Fair Trading inspectors have issued $12,650 worth of fines to real estate agents across the State who failed to comply with laws related to sales and property management.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rose Webb said the inspections were conducted from 29 April to 2 May as part of Fair Trading’s routine real estate program.
“Fair Trading regularly conducts compliance programs to proactively monitor the industry’s adherence to the law, to increase professionalism and build consumer confidence in the sector,” Ms Webb said.
“The recent operation saw Fair Trading inspectors target 24 real estate agents across the Sydney metropolitan and Bathurst areas.”
She said the inspectors found 19 real estate agents from areas in Bathurst, Blaney, Lithgow, Marrickville, Bankstown, Molong, Riverwood, Wolli Creek, Hurlstone Park and Hurstville who did not comply with the law.
She said the inspectors issued a total of 12 penalty infringement notices for various breaches including unlicensed work and lack of proper supervision of business dealings.
“In addition, there were seven warning letters issued for breaches relating to rules of conduct, signage and note taking in sales files,” Ms Webb said.
She said the inspection programs were always a good opportunity for Fair Trading to educate and remind agents about their legislative obligations.
“This is the seventh real estate operation for 2019,” she said.
“If repeated non-compliance is identified, Fair Trading may consider more serious enforcement remedies.”
