicitor along with their respective roles in a property transaction.

Publication last updated 7 April 2021

If you are buying vacant land, consider these important factors

Looking for a home of your own does not necessarily mean buying an established property. Some people prefer to buy vacant land and have a home built to their plans and requirements. This often means buying a block released for sale in a new housing estate or sub-division.

‘Indigenous Consumers Count’ are reports examining consumer issues faced by Indigenous Western Australians and whether consumer protection services adequately meet the needs of this diverse population. The report is based on research into the perceptions of advocates and service providers from organisations concerned with the needs of Indigenous Western Australian consumers. The research helps Consumer Protection develop and implement campaigns addressing the reported issues.

There are a number of different orders you can seek to enforce a court or tribunal decision in your favour.

Claims in the Magistrates Court 

The Magistrates Court deals with cases where the total claim is not more than $75,000 (excluding costs). These include: 

This guide provides information on the ACL for travel and accommodation businesses.

This guide is relevant to you if your business:

• provides holiday accommodation
• provides travel; for example, airlines or coach services
• provides services related to travel, such as tours and recreational activities
• markets, sells or takes bookings for any of the above.

It covers key aspects of the law such as refunds and cancellations, focusing on issues where: