This regulation prescribes operational rules for property occupations. It defines limited licence types and eligibility, auction and bidding conduct, record‑keeping and electronic‑storage standards, fee schedules, rounding and refund rules, and transitional arrangements.
It affects licensees, auctioneers, resident letting agents and real estate salespersons by imposing notification, disclosure, bookkeeping and backup obligations; licensees pay prescribed fees (with discounts/refunds) and the chief executive has discretion to align or shorten licence terms.
This regulation prescribes detailed operational requirements, record-keeping, conduct standards and fee rules that implement and qualify provisions of the Property Occupations Act (the Act). It supplies thresholds, forms of disclosure, mandatory entries and minimum retention periods for auctioneers, property agents, resident letting agents, principal licensees and real estate salespersons, and it sets out the fee, discount and refund mechanics tied to licences and registration. The regulation commenced on 1 December 2014 (s 2) and repeatedly operates “for section X of the Act”, giving practical effect to the Act’s general obligations (for example, s 3, s 4, s 11, s 12, s 13 and many others).
Mechanically the instrument:
creates limited licence activity scopes and eligibility for “limited real estate agent” licences for affordable housing and business letting (s 3, s 4);
prescribes events licensees and salespersons must notify the chief executive (ss 5-6);
prescribes auction conduct and disclosure rules including buyer’s premium disclosure, auctioneer name display/announcement, bidder registration, restrictions on seller bidding and non‑disclosure of bidder identity (ss 7, 9, 23-25);
requires and itemises entries to be kept in specific books (auction contract book, auction store book, auction sales book, livestock auction book) and prescribes retention and format rules (ss 11-14);
imposes document‑keeping and electronic backup obligations on principal licensees (ss 15-16);
restates conduct standards for conflicts, due diligence and acting in accordance with client instructions in operational terms (ss 17-22, 26-30);
prescribes the thresholds for “large scale non‑residential property” under the Act (10,000 m2 and $10,000,000) (s 8);
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Property Occupations Regulation 2014.
78
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This regulation may be cited as the Property Occupations Regulation 2014 .
sec.2
Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This regulation commences on 1 December 2014.
pt.2
Limited property agent licences
Limited property agent licences
sec.3
Limited real estate agent licence (affordable housing)
sec.3 Limited real estate agent licence (affordable housing)
For section 28 (1) of the Act , the activities that may be performed under a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing) are limited to the following activities performed under an affordable housing rental scheme—
letting places of residence;
collecting rents;
negotiating for the letting of places of residence.
Only the following persons may hold a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing)—
a person who is a director of an approved non-profit corporation;
a person who is in charge of an approved non-profit corporation’s business at its place of business.
Subsection (2) does not limit the requirements that must be met to obtain a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing).
In this section—
affordable housing rental scheme means a scheme to provide affordable rental housing that is approved by the chief executive of the department in which the Housing Act 2003 is administered.
approved non-profit corporation means a non-profit corporation that—
is a registered provider under the Housing Act 2003 ; and
provides a service consisting of letting and collecting rents under an affordable housing rental scheme.
(sec.3-ssec.1) For section 28 (1) of the Act , the activities that may be performed under a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing) are limited to the following activities performed under an affordable housing rental scheme— letting places of residence; collecting rents; negotiating for the letting of places of residence.
(sec.3-ssec.2) Only the following persons may hold a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing)— a person who is a director of an approved non-profit corporation; a person who is in charge of an approved non-profit corporation’s business at its place of business.
(sec.3-ssec.3) Subsection (2) does not limit the requirements that must be met to obtain a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing).
(sec.3-ssec.4) In this section— affordable housing rental scheme means a scheme to provide affordable rental housing that is approved by the chief executive of the department in which the Housing Act 2003 is administered. approved non-profit corporation means a non-profit corporation that— is a registered provider under the Housing Act 2003 ; and provides a service consisting of letting and collecting rents under an affordable housing rental scheme.
(a) letting places of residence;
(b) collecting rents;
(c) negotiating for the letting of places of residence.
(a) a person who is a director of an approved non-profit corporation;
(b) a person who is in charge of an approved non-profit corporation’s business at its place of business.
(a) is a registered provider under the Housing Act 2003 ; and
(b) provides a service consisting of letting and collecting rents under an affordable housing rental scheme.
sec.4
Limited real estate agent licence (business letting)
sec.4 Limited real estate agent licence (business letting)
For section 28 (1) of the Act , the activities that may be performed under a limited real estate agent’s licence (business letting) are limited to the following activities —
letting businesses or interests in businesses;
collecting rents;
negotiating for the letting of businesses or interests in businesses.
(a) letting businesses or interests in businesses;
(b) collecting rents;
(c) negotiating for the letting of businesses or interests in businesses.
pt.3
General provisions about licensees or real estate salespersons
General provisions about licensees or real estate salespersons
sec.5
Prescribed changes in licensee’s circumstances to be notified to chief executive
sec.5 Prescribed changes in licensee’s circumstances to be notified to chief executive
For section 83 of the Act , each of the following is a prescribed change for a licensee—
a change in the licensee’s—
name; or
business name; or
business address; or
email address; or
postal address; or
business facsimile number; or
telephone number;
a change of the person who is in charge of a licensee’s place of business;
if the licensee is an individual, a change in the licensee’s residential address;
if the licensee is a corporation, a change of an executive officer of the corporation;
the coming into existence of circumstances for the licensee that would, under section 34 (1) or 35 (1) or (2) of the Act , affect the licensee’s suitability to hold a licence if the licensee were applying for the licence.
(a) a change in the licensee’s— (i) name; or (ii) business name; or (iii) business address; or (iv) email address; or (v) postal address; or (vi) business facsimile number; or (vii) telephone number;
(i) name; or
(ii) business name; or
(iii) business address; or
(iv) email address; or
(v) postal address; or
(vi) business facsimile number; or
(vii) telephone number;
(b) a change of the person who is in charge of a licensee’s place of business;
(c) if the licensee is an individual, a change in the licensee’s residential address;
(d) if the licensee is a corporation, a change of an executive officer of the corporation;
(e) the coming into existence of circumstances for the licensee that would, under section 34 (1) or 35 (1) or (2) of the Act , affect the licensee’s suitability to hold a licence if the licensee were applying for the licence.
