Four real estate agencies from Wyndham have pleaded guilty to breaking Victoria’s rental laws, following an investigation by Consumer Affairs Victoria’s renting taskforce.
Wyndham Realty Pty Ltd trading as Barry Plant, Werribee AAM Realtor Pty Ltd trading as Ray White, Point Cook White Lotus Property Group and Truganina YouSales Pty Ltd admitted they failed to advertise a fixed rental price for properties listed on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au.
Consumer Affairs 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,” Ms Rich said.
“Real estate agents are part of a licensed profession with clear legal obligations to understand and follow property sales and renting laws.”
Ms Rich said that these legal options included but were not limited to using their management systems correctly and ensuring that their staff are correctly trained.
“Price transparency is vital– renters have the right to know how much they can expect to pay for a rental property,” she said.
Rental bidding, where renters compete to offer higher amounts to secure a property, has been banned in Victoria since 2021.
The practice was outlawed as part of the introduction of 130 new rental law reforms.
Barry Plant Werribee, Ray White Point Cook and YouSales were fined. White Lotus Property Group received a 12-month court order prohibiting further offending.
Since the taskforce was established, more than 50 agencies have been fined for failing to advertise fixed rental prices, according to Consumer Affairs.
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.
A fifth case, involving Smart Six Corporation Pty Ltd (trading as PRD, Mildura) will be heard at the Mildura Magistrates’ Court on August 19.
If you suspect any breaches of rental advertising laws, you can report it to Consumer Affairs: https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/
