June 28, 2018
A joint agency crackdown on real estate agents withholding tenants’ bonds in Queensland has led to investigations against 13 agents, with a further 20 targeted for follow-up.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) partnered for a joint compliance operation during January to April.
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the operation was established in response to concerns that tenants’ rights were being ignored by agents who weren’t lodging bonds with the RTA within required timeframes.
“Bond money does not belong to a real estate agent and must be transferred to the RTA correctly and within legislated timeframes,” Mrs D’Ath said.
“Most agents are doing the right thing. But it’s important that tenants are treated fairly and legally, and I’m pleased to see action taken against non-compliant agencies.
“This behaviour also impacts on the broader integrity of the industry and I know agents welcome such investigations so that all are not tarred with the same brush.”
The OFT issued statutory notices to 54 real estate agencies across the State, requesting agents provide their rent roll information to the OFT.
The rent rolls were then compared against bonds held with the RTA to identify any potential bond money discrepancies.
Of the 54 statutory notices issued:
- 21 agencies were deemed compliant with no discrepancies identified
- 20 agencies featured discrepancies between their rent rolls and the RTA register of lodged bonds and required further investigation by both OFT and the RTA
- 9 agencies required further follow up investigation by the RTA
- 4 agencies were found to be non-compliant, with other issues identified including misapplication of trust monies, and these agencies are now subject to investigations being undertaken by the OFT.
Housing Minister Mick de Brenni said the operation demonstrated the value of data sharing between agencies to ensure statutory requirements were upheld in the industry.
“Data sharing between agencies means better service for Queenslanders, but it also enhances the RTA’s enforcement and compliance capabilities,” he said.
“Some of the agencies identified as being non-compliant had failed to lodge upwards of 60 bonds.
“Operation Bond has meant OFT and the RTA have been able to identify and deal with these in a single operation, rather than having to undertake 60 or more separate investigations.
“Queenslanders should be able to have confidence that OFT and the RTA are ensuring real estate licensees are acting fairly and lawfully.”
Mrs D’Ath said the OFT would continue to investigate allegations of real estate agents who misappropriate bond money and take action against those who do.
“If you think a real estate salesperson or agent may have inappropriately dealt with your bond money I’d encourage you to lodge a complaint with the OFT,” Mrs D’Ath said.
A complaint can be lodged at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading or with the RTA at www.rta.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300-366-311.