(i) name; or
(ii) business name; or
(iii) business address; or
(iv) email address; or
(v) postal address; or
(vi) business facsimile number; or
(vii) telephone number;
sec.6
Prescribed changes in real estate salesperson’s circumstances to be notified to chief executive
sec.6 Prescribed changes in real estate salesperson’s circumstances to be notified to chief executive
For section 149 of the Act , each of the following is a prescribed change for a real estate salesperson—
a change in the salesperson’s—
name; or
email address; or
postal address; or
residential address; or
telephone number;
the coming into existence of circumstances for the salesperson that would, under section 120 (1) of the Act , affect the salesperson’s suitability to hold a registration certificate if the salesperson were applying for registration.
(a) a change in the salesperson’s— (i) name; or (ii) email address; or (iii) postal address; or (iv) residential address; or (v) telephone number;
(i) name; or
(ii) email address; or
(iii) postal address; or
(iv) residential address; or
(v) telephone number;
(b) the coming into existence of circumstances for the salesperson that would, under section 120 (1) of the Act , affect the salesperson’s suitability to hold a registration certificate if the salesperson were applying for registration.
(i) name; or
(ii) email address; or
(iii) postal address; or
(iv) residential address; or
(v) telephone number;
sec.7
Buyer’s premium
sec.7 Buyer’s premium
For section 92 (2) (a) (ii) of the Act , the auctioneer must disclose the percentage of the buyer’s premium payable on the purchase of goods at auction by—
including the required statement for the goods in each written advertisement for the auction; and
displaying the required statement for the goods in a way likely to be seen by each prospective bidder; and
at the start of the auction—
if bids may be made in person—announcing the required statement for the goods at the place where bidders may be present at the auction; and
if bids may be made online—displaying the required statement for the goods to each person who may bid online during the auction.
In this section—
required statement , for goods, means a statement that a buyer’s premium of a stated percentage of the purchase price of the goods is payable on a successful bid for the purchase of the goods.
(sec.7-ssec.1) For section 92 (2) (a) (ii) of the Act , the auctioneer must disclose the percentage of the buyer’s premium payable on the purchase of goods at auction by— including the required statement for the goods in each written advertisement for the auction; and displaying the required statement for the goods in a way likely to be seen by each prospective bidder; and at the start of the auction— if bids may be made in person—announcing the required statement for the goods at the place where bidders may be present at the auction; and if bids may be made online—displaying the required statement for the goods to each person who may bid online during the auction.
(sec.7-ssec.2) In this section— required statement , for goods, means a statement that a buyer’s premium of a stated percentage of the purchase price of the goods is payable on a successful bid for the purchase of the goods.
(a) including the required statement for the goods in each written advertisement for the auction; and
(b) displaying the required statement for the goods in a way likely to be seen by each prospective bidder; and
(c) at the start of the auction— (i) if bids may be made in person—announcing the required statement for the goods at the place where bidders may be present at the auction; and (ii) if bids may be made online—displaying the required statement for the goods to each person who may bid online during the auction.
(i) if bids may be made in person—announcing the required statement for the goods at the place where bidders may be present at the auction; and
(ii) if bids may be made online—displaying the required statement for the goods to each person who may bid online during the auction.
(i) if bids may be made in person—announcing the required statement for the goods at the place where bidders may be present at the auction; and
(ii) if bids may be made online—displaying the required statement for the goods to each person who may bid online during the auction.
sec.8
Large scale non-residential property transactions or holdings
sec.8 Large scale non-residential property transactions or holdings
The area prescribed for section 8 (1) (a) (i) , (1) (b) (i) , (2) (a) and (3) (a) of the Act is 10,000m 2 .
The amount prescribed for section 8 (1) (a) (ii) , (1) (b) (ii) , (2) (b) and (3) (b) of the Act is $10,000,000.
(sec.8-ssec.1) The area prescribed for section 8 (1) (a) (i) , (1) (b) (i) , (2) (a) and (3) (a) of the Act is 10,000m 2 .
(sec.8-ssec.2) The amount prescribed for section 8 (1) (a) (ii) , (1) (b) (ii) , (2) (b) and (3) (b) of the Act is $10,000,000.
sec.9
Display and announcement of auctioneer’s name
sec.9 Display and announcement of auctioneer’s name
For section 95 (2) of the Act , an auctioneer who conducts an auction must display at the auction the auctioneer’s name—
in a conspicuous position so it is clearly visible; and
for the entire period of the auction.
However, subsection (1) does not apply if the display of the auctioneer’s name in the way stated in subsection (1) would be ineffective because—
the exposure of the place where the auction is held to the elements prevents the effective display; or
a livestock auction conducted outdoors
the auctioneer needs to change location to conduct the auction, to the extent the display of the auctioneer’s name would be ineffective without repositioning the name.
an auction where it is necessary for the auctioneer to move from item to item, for example, an auction of large machinery items
If subsection (2) applies, the auctioneer must announce the auctioneer’s name at the start of the auction.
(sec.9-ssec.1) For section 95 (2) of the Act , an auctioneer who conducts an auction must display at the auction the auctioneer’s name— in a conspicuous position so it is clearly visible; and for the entire period of the auction.
(sec.9-ssec.2) However, subsection (1) does not apply if the display of the auctioneer’s name in the way stated in subsection (1) would be ineffective because— the exposure of the place where the auction is held to the elements prevents the effective display; or a livestock auction conducted outdoors the auctioneer needs to change location to conduct the auction, to the extent the display of the auctioneer’s name would be ineffective without repositioning the name. an auction where it is necessary for the auctioneer to move from item to item, for example, an auction of large machinery items
(sec.9-ssec.3) If subsection (2) applies, the auctioneer must announce the auctioneer’s name at the start of the auction.
(a) in a conspicuous position so it is clearly visible; and
(b) for the entire period of the auction.
