Three Wyndham-based real estate agencies will face court next month for advertising rental properties in breach of Victoria’s rental bidding laws.
It is alleged the listed agencies failed to include the fixed price for the rent when advertising properties.
Wyndham Realty Pty Ltd, trading as Barry Plant, Werribee AAM Realtor Pty Ltd, trading as Ray White and White Lotus Property Group in Truganina were those named as breaching rental market protocol.
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CSA), using a price range or phrases such as ‘contact agent’ in rental advertisements in place of a fixed price is a form of rental bidding constitutes misconduct.
A CSA spokesperson said it leaves renters unclear what rent is being asked for and can pressure them to offer inflated amounts.
Rental bidding was prohibited as part of the 130 rental law reforms introduced across the state in 2021.
Since the changes were implemented and the taskforce established, more than 40 agencies have been fined for not using fixed prices in their listings.
Fines for this offence are $2371 for individuals and $11,855 for companies. A maximum penalty for companies of more than $59,000 per offence applies.
These cases will be heard in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in July.
Two other agencies from Melbourne and Mildura will also face court in July.
