MASPROP Real Estate is facing criminal charges over its handling of bonds, as well as disciplinary action for alleged failures that left renters and rental providers footing the bill for expensive repairs.
Western Region Real Estate Pty Ltd, which trades as MASPROP Real Estate, accepted more than $100,000 in bond money from over 50 renters. But it’s alleged it failed to deposit the money properly with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority, sometimes lodging it up to a year late.
MASPROP and director Mitre Stojcevski will also appear at VCAT accused of not meeting professional industry standards, including acting in their clients’ best interests.
Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Renting Taskforce began investigating MASPROP after receiving a complaint from a renter trying to recover their bond.
Further investigations uncovered complaints from renters and rental providers about the agency failing to make urgent repairs.
One case involved a renter allegedly forced to cover urgent repair costs after repeated requests went unanswered. Another involved an undisclosed plumbing issue that escalated into a major leak, costing the rental provider more than $4,500.
Director Nicole Rich said Consumer Affairs Victoria would continue to pursue estate agents who failed to meet industry standards.
‘Being a licensed estate agent comes with significant responsibilities. We believe MASPROP and its director have failed to meet these basic duties.
‘It’s unacceptable for agencies to leave renters living in sub-standard conditions, and rental providers out of pocket for poor service,’ Rich said.
'Our Renting Taskforce will continue to take action against agencies that fail to meet their obligations, and undermine confidence in the market.’
The criminal charges for not lodging bond money will be heard at a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court hearing on 20 August. VCAT’s decision on Consumer Affairs Victoria’s application for disciplinary action is pending.