(a) the exposure of the place where the auction is held to the elements prevents the effective display; or Example— a livestock auction conducted outdoors
(b) the auctioneer needs to change location to conduct the auction, to the extent the display of the auctioneer’s name would be ineffective without repositioning the name. Example— an auction where it is necessary for the auctioneer to move from item to item, for example, an auction of large machinery items
sec.10
Prescribed statement for listing—property agents
sec.10 Prescribed statement for listing—property agents
The prescribed statement for section 214 (5) (b) or 216 (5) (b) of the Act is—
‘This property is being sold by auction or without a price and therefore a price guide can not be provided. The website may have filtered the property into a price bracket for website functionality purposes.’.
sec.11
Auction contract book
sec.11 Auction contract book
This section applies to real property placed by a person with an auctioneer for sale.
The auctioneer must keep at the auctioneer’s registered office an auction contract book.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
When the person places the property with the auctioneer for sale, the auctioneer must enter in the auctioneer’s auction contract book the following particulars—
the date the property is placed by the person with the auctioneer for sale;
the property’s lot-on-plan description;
if there is an improvement on the property, a description of the improvement;
the name and address of the owner or the person who has placed the property with the auctioneer for sale;
any reserve price for the auction;
any special conditions for the sale of the property;
the proposed date, time and place of the auction.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
However, if the particulars mentioned in subsection (3) are contained in the appointment of the auctioneer under section 102 of the Act and the auctioneer keeps the appointment or a copy of it at the auctioneer’s registered office, the auctioneer need not enter the particulars in the auction contract book.
The auctioneer must enter the following particulars in the auction contract book as soon as practicable after the auction—
the date of the auction of the property;
the property’s description;
if the property is sold at auction—
the price paid by the buyer; and
the buyer’s name and address;
if the property is not sold at auction—
the amount of the highest bid at the auction; and
if known, the highest bidder’s name and address.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.11-ssec.1) This section applies to real property placed by a person with an auctioneer for sale.
(sec.11-ssec.2) The auctioneer must keep at the auctioneer’s registered office an auction contract book. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.11-ssec.3) When the person places the property with the auctioneer for sale, the auctioneer must enter in the auctioneer’s auction contract book the following particulars— the date the property is placed by the person with the auctioneer for sale; the property’s lot-on-plan description; if there is an improvement on the property, a description of the improvement; the name and address of the owner or the person who has placed the property with the auctioneer for sale; any reserve price for the auction; any special conditions for the sale of the property; the proposed date, time and place of the auction. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.11-ssec.4) However, if the particulars mentioned in subsection (3) are contained in the appointment of the auctioneer under section 102 of the Act and the auctioneer keeps the appointment or a copy of it at the auctioneer’s registered office, the auctioneer need not enter the particulars in the auction contract book.
(sec.11-ssec.5) The auctioneer must enter the following particulars in the auction contract book as soon as practicable after the auction— the date of the auction of the property; the property’s description; if the property is sold at auction— the price paid by the buyer; and the buyer’s name and address; if the property is not sold at auction— the amount of the highest bid at the auction; and if known, the highest bidder’s name and address. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(a) the date the property is placed by the person with the auctioneer for sale;
(b) the property’s lot-on-plan description;
(c) if there is an improvement on the property, a description of the improvement;
(d) the name and address of the owner or the person who has placed the property with the auctioneer for sale;
(e) any reserve price for the auction;
(f) any special conditions for the sale of the property;
(g) the proposed date, time and place of the auction.
(a) the date of the auction of the property;
(b) the property’s description;
(c) if the property is sold at auction— (i) the price paid by the buyer; and (ii) the buyer’s name and address;
(i) the price paid by the buyer; and
(ii) the buyer’s name and address;
(d) if the property is not sold at auction— (i) the amount of the highest bid at the auction; and (ii) if known, the highest bidder’s name and address.
(i) the amount of the highest bid at the auction; and
(ii) if known, the highest bidder’s name and address.
(i) the price paid by the buyer; and
(ii) the buyer’s name and address;
(i) the amount of the highest bid at the auction; and
(ii) if known, the highest bidder’s name and address.
sec.12
Sale of goods, other than livestock, by auctioneers— Act , s 236 (2) (d)
sec.12 Sale of goods, other than livestock, by auctioneers— Act , s 236 (2) (d)
This section applies if—
a person places goods with an auctioneer for sale; or
an auctioneer sells goods belonging to the auctioneer.
When the person places the goods with the auctioneer for sale, the auctioneer must enter in the auctioneer’s auction store book—
a description of the goods; and
the details of any mark, number or other particular relied upon for the identification of the goods; and
the reserve price, if any, for the goods for the auction; and
for goods other than goods belonging to the auctioneer—
the name and address of the seller or person who delivered the goods to the auctioneer; and
the date the goods were delivered to the auctioneer.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
For subsection (2) , the auctioneer may group the goods and enter them in the auctioneer’s auction store book as 1 item if—
the goods consist of articles; and
the articles are delivered to the auctioneer by 1 person; and
the lot value of the articles is not more than $50.
Within 24 hours after selling the goods at auction, the auctioneer must enter in the auctioneer’s auction sales book—
the date of the auction; and
a description of the goods; and
the sale price paid for the goods at the auction; and
the name and address of the buyer of the goods; and
a cross-reference to the relevant entry for the goods in the auctioneer’s auction store book.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
The auctioneer must keep the following at the auctioneer’s registered office—
the auction store book;
the auction sales book.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
In this section—
goods does not include livestock.
(sec.12-ssec.1) This section applies if— a person places goods with an auctioneer for sale; or an auctioneer sells goods belonging to the auctioneer.
(sec.12-ssec.2) When the person places the goods with the auctioneer for sale, the auctioneer must enter in the auctioneer’s auction store book— a description of the goods; and the details of any mark, number or other particular relied upon for the identification of the goods; and the reserve price, if any, for the goods for the auction; and for goods other than goods belonging to the auctioneer— the name and address of the seller or person who delivered the goods to the auctioneer; and the date the goods were delivered to the auctioneer. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.12-ssec.3) For subsection (2) , the auctioneer may group the goods and enter them in the auctioneer’s auction store book as 1 item if— the goods consist of articles; and the articles are delivered to the auctioneer by 1 person; and the lot value of the articles is not more than $50.
