Three Victorian real estate agencies have been fined thousands after breaking the state’s rental laws by failing to advertise properties with a fixed price.
As Victoria continues its crackdown on agencies disregarding rental laws, three businesses have been fined for failing to advertise properties with a fixed rental price.
Following an investigation by Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Rental Taskforce, HockingStuart (Frankston) Pty Ltd, trading as Fosterfroling Real Estate, was fined $11,855.
Meanwhile, Leader Properties Pty Ltd, trading as Leader Real Estate Agency, and Hudson Bond, were each fined $7,500.
Victoria’s 2021 rental law reforms banned rental bidding, requiring properties to be advertised with a set price, instead of a vague range or without a price at all.
According to Consumer Affairs, the provisions ensure renters can be sure about how much a home will cost, and do not have to bid with others to secure the property.
In November last year, additional reforms prohibited agents and rental providers from accepting any unsolicited offers from prospective renters.
Other changes aimed at strengthening protections for renters included those requiring properties to meet minimum standards at the time of advertising, not just when the tenant moved in.
Additionally, the state has ended no-fault eviction by requiring property providers to have a valid reason to ask renters to leave, and increasing notice periods for rent increases and some notices to vacate.
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