Four real estate agencies have pleaded guilty to breaking Victoria’s rental laws, following an investigation by Consumer Affairs Victoria’s renting taskforce.
The agencies admitted they failed to advertise a fixed rental price for properties listed on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. The businesses are:
- Wyndham Realty Pty Ltd, trading as Barry Plant, Werribee
- AAM Realtor Pty Ltd, trading as Ray White, Point Cook
- White Lotus Property Group, Truganina
- YouSales Pty Ltd, Docklands.
Consumer Affairs Victoria initially issued infringements to the agencies, but all chose to contest the penalties. They were taken to court as a result.
Director Nicole Rich described the breaches as serious, warning that not using a fixed price can promote illegal rental bidding.
“Our renting taskforce is committed to holding agents accountable if they break Victoria’s rental laws. We’ll continue to pursue those who fail to meet those standards, including taking them to court where necessary.
“Real estate agents are part of a licensed profession with clear legal obligations to understand and follow property sales and renting laws. This includes using their management systems correctly and ensuring staff are properly trained.
“Price transparency is vital. Renters have the right to know how much they can expect to pay for a rental property.”
Rental bidding, where renters compete to offer higher amounts to secure a property, has been banned in Victoria since 2021. It was outlawed as part of the introduction of 130 new rental law reforms.
Since the taskforce was established, more than 50 agencies have been fined for failing to advertise fixed rental prices.
As well as ensuring agents comply with renting laws, Consumer Affairs Victoria is also working with property listing websites to change their pricing parameters, to ensure properties can only be advertised with a fixed price.
Barry Plant Werribee, Ray White Point Cook and YouSales were fined. White Lotus Property Group received a 12-month court order prohibiting further offending.
A fifth case, involving Smart Six Corporation Pty Ltd (trading as PRD, Mildura) will be heard at the Mildura Magistrates’ Court on 19 August.
If you think a rental property hasn’t been advertised properly, report it to Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Consumer Affairs Victoria is a part of the Department of Government Services.