(sec.12-ssec.4) Within 24 hours after selling the goods at auction, the auctioneer must enter in the auctioneer’s auction sales book— the date of the auction; and a description of the goods; and the sale price paid for the goods at the auction; and the name and address of the buyer of the goods; and a cross-reference to the relevant entry for the goods in the auctioneer’s auction store book. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.12-ssec.5) The auctioneer must keep the following at the auctioneer’s registered office— the auction store book; the auction sales book. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.12-ssec.6) In this section— goods does not include livestock.
(a) a person places goods with an auctioneer for sale; or
(b) an auctioneer sells goods belonging to the auctioneer.
(a) a description of the goods; and
(b) the details of any mark, number or other particular relied upon for the identification of the goods; and
(c) the reserve price, if any, for the goods for the auction; and
(d) for goods other than goods belonging to the auctioneer— (i) the name and address of the seller or person who delivered the goods to the auctioneer; and (ii) the date the goods were delivered to the auctioneer.
(i) the name and address of the seller or person who delivered the goods to the auctioneer; and
(ii) the date the goods were delivered to the auctioneer.
(i) the name and address of the seller or person who delivered the goods to the auctioneer; and
(ii) the date the goods were delivered to the auctioneer.
(a) the goods consist of articles; and
(b) the articles are delivered to the auctioneer by 1 person; and
(c) the lot value of the articles is not more than $50.
(a) the date of the auction; and
(b) a description of the goods; and
(c) the sale price paid for the goods at the auction; and
(d) the name and address of the buyer of the goods; and
(e) a cross-reference to the relevant entry for the goods in the auctioneer’s auction store book.
(a) the auction store book;
(b) the auction sales book.
sec.13
Sales of livestock by auctioneers— Act , s 236 (2) (d)
sec.13 Sales of livestock by auctioneers— Act , s 236 (2) (d)
This section applies to a sale of livestock by auction by an auctioneer.
Before the auction, the auctioneer must—
enter in the auctioneer’s livestock auction book—
a description of the livestock; and
the number of livestock; and
the name and address of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock; and
if livestock is to be sold on other than a cash basis—obtain a written authority for the sale—
signed by the client; and
stating the auctioneer must pay to the client only the money actually paid to the auctioneer for the sale of the livestock, less the auctioneer’s commission and authorised expenses.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
At the start of the auction the auctioneer must—
announce the name of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock to the bidders present at the auction; and
if the auction is being conducted online, display the name of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock to each person who may bid online during the auction.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
After selling the livestock at auction, the auctioneer must, as soon as practicable, enter in the auctioneer’s livestock auction book—
the date of the auction of the livestock; and
the buyer’s name; and
the price paid by the buyer.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
The auctioneer must keep both of the following at the auctioneer’s registered office—
the auctioneer’s livestock auction book;
any written authority for the sale obtained under subsection (2) (b) .
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.13-ssec.1) This section applies to a sale of livestock by auction by an auctioneer.
(sec.13-ssec.2) Before the auction, the auctioneer must— enter in the auctioneer’s livestock auction book— a description of the livestock; and the number of livestock; and the name and address of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock; and if livestock is to be sold on other than a cash basis—obtain a written authority for the sale— signed by the client; and stating the auctioneer must pay to the client only the money actually paid to the auctioneer for the sale of the livestock, less the auctioneer’s commission and authorised expenses. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.13-ssec.3) At the start of the auction the auctioneer must— announce the name of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock to the bidders present at the auction; and if the auction is being conducted online, display the name of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock to each person who may bid online during the auction. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.13-ssec.4) After selling the livestock at auction, the auctioneer must, as soon as practicable, enter in the auctioneer’s livestock auction book— the date of the auction of the livestock; and the buyer’s name; and the price paid by the buyer. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.13-ssec.5) The auctioneer must keep both of the following at the auctioneer’s registered office— the auctioneer’s livestock auction book; any written authority for the sale obtained under subsection (2) (b) . Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(a) enter in the auctioneer’s livestock auction book— (i) a description of the livestock; and (ii) the number of livestock; and (iii) the name and address of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock; and
(i) a description of the livestock; and
(ii) the number of livestock; and
(iii) the name and address of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock; and
(b) if livestock is to be sold on other than a cash basis—obtain a written authority for the sale— (i) signed by the client; and (ii) stating the auctioneer must pay to the client only the money actually paid to the auctioneer for the sale of the livestock, less the auctioneer’s commission and authorised expenses.
(i) signed by the client; and
(ii) stating the auctioneer must pay to the client only the money actually paid to the auctioneer for the sale of the livestock, less the auctioneer’s commission and authorised expenses.
(i) a description of the livestock; and
(ii) the number of livestock; and
(iii) the name and address of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock; and
(i) signed by the client; and
(ii) stating the auctioneer must pay to the client only the money actually paid to the auctioneer for the sale of the livestock, less the auctioneer’s commission and authorised expenses.
(a) announce the name of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock to the bidders present at the auction; and
(b) if the auction is being conducted online, display the name of the client for whom the auctioneer is selling the livestock to each person who may bid online during the auction.
(a) the date of the auction of the livestock; and
(b) the buyer’s name; and
(c) the price paid by the buyer.
(a) the auctioneer’s livestock auction book;
(b) any written authority for the sale obtained under subsection (2) (b) .
sec.14
Form in which particular records may be kept
sec.14 Form in which particular records may be kept
For section 236 (2) (d) of the Act , an auctioneer may keep any or all of the following records in hard copy or electronic form—
the auctioneer’s auction contract book;
the auctioneer’s auction sales book;
the auctioneer’s auction store book;
the auctioneer’s livestock auction book.
