This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
RESIDENTIAL property managers in South Australia will need to apply for a license as part of the state government’s move to weed out unprofessional or dodgy operators.
South Australia is currently the only state in country that does not have a licensing system for residential property managers.
Although commercial property managers must be registered as a land agent or sales representative under the Land Agents Act.
Consumer and Business Services Minister John Rau said the move responds to demand with the state’s consumer watchdog, Consumer and Business Services, which is receiving about 180 calls a month from tenants, property managers and landlords relating to either inadequate service or alleged inappropriate or poor behaviour from a property manager.
The complaints have included property owners being billed for work that was never done.
Other complaints include theft or misappropriation of trust monies, include recent allegations of stolen and /or misapplied trust money of $25,000 and over $70,000.
In both cases the alleged offenders were residential property managers and Consumer and Business Services could only pursue a prosecution case against their employer, not the individual.
“The proposed changes will offer better protection to both tenants and landlords. The Code of Conduct will ensure the industry is held to a clear, high standard.
“We will work with industry on what training managers might require, how standards will be set and enforced and how the scheme should be implemented,” Rau said.
The Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) has welcomed the proposal and said it has been for years for residential property managers to be licensed.
“Property Managers manage vast portfolios of property worth many tens of millions of dollars,” REISA CEO Greg Troughton said.
“It is therefore essential that they are as relevant, professional and educated as possible. This not only improves the reputation and accountability of the profession but also serves as a fantastic foundation for consumer protection,” Troughton said.
Australian Property Journal
