NSW Fair Trading

Over the holiday period, our customer service team will be available on 13 32 20 between 8.30am and 5pm weekdays, except on: - 25 – 27 December 2024 - 1 January 2025 We wish you a safe and happy festive period! Please visit our website to find helpful information: https://lnkd.in/fkJi9U3 #NSWFairTrading

NSW Tenancy law has strict rules on what fees can be charged to renters. Renters when applying for or starting a tenancy cannot be charged fees for:  - Background checks  - Showing a property  - Preparation of a tenancy agreement  - A pet bond Any person or company that charges these fees is in breach of the law. If you have experienced or are aware of unlawful fees being charged report this to Fair Trading at 13 32 20 or online: https://lnkd.in/gBgCd6Kb #NSWFairTrading #Renting #RentalReforms 

We’ve introduced important changes to rental laws to ensure a fairer rental market.  Key updates: - Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months for all rental agreements, no matter the lease type - Rent cannot be increased in the first 12 months of a tenancy This means that all renters in NSW are covered by the same rules. An exception applies for  fixed-term agreements under two years that started before 31 October 2024 and already include valid terms for rent increases. For those leases, current terms will still apply until the lease ends. As landlords, real estate agent, or property managers, it’s important to understand and act on your responsibilities under these new laws. As of 31 October, you must be compliant and ensure these changes are applied.  Find out more about rent increases: https://lnkd.in/gBnAa7TS #NSWFairTrading #Renting #RentalReforms

Did you know that 1 in 5 people in NSW live in strata? We’ve made it easier than ever to find out who manages a strata scheme. Simply type the address or strata plan number into our Strata search tool for the scheme you're interested in, and you’ll instantly get all the key details about the scheme, including the managing agent. This is just one of the Strata Hub updates delivered this week to support people who live, own or work in NSW strata schemes. Learn how they might benefit you: https://lnkd.in/g32X6CwH #NSWFairTrading #Strata

Starting 11 December 2024, new laws are in place for how residential land lease community operators charge for utilities. Here’s what you need to know: - Electricity and gas bills must now be provided in line with national energy laws - Bills other than gas and electricity must now be issued to residents at least once every 3 months and include specific information such as the billing period Find out more about the changes on our website: https://lnkd.in/gHUxRT2k

Our inspectors are visiting Christmas pop-up stores across NSW to ensure only approved and properly marked decorations are on sale. Certain electrical articles must be approved by the Commissioner for Fair Trading or an authorised external approval scheme. They must also display the appropriate approval mark and meet the relevant Australian Standards before they can be sold in Australia. These electrical articles are known as ‘declared’ articles. Head to our website to find out more about the approval of electrical articles: https://lnkd.in/gRWMmtxZ #NSWFairTrading #Christmas

We've just published a special Christmas edition of Fair Trading News. Our quarterly newsletter designed to keep you informed and empowered with the latest updates on consumer rights, regulatory changes and practical tips to safeguard your interests. Stay informed by subscribing to receive notifications when new editions are published. #NSWFairTrading #FairTradingNews

The NSW Fair Trading Commissioner is warning consumers not to deal with ‘Andres and Co’. ‘Andres and Co’ offers wedding photography and videography services to consumers in NSW. Since October 2023, NSW Fair Trading has received 68 complaints about the services offered by ‘Andres and Co’. Consumers complain that services paid for are not supplied in the time specified or within a reasonable time, or that they are only partially supplied. Anyone who has dealt with ‘Andres and Co’ and is not satisfied is urged to lodge a complaint here: https://lnkd.in/gqbahxjq #NSWFairTrading #PublicWarning

In November, we issued 170 fines totalling $244,670 and 112 warnings across the property and rental, automotive and consumer sectors. Key issues included rent bidding, odometer tampering and failing to supply goods or services. Learn more about how we work to protect consumers and maintain fair trading practices in NSW: https://lnkd.in/gQY9k_sF #NSWFairTrading #Compliance

On Wednesday 27 November, NSW Fair Trading hosted the Strata Commissions Forum, bringing together over 50 stakeholders, including; strata owners, managing agents, insurers, lawyers, and other strata experts.   The forum focused on exploring options to transition away from strata insurance commissions and discussed potential risks, opportunities, and implementation supports to ensure fair and effective reform.   NSW Fair Trading thanks all participants for their valuable contributions. These insights will help shape our advice to the Government on the next steps for a sustainable and trusted strata industry.   We look forward to continuing this important conversation in early 2025. You can find information about strata on the NSW Government website: https://lnkd.in/gcj-bF_f #NSWFairTrading #StrataReform #StakeholderEngagement