37 fines issued as NSW Fair Trading targets real estate agents

PHOTO:NSW Fair Trading

NSW Fair Trading has been out in force in recent weeks, making sure agents are complying with legislation put in place to protect consumers.

Agents can be fined up to $22,000 for failure to comply with the Property Stock and Business Agents Act, and NSW Fair Trading has been ensuring agents are acting in the appropriate manner.

Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson says legislation is put in place to protect consumers and it needs to be abided by.

“Buying, selling or renting a home is a massive financial decision for consumers which is why we have strong legislation and a fiercely independent regulator to ensure real estate agents are conducting themselves appropriately,” Mr Anderson said.

“Our inspectors have been out visiting agencies, auctions and open homes across the state to make sure agents are doing the right thing and fining those who aren’t.

“The latest checks uncovered a myriad of non-compliance, and we will continue to conduct these blitzes until the industry pulls its socks up.

”Mr Anderson said in the last two-week-long blitz, NSW Fair Trading has issued 137 Penalty Infringement Notices and 224 warnings, with fines totalling $150,710.

“We are the only state in Australia to carry out regular real estate compliance blitzes and that is due to the NSW Government’s commitment to protect consumers,” Mr Anderson said.