Real estate worker given ten year ban
Posted by editor (editor) on Feb 11 2010
2010 >>

A Surfers Paradise-based resident letting agent has been banned from holding a licence for ten years after being found guilty in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal last month (20 January 2010) of acting as an agent without a licence.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said Reegan Nancy Ropati acted as a resident letting agent for a number of Surfers Paradise holiday apartments between 2006 and 2008 despite not holding the appropriate licence.

“In addition to this breach of Fair Trading law, Mr Ropati failed to gain approval from the appropriate sources to open a trust account which was used to hold deposits paid by renters,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Ms Ropati was also fined $1,000 and ordered to pay $745 in legal fees."

Mr Lawlor said employees within the real estate industry were placed in a position of trust by vendors and should never take advantage of this position.

"Queenslanders deserve to know they are dealing with reputable and licensed agents,” he said.

"This decision is a clear reminder to the real estate industry to act responsibly.

"If an agent chooses to breach the law by deceiving their customers, they risk the loss of their licence, reputation and livelihood.

"The legislation is there to protect businesses and clients, and must be complied with. Licensees caught doing the wrong thing will be penalised."

Licensed resident letting agents are permitted to rent out and manage units in residential complexes on behalf of unit owners and bodies corporate, collect rent and operate trust accounts.

Consumers and businesses can check to see whether a real estate industry employee is registered by conducting a free online search at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

Consumers with information about breaches of fair trading law should report it by calling 13 13 04 or going online at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

Last changed: Feb 11 2010 at 10:24 AM