Real estate agent suspended over “vile and offensive” emails to tenants

A Perth real estate agent has been suspended after sending “vile” emails to tenants criticising the “filth that is India”.

A Perth real estate agent has been suspended for eight months after emails to tenants surfaced, in which she made derogatory remarks about India’s standard of living, and Indian immigration.

Director of Mavin Real Estate in Victoria Park Bronwyn Pollitt sent emails to two former tenants regarding their final inspection, claiming Australian living standards, quality of life, and expectations were different to the “overcrowded, overpopulated, dirty squaller [sic] of many other countries including India.”

She told the tenants that “a white Australian has an expectation that they will move into a clean (of) Australian standard, not an Indian standard clean”.

“Hopefully the massive influx of Indian people will not turn our beautiful country into the filth that is India,” Ms Pollitt said of Indian immigration.

Her comments were blasted by Consumer Protection as “vile and offensive”, with the body announcing a crackdown on racism in the real estate industry.

Director of Mavin Real Estate Bronwyn Pollitt has been suspended for eight months after racist emails she sent to tenants surfaced. Source: Mavin Real Estate

Commissioner Trish Blake on Friday said she was disgusted and shocked after reading the full email, and promised to stand behind any tenant calling out racist behaviour within the WA real estate industry.

“There is no place for racism in society – we will support any tenant who can provide evidence to help us shine a spotlight on hidden and often hard-to-prove racist behaviour in the industry,” Ms Blake said.

“It is easy for people renting to stay quiet for fear of being kicked out or missing out on a rental.

“I urge anyone in the market to report any evidence of racism to us so we can investigate.

“I am putting all agents, property managers and sales representatives on notice, we will act accordingly if we receive any complaints against you.”

In a hearing before the State Administrative Tribunal, Ms Pollitt said she had reflected on her actions, had apologised to the tenants, and agreed to undertake training and weekly mentoring during her suspension.

Complaints about any real estate agent, property manager, or sales representative can be made on the Consumer Protection website, by emailing [e-mail], or by calling 1300 30 40 54.