(a) the auctioneer’s auction contract book;
(b) the auctioneer’s auction sales book;
(c) the auctioneer’s auction store book;
(d) the auctioneer’s livestock auction book.
pt.4
Keeping documents
Keeping documents
sec.15
Keeping documents
sec.15 Keeping documents
This section applies subject to the Evidence Act 1977 , section 111 .
A principal licensee must keep each document the licensee is required to keep under the Act —
in a secure, orderly and accessible way; and
for at least 5 years.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.15-ssec.1) This section applies subject to the Evidence Act 1977 , section 111 .
(sec.15-ssec.2) A principal licensee must keep each document the licensee is required to keep under the Act — in a secure, orderly and accessible way; and for at least 5 years. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(a) in a secure, orderly and accessible way; and
(b) for at least 5 years.
sec.16
Keeping documents in electronic form
sec.16 Keeping documents in electronic form
This section applies if—
a principal licensee is required to keep a document under the Act ; and
the document is stored in electronic form on a computer.
The principal licensee must ensure—
the computer system has enough capacity and backup capability to record the information required to be kept under the Act ; and
the computer system is backed up at least once a month; and
a computer disk or other electronic device used to store the backed-up information is kept in a location that—
is not the principal licensee’s registered office, or if the principal licensee has more than 1 place of business, is not the principal licensee’s registered office or other place of business; and
is unaffected by magnetic interference or another thing that may adversely affect the stored information.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.16-ssec.1) This section applies if— a principal licensee is required to keep a document under the Act ; and the document is stored in electronic form on a computer.
(sec.16-ssec.2) The principal licensee must ensure— the computer system has enough capacity and backup capability to record the information required to be kept under the Act ; and the computer system is backed up at least once a month; and a computer disk or other electronic device used to store the backed-up information is kept in a location that— is not the principal licensee’s registered office, or if the principal licensee has more than 1 place of business, is not the principal licensee’s registered office or other place of business; and is unaffected by magnetic interference or another thing that may adversely affect the stored information. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(a) a principal licensee is required to keep a document under the Act ; and
(b) the document is stored in electronic form on a computer.
(a) the computer system has enough capacity and backup capability to record the information required to be kept under the Act ; and
(b) the computer system is backed up at least once a month; and
(c) a computer disk or other electronic device used to store the backed-up information is kept in a location that— (i) is not the principal licensee’s registered office, or if the principal licensee has more than 1 place of business, is not the principal licensee’s registered office or other place of business; and (ii) is unaffected by magnetic interference or another thing that may adversely affect the stored information.
(i) is not the principal licensee’s registered office, or if the principal licensee has more than 1 place of business, is not the principal licensee’s registered office or other place of business; and
(ii) is unaffected by magnetic interference or another thing that may adversely affect the stored information.
(i) is not the principal licensee’s registered office, or if the principal licensee has more than 1 place of business, is not the principal licensee’s registered office or other place of business; and
(ii) is unaffected by magnetic interference or another thing that may adversely affect the stored information.
pt.5
Conduct standards
Conduct standards
pt.5-div.1
Conduct standards
Conduct standards
sec.17
Conduct standards
sec.17 Conduct standards
This part provides conduct standards for licensees and real estate salespersons for section 235 of the Act .
pt.5-div.2
Property agents and real estate salespersons
Property agents and real estate salespersons
sec.18
Conflict of duty or interest
sec.18 Conflict of duty or interest
A property agent must not accept an appointment to act, or continue to act, as a property agent for a client if doing so will place the agent’s duty or interests in conflict with the client’s interests.
A real estate salesperson must not act, or continue to act, as a real estate salesperson for a client if doing so will place the salesperson’s duty or interests in conflict with the client’s interests.
(sec.18-ssec.1) A property agent must not accept an appointment to act, or continue to act, as a property agent for a client if doing so will place the agent’s duty or interests in conflict with the client’s interests.
(sec.18-ssec.2) A real estate salesperson must not act, or continue to act, as a real estate salesperson for a client if doing so will place the salesperson’s duty or interests in conflict with the client’s interests.
sec.19
Finding out or verifying property ownership and description
sec.19 Finding out or verifying property ownership and description
Before auctioning property, an auctioneer appointed to sell the property must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the ownership of the property and property description.
Before listing property for sale, lease or exchange, a real estate agent or real estate salesperson must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the ownership of the property and property description.
(sec.19-ssec.1) Before auctioning property, an auctioneer appointed to sell the property must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the ownership of the property and property description.
(sec.19-ssec.2) Before listing property for sale, lease or exchange, a real estate agent or real estate salesperson must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the ownership of the property and property description.
sec.20
Finding out or verifying facts material to the sale of property
sec.20 Finding out or verifying facts material to the sale of property
An auctioneer appointed to sell property must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the facts material to the sale that a prudent auctioneer would have found out or verified to avoid error, omission, exaggeration or misrepresentation.
The steps must be taken before the auctioneer auctions the property and afterwards as the occasion arises.
A real estate agent appointed to sell, purchase, exchange or lease property must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the facts material to the sale, purchase, exchange or lease that a prudent real estate agent would have found out or verified to avoid error, omission, exaggeration or misrepresentation.
The steps mentioned in subsection (3) must be taken before the agent lists the property and afterwards as the occasion arises.
(sec.20-ssec.1) An auctioneer appointed to sell property must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the facts material to the sale that a prudent auctioneer would have found out or verified to avoid error, omission, exaggeration or misrepresentation.
(sec.20-ssec.2) The steps must be taken before the auctioneer auctions the property and afterwards as the occasion arises.
(sec.20-ssec.3) A real estate agent appointed to sell, purchase, exchange or lease property must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the facts material to the sale, purchase, exchange or lease that a prudent real estate agent would have found out or verified to avoid error, omission, exaggeration or misrepresentation.
(sec.20-ssec.4) The steps mentioned in subsection (3) must be taken before the agent lists the property and afterwards as the occasion arises.
sec.21
Prior appointment of another property agent
sec.21 Prior appointment of another property agent
Before accepting an appointment to act as a property agent for a client to perform a service, the property agent (the new agent ) must take reasonable steps to find out whether the client has already appointed another property agent (an existing agent ) to act as a property agent to perform the service.
