Impactz Pty Ltd has been fined $10,000 for failing to properly lodge bonds paid by vulnerable renters at its Carlton North and West Melbourne properties.
The company provided budget accommodation where renters – mostly international students and workers – shared rooms and used common facilities.
Impactz pleaded guilty (without conviction) in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to charges of failing to lodge bonds and complete lodgement forms. It agreed to pay almost $8000 back to residents ahead of the plea hearing.
Magistrate Cassandra Turner said Impactz Director Susan Trinh, 51, had breached renters’ trust, noting their vulnerability and the power imbalance between them and the accommodation provider.
CAV Director Nicole Rich agreed. ‘Many people who come to Australia from overseas may be unfamiliar with their renting rights, lack support networks, and are unsure how to complain or get help with housing issues.
‘We will continue to take legal action to protect all renters, to ensure their rights are protected.’
In a separate case, Newtown man Yang (Steven) Yu, 46, pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to charges of operating two rooming houses without a licence, brought by CAV.
Yu was fined a total of $4000 without conviction.
Are you a rooming house resident? Read more about your rights in CAV’s Rooming house residents guide.
Whether you live in a rooming house or a private rental, you can check your bond has been lodged through the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) website.
Renters and residents now have the right to pay their bond money directly to the RTBA. Find out more.