Greens pledge crackdown on dodgy agents with Tasmanian real estate watchdog
A taskforce to crack down on dodgy dealings by real estate agents would bring benefits including improved living conditions for renters, the the Tasmanian Greens say.
Tasmania
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A taskforce to crack down on dodgy dealings by real estate agents would bring benefits including improving living conditions for renters, the Greens say.
Greens Deputy leader Vica Bayley revealed the party’s plan to establish a Real Estate and Rental Standards Taskforce to end false advertising, illegal leases and notices, rental bidding and underquoting on sales.
He said there were significant challenges to enforcing existing standards in the real estate industry and a taskforce based on similar initiatives in New South Wales and Victoria would help.
“This is a task force that would proactively look into issues associated with real estate agents and rental standards to ensure that things comply, that people are treated fairly, and that the regulations that are in place are upheld by agents.
“We know that a lot needs to be done in the rental space in terms of improving renters’ rights, reining in short stay accommodation in terms of rent controls and minimum standards but this task force is an initiative that would proactively police the requirements of real estate agents.
“It’d also look at things like rent bidding, at false advertising, at the notices and leases that are issued by agents to ensure that everything is in order.
Mr Bayley said renters were often afraid to complain about issues they were experiencing with their tenancies because of the risk of repercussions from landlords or their agents.
He said in Victoria a similar task force had issued $600,000 worth of fines for breaches of minimum standards and regulations relating to residential tenancies.
“My office gets contacted all the time about people who are concerned or upset about the standard of their rental property,” he said.
“For example, mould coming up through the floor, leaking, leaking roofs, inadequate heating, and they’re too afraid to complain about it.
“They’re too afraid to complain about it because our laws don’t adequately protect them, and they are afraid that they will suffer an eviction.”
The policy announced on Monday would focus on a mechanism to enforce existing regulations, Mr Bayley said, and the Greens would advocate for additional reforms including to stop unreasonable rent increases and no-cause eviction and to improve minimum standards in rental accommodation.
“There is so much that needs to be done to fix the housing crisis,” Mr Bayley said.
“But cracking down on malpractice by real estate agents and on breaches of the state’s rentals laws is a simple measure that will make a real difference to the thousands of Tasmanians trying to find a safe, secure, and affordable home right now.
“The Greens believe this policy is a no-brainer, and we’re hopeful the other political parties will get on board. In particular, this should be something Labor supports, considering it’s a policy introduced by Labor governments on the mainland.”
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Originally published as Greens pledge crackdown on dodgy agents with Tasmanian real estate watchdog
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