First steps taken to review South Australia's residential tenancy laws

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First steps taken to review South Australia's residential tenancy laws

15 November 2022

South Australia Consumer and Business Services (CBS) recently announced its intentions to reform the state’s current residential tenancy legislation, the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (‘the Act’).

As of 15 November 2022, consultation with industry participants, including tenants, landlords, real estate agents and housing organisations has commenced. The consultation has allowed for the release of a discussion paper, marking the start of the most extensive review of the Act since 2014.

Consultation is open until 5 PM, Friday 16 December.

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WA Consumer Protection: Concerning CPD completion numbers

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WA Consumer Protection: Concerning CPD completion numbers

15 November 2022

Western Australia’s Consumer Protection division has reported in a bulletin this week that there is a concerning number of real estate licensees and registration holders yet to meet their 2022 CPD obligations.

WA licence and certificate holders must complete 10 points of CPD training each calendar year to be eligible for renewal. Completion must be achieved by 31 December.

We offer WA Elective CPD (7 points). Mandatory CPD must also be completed to achieve the remaining points (3 points). See enrolment options within.

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Consumer Affairs Victoria: Estate agent’s licence cancelled for trust account failures

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Consumer Affairs Victoria: Estate agent’s licence cancelled for trust account failures

7 November 2022

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has reported today that a now former Victorian estate agent has been heavily penalised through the revocation of their licence. The disciplinary action comes about as a result of repeated failure to effectively manage the agency's trust accounts and maintain proper trust account records.

CAV had previously reprimanded the agent for breaching their duties under the Estate Agents Act 1980 and its regulations.

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November 2022 Newsletter

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November 2022 Newsletter

4 November 2022

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Site-wide discount code!

  • Industry updates: NSW Fair Trading inspectors targeting strata manager supervision requirements.

  • Reminder: WA CPD due 31 December.

  • Featured blog: Let’s talk about subletting.

  • New courses available: Registration and licensing courses for Tasmania and Northern Territory.

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Attention WA students: CPD due 31 December!

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Attention WA students: CPD due 31 December!

2 November 2022

WA licence and certificate holders must complete 10 points of Compulsory Professional Development (CPD) training each calendar year to be eligible for renewal, even if you hold a triennial licence.

We offer WA Elective CPD (up to 7 points). Mandatory CPD (3 points)must also be completed.

Upon successful completion of your CPD, we will register your course completion with the WA Government’s Consumer Protection sector and issue you with a Certificate of Participation as evidence of course completion.

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Let's talk about subletting

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Let's talk about subletting

31 October 2022

As the cost of living rises and rental markets tighten, more tenants may consider taking on a roommate to relieve some of the financial pressure.

Before entering into a shared tenancy, it is crucial that all parties understand the arrangement they have signed up to. Laws around subletting differ across each state and territory’s residential tenancy legislation. Let’s look at some of the general rules that apply to most Acts and Regulations. Later, we will identify the legislation that regulates subletting across each state and territory.

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NSW Fair Trading inspectors targeting strata manager supervision requirements

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NSW Fair Trading inspectors targeting strata manager supervision requirements

17 October 2022

NSW Fair Trading has today reported — in their Property Matters newsletter — that they are taking compliance actions against strata managing agents that do not meet their obligations.

The inspections are being undertaken as part of the regulator’s Strata Managing Agent compliance program, which involves targeting supervision requirements during inspections of NSW strata companies.

NSW Fair Trading has advised that “of the 44 inspections conducted during a recent one-week operation, 86% (38) were found to be breaching their obligations under property laws”.

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October 2022 Newsletter

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October 2022 Newsletter

7 October 2022

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Site-wide discount code!

  • Industry updates: Consumer Affairs Victoria to crack down on underquoting, Fake social media accounts used to scam eager renters in WA.

  • Legislative changes: New QLD rental laws commenced on 1 October 2022.

  • Disciplinary action: Disciplinary proceedings commence against a Victorian agent with a history of misconduct, Court outcome for a Victorian agency that threatened to interfere with tenants' legal access to their homes.

  • Learn about workplace stress support services.

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SA Consumer and Business Services to review residential tenancy legislation

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SA Consumer and Business Services to review residential tenancy legislation

29 September 2022

South Australia Consumer and Business Services (CBS) announced in their ‘CBS Connect’ newsletter this week that they intend to review the current residential tenancy legislation, the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (‘the Act’).

The announcement comes off the back of a recent forum held by CBS, where a discussion about issues in the SA private rental market was had. The intention of the review is to “modernise SA's rental legislation”.

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Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland: Remember, new rental laws commence on 1 October 2022

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Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland: Remember, new rental laws commence on 1 October 2022

27 September 2022

The Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is encouraging tenants, property managers, and property owners to take time to understand the upcoming rental law reforms, including how the changes may impact their rights and obligations, and to make necessary preparations.

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Workplace stress support services

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Workplace stress support services

26 September 2022

Working in real estate can be incredibly rewarding and often challenges you to be your best self. What’s better than helping your clients meet their property goals and negotiating a deal through to a successful outcome, or seeing a tenant settle in and feel at home in their new rental?

It is important for both employees and employers to remember that with real estate being such a fast-paced industry, agents and admin staff alike are prone to stress and burnout.

Let’s check out some state-based and national support networks that are out there for anyone struggling with challenging emotions in the workplace.

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