A Sunshine estate agency, which allegedly traded while unlicensed, faces up to $165,220 in potential fines, according to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
Kamn Real Estate Pty Ltd also faces charges of failing to notify the director of CAV within 14 days of opening a statutory trust account and failing to meet an inspector’s investigation requirements, as required under the Estate Agents Act.
People who lose money due to licensed estate agencies breaking the law can access compensation from the Victorian Property Fund – but those who unknowingly engage the services of an unlicensed agent are not protected.
CAV director Nicole Rich said the case highlighted the importance of only dealing with a licensed estate agent.
Ms Rich said CAV would continue to identify and pursue agents and agencies that failed to meet their responsibilities.
“We will act to protect buyers, vendors and the industry from unprofessional and unlawful conduct,” she said.
CAV has started court proceedings against Kamn Real Estate Pty Ltd and the company will appear in court at a future date.
The estate agency will face court on three charges related to alleged unlicensed trading and other Estate Agents Act breaches.
The alleged offences occurred between December 2020 and April 2021.
Victorians can check to see if the estate agent they are dealing with is licensed using the CAV public register.
Deatils: https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/licensing-and-registration/estate-agents/public-register
