Government launches “Name and Shame’ list of property agents

THE State Government has launched a “Name and Shame” list of real estate agents, property managers and strata managing agents who have faced enforcement action.

Available through the NSW Fair Trading website, it allows homeowners, buyers and renters to check if an agent has been fined, suspended or had their licence cancelled.

It also includes public warnings to protect consumers from high-risk traders, enforceable undertakings and prosecution outcomes.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said the list will lift standards across the sector.

“Publishing serious breaches and repeated non-compliance sends a clear message that accountability matters,” he said.

Key information such as a trader’s name, ABN or ACN, licence number, and suburb are listed, as well as a clear description of the type of action and why it was taken.

Processes are in place to ensure appropriate levels of privacy, according to Strata and Property Services Commissioner Angus Abadee.

“The list has been built with clear publication guidelines and timeframes and processes to correct errors and manage privacy where appropriate,” he said.

“It’s about transparency that’s fair to consumers and businesses.”

Last financial year, NSW Fair Trading undertook nearly 500 investigations and more than 300 inspections in the property and rental sector.

It issued over 300 penalty notices worth more than $430,000, and carried out significant licensing actions including cancellations, suspensions and disqualifications.

Backed by an $8.4 million investment, the newly established Strata and Property Services Taskforce has also placed additional inspectors in the field.

Together, they have completed more than 186 Anytime, Anywhere inspections with a focus on maintaining compliance standards across the property sector.

This tool follows the Government’s proposed slate of reforms to the state’s underquoting laws.

Subject to consultation, the legislative changes will significantly increase penalties for misleading price estimates to $110,000 or three times the agent’s commission (whichever is greater), mandate a price or price guide on all advertising, and require agents to publish a Statement of Information to help prospective buyers understand how the selling price was calculated.

For more information and to view the Name and Shame List, visit the NSW Fair Trading website: nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/how-we-regulate/name-and-shame-register