If the service mentioned in subsection (1) is to let lots or to collect rent for lots in a building complex, the new agent must also take reasonable steps to find out whether the client has already appointed a residential letting agent (also an existing agent ) to let lots or to collect rent for lots in the complex.
The new agent must not solicit or accept the appointment if—
the new agent knows, or should know, the appointment of an existing agent to perform the service is in force; and
the client may have to pay the following if the client appoints the new agent to perform the service—
a commission under each appointment;
damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
However, subsection (3) does not apply if, before the client signs the new agent’s appointment, the new agent gives the client a written statement that, if the client appoints the new agent to perform the service, the client may have to pay the following—
a commission under each appointment;
damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(sec.21-ssec.1) Before accepting an appointment to act as a property agent for a client to perform a service, the property agent (the new agent ) must take reasonable steps to find out whether the client has already appointed another property agent (an existing agent ) to act as a property agent to perform the service.
(sec.21-ssec.2) If the service mentioned in subsection (1) is to let lots or to collect rent for lots in a building complex, the new agent must also take reasonable steps to find out whether the client has already appointed a residential letting agent (also an existing agent ) to let lots or to collect rent for lots in the complex.
(sec.21-ssec.3) The new agent must not solicit or accept the appointment if— the new agent knows, or should know, the appointment of an existing agent to perform the service is in force; and the client may have to pay the following if the client appoints the new agent to perform the service— a commission under each appointment; damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(sec.21-ssec.4) However, subsection (3) does not apply if, before the client signs the new agent’s appointment, the new agent gives the client a written statement that, if the client appoints the new agent to perform the service, the client may have to pay the following— a commission under each appointment; damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(a) the new agent knows, or should know, the appointment of an existing agent to perform the service is in force; and
(b) the client may have to pay the following if the client appoints the new agent to perform the service— (i) a commission under each appointment; (ii) damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(i) a commission under each appointment;
(ii) damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(i) a commission under each appointment;
(ii) damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(a) a commission under each appointment;
(b) damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
sec.22
Property agent to act in accordance with client’s instructions
sec.22 Property agent to act in accordance with client’s instructions
A property agent must act in accordance with a client’s instructions unless it is contrary to this division or otherwise unlawful to do so.
A property agent must not market, or advertise for sale, purchase, exchange or lease, property at a price, or on terms, different from the terms authorised by the client.
A real estate agent must not offer to sell, purchase, exchange or lease on behalf of a client a property on terms different from the terms authorised by the client.
However, the price at which a property agent offers to sell or buy property must be in accordance with the client’s written instructions.
(sec.22-ssec.1) A property agent must act in accordance with a client’s instructions unless it is contrary to this division or otherwise unlawful to do so. A property agent must not market, or advertise for sale, purchase, exchange or lease, property at a price, or on terms, different from the terms authorised by the client. A real estate agent must not offer to sell, purchase, exchange or lease on behalf of a client a property on terms different from the terms authorised by the client.
(sec.22-ssec.2) However, the price at which a property agent offers to sell or buy property must be in accordance with the client’s written instructions.
1 A property agent must not market, or advertise for sale, purchase, exchange or lease, property at a price, or on terms, different from the terms authorised by the client.
2 A real estate agent must not offer to sell, purchase, exchange or lease on behalf of a client a property on terms different from the terms authorised by the client.
pt.5-div.3
Auctioneers—conducting auctions
Auctioneers—conducting auctions
sec.23
Registration of bidders and related obligations for auction
sec.23 Registration of bidders and related obligations for auction
For each auction an auctioneer conducts at the same place on the same day, the auctioneer must keep a register of each bidder (a registered bidder ) registered under this section to bid at the auction.
The auctioneer must—
inform persons considering bidding in the auction that only bids from registered bidders will be accepted; and
before accepting a bid—ensure the bidder is a registered bidder.
However, if a bidder has previously been registered by the auctioneer for the sale of property, the bidder’s previous registration may be applied to 1 or more subsequent auctions conducted by the auctioneer.
The auctioneer may register a person as a bidder only if the person—
gives the auctioneer the person’s name and address; and
produces satisfactory evidence of the person’s identity to the auctioneer; and
a driver licence with the person’s photo on it
gives the auctioneer the name and address of any other person for whom bids are intended to be made on instructions given by the other person by telephone.
The auctioneer must, if satisfied of the person’s identity—
assign a unique bidder identifier to the person; and
record the person’s name and address, and the unique bidder identifier assigned by the auctioneer to the person, in the register.
If the auction is for the sale of property or goods other than livestock, the auctioneer must ensure—
the unique bidder identifier assigned to the person can be easily used by the person to bid during the auction; and
The auctioneer may give the person a card or other thing with the person’s unique bidder identifier clearly shown on it.
the unique bidder identifier can be easily identified by the auctioneer when the person uses it to make a bid during the auction.
The auctioneer must keep the register for at least 5 years after the day of the last entry made in it.
(sec.23-ssec.1) For each auction an auctioneer conducts at the same place on the same day, the auctioneer must keep a register of each bidder (a registered bidder ) registered under this section to bid at the auction.
(sec.23-ssec.2) The auctioneer must— inform persons considering bidding in the auction that only bids from registered bidders will be accepted; and before accepting a bid—ensure the bidder is a registered bidder.
(sec.23-ssec.3) However, if a bidder has previously been registered by the auctioneer for the sale of property, the bidder’s previous registration may be applied to 1 or more subsequent auctions conducted by the auctioneer.
(sec.23-ssec.4) The auctioneer may register a person as a bidder only if the person— gives the auctioneer the person’s name and address; and produces satisfactory evidence of the person’s identity to the auctioneer; and a driver licence with the person’s photo on it gives the auctioneer the name and address of any other person for whom bids are intended to be made on instructions given by the other person by telephone.
