South-east Queenslanders warned about door-to-door traders after floods
Posted by editor (editor) on May 21 2009
2009 >>

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor is warning South-east Queensland residents to be on the alert for dodgy itinerant traders offering to repair flood-damaged homes after this week’s sudden downpour.

"South-east Queensland has been hit by torrential rain, bringing one the worst floods in over 30 years," Mr Lawlor said.

"With many areas around the city now under water, many families have been left with big clean ups and extensive repairs on the family home.

"A third of Brisbane’s annual rain has fallen in just 24 hours, and while many have been left to deal with the devastation of flooded homes and property, unfortunately there are people out there who use these disasters for their own advantage.

"Some unethical people make their money by approaching residents with clearly damaged homes and offer to cut down and remove trees, repair and paint roofs and floors or carpet and re-lay driveways for cash.

"The work done by these traders is often of such poor quality that residents end up paying more money to fix the substandard work."

"If you are approached by a door-to-door trader offering to repair any damage, don't rush into a decision, even if the trader insists the price is only on offer for a short period of time,” Mr Lawlor said.

"You really need to be wary about anyone that offers to do such work for a low price that seems too good to be true and you should always ask to see the trader's licence.

"If you need emergency repairs done, the trader does not have to provide a 10-day cooling-off period, but they must provide you with a proper contract and not harass or force you in any way to agree to have the work done."

Mr Lawlor said if the damage is not an emergency, you should get a few quotes from different traders before you agree to have any repairs carried out.

"I highly recommend you also contact your insurance company to find out what damage is covered by your insurance.”

Mr Lawlor said Queensland's fair trading laws offer you protection when dealing with door-to-door traders.

Under the Fair Trading Act door-to-door traders must:

• restrict door-to-door trading hours to 9am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday, with no trading allowed on Sundays and public holidays

• provide a written contract clearly stating the breakdown of costs, including GST and the total price, for the sale of goods or services valued at more than $75

• allow a 10 day cooling-off period for consumers to cancel a contract, with no payments to be taken or work commenced during this time (except for emergency repairs)

• provide consumers with information about how to cancel agreements, and

• carry and present identification.

"If you believe a trader has misled or deceived you about their qualifications or an affiliation they do not have, you should lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading as soon as possible at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 13 04," Mr Lawlor said.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 2:50 PM