Issue Date: - Wednesday, 19 September 2007

Bond offence costs property manager

A property manager has been fined $1,000 and ordered to pay costs of $302 in the Perth Magistrates Court for failing to lodge a tenantâs security bond. The Magistrate also ordered a spent conviction.

The real estate agents licence holder was acting at the time as the property manager of premises in Maylands, when it failed to promptly lodge $880 in cash paid to them by a tenant with the Bond Administrator for a security bond on a Mount Prospect Crescent unit.

"This matter is an example where a real estate agent has failed to comply with the correct time frames and to administer funds in accordance with the law," Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

"Although the agent did lodge the money with Consumer Protectionâs Bond Administrator, it is not good enough that they delayed for more than two weeks before doing so.

"Landlords and property managers are required to lodge bond money promptly. The Bond Administrator and Consumer Protection have been running a campaign for twelve months to ensure the industry understands its obligations to comply with the law.

"This and other prosecutions have occurred when administrative warnings have failed to change some traderâs business practices that do not comply with the law.

"Agents and landlords can consider themselves on notice that we will continue to view bond money management seriously and intend to continue with our investigation and compliance programs," Commissioner Walker said.

Consumer Protection provides a range of advice and support services to consumers and to business. Telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au for assistance.

This page was modified on 15 September 2011 for legal reasons.