(sec.23-ssec.5) The auctioneer must, if satisfied of the person’s identity— assign a unique bidder identifier to the person; and record the person’s name and address, and the unique bidder identifier assigned by the auctioneer to the person, in the register.
(sec.23-ssec.6) If the auction is for the sale of property or goods other than livestock, the auctioneer must ensure— the unique bidder identifier assigned to the person can be easily used by the person to bid during the auction; and The auctioneer may give the person a card or other thing with the person’s unique bidder identifier clearly shown on it. the unique bidder identifier can be easily identified by the auctioneer when the person uses it to make a bid during the auction.
(sec.23-ssec.7) The auctioneer must keep the register for at least 5 years after the day of the last entry made in it.
(a) inform persons considering bidding in the auction that only bids from registered bidders will be accepted; and
(b) before accepting a bid—ensure the bidder is a registered bidder.
(a) gives the auctioneer the person’s name and address; and
(b) produces satisfactory evidence of the person’s identity to the auctioneer; and Example for paragraph (b) — a driver licence with the person’s photo on it
(c) gives the auctioneer the name and address of any other person for whom bids are intended to be made on instructions given by the other person by telephone.
(a) assign a unique bidder identifier to the person; and
(b) record the person’s name and address, and the unique bidder identifier assigned by the auctioneer to the person, in the register.
(a) the unique bidder identifier assigned to the person can be easily used by the person to bid during the auction; and Example for paragraph (a) — The auctioneer may give the person a card or other thing with the person’s unique bidder identifier clearly shown on it.
(b) the unique bidder identifier can be easily identified by the auctioneer when the person uses it to make a bid during the auction.
sec.24
Bids by seller
sec.24 Bids by seller
This section applies in relation to a seller of property offered for sale by auction.
If the seller or seller’s agent bids for the property when it is offered for sale, the auctioneer must disclose to the other bidders that the bid is made by the seller or seller’s agent.
If the seller sets a reserve price for the property, the auctioneer must not accept a bid from the seller or seller’s agent that is higher than the reserve price.
(sec.24-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to a seller of property offered for sale by auction.
(sec.24-ssec.2) If the seller or seller’s agent bids for the property when it is offered for sale, the auctioneer must disclose to the other bidders that the bid is made by the seller or seller’s agent.
(sec.24-ssec.3) If the seller sets a reserve price for the property, the auctioneer must not accept a bid from the seller or seller’s agent that is higher than the reserve price.
sec.25
Disclosure of bidder identity
sec.25 Disclosure of bidder identity
An auctioneer must not disclose the identity of a bidder registered by the auctioneer under section 23 to anyone other than an inspector or a court.
However, the auctioneer may disclose a bidder’s identity to the seller of the property offered for sale, or the seller’s agent, if the disclosure is necessary to—
enable the seller or seller’s agent to negotiate with the bidder after the property has been passed in; or
otherwise facilitate the sale of the property.
(sec.25-ssec.1) An auctioneer must not disclose the identity of a bidder registered by the auctioneer under section 23 to anyone other than an inspector or a court.
(sec.25-ssec.2) However, the auctioneer may disclose a bidder’s identity to the seller of the property offered for sale, or the seller’s agent, if the disclosure is necessary to— enable the seller or seller’s agent to negotiate with the bidder after the property has been passed in; or otherwise facilitate the sale of the property.
(a) enable the seller or seller’s agent to negotiate with the bidder after the property has been passed in; or
(b) otherwise facilitate the sale of the property.
pt.5-div.4
Resident letting agents
Resident letting agents
sec.26
Conflict of duty or interest
sec.26 Conflict of duty or interest
A resident letting agent must not accept an appointment to act, or act, as a resident letting agent for a client if doing so will place the resident letting agent’s duty or interests in conflict with the client’s interests.
the agent lets lots in a building complex for a client and the agent owns or has an interest in lots in the complex that the agent also lets
However, subsection (1) does not apply if the resident letting agent discloses the conflict to the client in writing before accepting the appointment or acting.
(sec.26-ssec.1) A resident letting agent must not accept an appointment to act, or act, as a resident letting agent for a client if doing so will place the resident letting agent’s duty or interests in conflict with the client’s interests. the agent lets lots in a building complex for a client and the agent owns or has an interest in lots in the complex that the agent also lets
(sec.26-ssec.2) However, subsection (1) does not apply if the resident letting agent discloses the conflict to the client in writing before accepting the appointment or acting.
sec.27
Prior appointment of another agent
sec.27 Prior appointment of another agent
Before accepting an appointment to let lots or to collect rents for lots in a building complex for a client, a resident letting agent (the new agent ) must take reasonable steps to find out whether the client has already appointed another resident letting agent (an existing agent ) or a real estate agent (also an existing agent ) to let lots or to collect rents for lots in the complex.
The new agent must not solicit or accept the appointment if—
the new agent knows, or should know, that the appointment of an existing agent to let lots or to collect rents for lots in the building complex is in force; and
the client may have to pay the following—
a commission under each appointment;
damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
However, subsection (2) does not apply if, before the client signs the new agent’s appointment, the new agent gives the client a written statement that, if the client appoints the new agent, the client may have to pay the following—
a commission under each appointment;
damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(sec.27-ssec.1) Before accepting an appointment to let lots or to collect rents for lots in a building complex for a client, a resident letting agent (the new agent ) must take reasonable steps to find out whether the client has already appointed another resident letting agent (an existing agent ) or a real estate agent (also an existing agent ) to let lots or to collect rents for lots in the complex.
