Accused of Rental Bidding Violations
Three real estate agencies operating in Wyndham will appear before the courts in July for allegedly breaching Victoria’s rental bidding laws — regulations introduced to promote fairness and transparency in the rental market.
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Consumer Affairs Victoria has confirmed that Barry Plant Werribee (Wyndham Realty Pty Ltd), Ray White Point Cook (AAM Realtor Pty Ltd), and White Lotus Property Group in Truganina are among five agencies set to face the Melbourne and Mildura Magistrates’ Courts after electing not to pay infringement notices issued by the renting taskforce.
The core allegation involves the failure to list a fixed rental price in online advertisements, instead opting for price ranges or phrases like “Contact agent” on platforms such as realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. Under the 2021 rental reforms, these tactics are classified as rental bidding — a banned practice that puts prospective tenants in a vulnerable position by pressuring them to offer above-market rent without clear pricing guidance.
As a result of the reforms, agents are now required to advertise a single, fixed rental price. The legislation is designed to curb practices that distort market transparency and disadvantage renters, especially in high-demand areas like Wyndham.
Despite being given the option to resolve the matter by paying fines — currently $11,855 for companies — the agencies have opted to contest the charges in court, where the maximum penalty per offence exceeds $59,000.
The renting taskforce has issued penalties to over 40 agencies since enforcement began, reinforcing the message that compliance with the 130-point rental reform package is not optional. This latest development serves as a timely reminder to property managers and landlords alike that adherence to fixed-price advertising is not only good practice — it’s the law.
