Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 26 May 2004

Rogue Cannington Landlords Fined

A husband and wife will have to pay almost $4,000 in fines and costs after pleading guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court to numerous breaches of the Residential Tenancies Act.

Guiseppe and Marianne Giorgiante of Stockman Way in Cannington were fined a total of $3,100 with costs of $828.

Mr Giorgiante had previously received a formal warning from Consumer Protection for similar offences in 2000.

Outside court Consumer Protection’s lawyer Sean Dworcan said this was an important wake-up call for property owners who rent out property and manage it themselves, as they have responsibilities under the law.

Mr and Mrs Giorgiante failed to give a tenant an executed copy of their lease and when the tenant paid their bond to Mr Giorgiante he deposited the funds into his personal bank account.

Mr Giorgiante was fined $1,500 for failing to deposit the bond money either with the Bond Administrator at the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, or a joint Trust Account.

Eleven receipts that Mrs Giorgiante provided to the tenant for rent were deficient, as they did not specify the address of the property the rent was being paid for.

The maximum penalty for the types of offences Mr and Mrs Giorgiante were convicted for could have totalled $6,000.

Tenants who have any concerns or require information should contact Consumer Protection for assistance on 1300 30 40 54 or consumer@docep.wa.gov.au <mailto:consumer@docep.wa.gov.au> .

Advice and support for landlords including the publication ‘Landlord’s Handbook’ is also available from the department.