Complaints
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The BLA deals with disputes involving estate agents and provides advice and handles consumer complaints. The service is free.
If the BLA believes that an agent has breached the Estate Agents Act 1980 (Vic) or its regulations, including the professional rules, it can refer the matter to the Disciplinary Tribunal. The tribunal considers whether the agent’s licence should be suspended or cancelled and can fine the agent or require undertakings from them. Agents can appear at the tribunal without a lawyer, although most are represented. The tribunal cannot order that an agent’s client be reimbursed for a loss caused by an agent’s unprofessional behaviour, but it can order compensation if the complaint concerned taking an excessive commission.
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Complaints about solicitors are handled under the Legal Profession Uniform Law 2014 (Vic). The legal profession is regulated by a commissioner (for more information, see Chapter 2.1: Legal representation). Complaints against licensed conveyancers are handled by the BLA.
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Australian Registrars National Electronic Conveyancing Council (ARNECC)
www.arnecc.gov.auAustralian Taxation Office (ATO)
www.ato.gov.auBusiness Licensing Authority (BLA)
www.consumer.vic.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/public-committees-and-boards/business-licensing-authorityConsumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)
www.consumer.vic.gov.auLand Use Victoria (LUV) – Land Information Centre
www.land.vic.gov.auLANDATA – Land Victoria
www.landata.vic.gov.au
LANDATA provides property information online including title, survey, valuation and property sales, property certificates and planning certificates.State Revenue Office Victoria (SRO)
www.sro.vic.gov.au
Conveyancers’ duties
Chapter: 6.2: Buying or selling a house
Contributor: Laura Vickers, Director, Nest Legal; Accredited Property Law Specialist
Current as of: 1 September 2024
Law Handbook Page: 498
Next Section: 6.3: Building or renovating a house