(sec.27-ssec.2) The new agent must not solicit or accept the appointment if— the new agent knows, or should know, that the appointment of an existing agent to let lots or to collect rents for lots in the building complex is in force; and the client may have to pay the following— a commission under each appointment; damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(sec.27-ssec.3) However, subsection (2) does not apply if, before the client signs the new agent’s appointment, the new agent gives the client a written statement that, if the client appoints the new agent, the client may have to pay the following— a commission under each appointment; damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(a) the new agent knows, or should know, that the appointment of an existing agent to let lots or to collect rents for lots in the building complex is in force; and
(b) the client may have to pay the following— (i) a commission under each appointment; (ii) damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(i) a commission under each appointment;
(ii) damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(i) a commission under each appointment;
(ii) damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
(a) a commission under each appointment;
(b) damages for breach of contract under the existing agent’s appointment.
sec.28
Finding out or verifying property ownership and description
sec.28 Finding out or verifying property ownership and description
Before a resident letting agent lets lots or collects rents for lots in a building complex, the agent must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the lot’s ownership and property description.
sec.29
Finding out or verifying facts material to letting lots or collecting rents
sec.29 Finding out or verifying facts material to letting lots or collecting rents
A resident letting agent appointed to let lots or to collect rents for lots in a building complex must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the facts material to letting the lots or collecting the rents that a prudent resident letting agent would have found out or verified to avoid error, omission, exaggeration or misrepresentation.
The steps must be taken before the resident letting agent lets the lots or collects the rents and afterwards as the occasion arises.
(sec.29-ssec.1) A resident letting agent appointed to let lots or to collect rents for lots in a building complex must take reasonable steps to find out or verify the facts material to letting the lots or collecting the rents that a prudent resident letting agent would have found out or verified to avoid error, omission, exaggeration or misrepresentation.
(sec.29-ssec.2) The steps must be taken before the resident letting agent lets the lots or collects the rents and afterwards as the occasion arises.
sec.30
Resident letting agent to act in accordance with client’s instructions
sec.30 Resident letting agent to act in accordance with client’s instructions
A resident letting agent must act in accordance with a client’s instructions unless it is contrary to this division or otherwise unlawful to do so.
A resident letting agent must not market or advertise or offer to let lots in a building complex at a price or on terms different from the price or terms authorised by the client.
pt.6
Issuing or renewing licence for shorter term
Issuing or renewing licence for shorter term
sec.31
Shorter term for additional licence— Act , s 80 (2)
sec.31 Shorter term for additional licence— Act , s 80 (2)
Subsection (2) applies if—
a person applies for 1 or more licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and
the application has not been decided when the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act ; and
an application mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) is decided before the other applications are decided.
The chief executive may issue a licence for an application under the Act mentioned in subsection (1) for a shortened term, so that each licence mentioned in that subsection expires at the same time.
Subsection (4) applies if—
a person holds a licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and
the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act (the second licence ).
The chief executive may issue the second licence for a shortened term, so that each licence mentioned in subsection (3) expires at the same time.
(sec.31-ssec.1) Subsection (2) applies if— a person applies for 1 or more licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and the application has not been decided when the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act ; and an application mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) is decided before the other applications are decided.
(sec.31-ssec.2) The chief executive may issue a licence for an application under the Act mentioned in subsection (1) for a shortened term, so that each licence mentioned in that subsection expires at the same time.
(sec.31-ssec.3) Subsection (4) applies if— a person holds a licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act (the second licence ).
(sec.31-ssec.4) The chief executive may issue the second licence for a shortened term, so that each licence mentioned in subsection (3) expires at the same time.
(a) a person applies for 1 or more licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and
(b) the application has not been decided when the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act ; and
(c) an application mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) is decided before the other applications are decided.
(a) a person holds a licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and
(b) the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act (the second licence ).
sec.32
Shorter term for renewal of licence— Act , s 80 (2)
sec.32 Shorter term for renewal of licence— Act , s 80 (2)
This section applies if—
a person holds a licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and
the person applies for renewal of 1 or more additional licences under the Act .
The chief executive may renew a licence mentioned in subsection (1) (b) for a shortened term, so that each licence mentioned in subsection (1) expires at the same time.
(sec.32-ssec.1) This section applies if— a person holds a licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and the person applies for renewal of 1 or more additional licences under the Act .
(sec.32-ssec.2) The chief executive may renew a licence mentioned in subsection (1) (b) for a shortened term, so that each licence mentioned in subsection (1) expires at the same time.
(a) a person holds a licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and
(b) the person applies for renewal of 1 or more additional licences under the Act .
sec.33
Shorter term if holder of another licence carries on business with applicant— Act , s 80 (2)
sec.33 Shorter term if holder of another licence carries on business with applicant— Act , s 80 (2)
Subsection (2) applies if—
a person applies for—
1 or more licences; or
the renewal of 1 or more licences; and
another person who carries on business with the applicant holds a licence under the Act or an Agents Act.
The chief executive may issue or renew a licence mentioned in subsection (1) (a) for a shortened term, so that each licence mentioned in subsection (1) expires at the same time.
(sec.33-ssec.1) Subsection (2) applies if— a person applies for— 1 or more licences; or the renewal of 1 or more licences; and another person who carries on business with the applicant holds a licence under the Act or an Agents Act.
(sec.33-ssec.2) The chief executive may issue or renew a licence mentioned in subsection (1) (a) for a shortened term, so that each licence mentioned in subsection (1) expires at the same time.
(a) a person applies for— (i) 1 or more licences; or (ii) the renewal of 1 or more licences; and
(i) 1 or more licences; or
(ii) the renewal of 1 or more licences; and
(b) another person who carries on business with the applicant holds a licence under the Act or an Agents Act.
(i) 1 or more licences; or
(ii) the renewal of 1 or more licences; and
pt.7
Fees
Fees
pt.7-div.1
Fees payable
Fees payable
sec.34
Fees
sec.34 Fees
Subject to division 2 , the fees payable under the Act are prescribed in schedule 1 .
sec.34A
Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
sec.34A Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded—
if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000—to the nearest dollar (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $5,000 but not more than $100,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 dollars (rounding one-half upwards).
If a fee were 35 fee units and the value of a fee unit were $1.015, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying 35 by $1.015 would be $35.525. Because $35.525 is halfway between $35.50 and $35.55, it is rounded upwards, so the amount of the fee would be $35.55.
s 34A ins 2022 SL No. 79 s 127
(sec.34A-ssec.1) This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
(sec.34A-ssec.2) For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded— if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000—to the nearest dollar (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $5,000 but not more than $100,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 dollars (rounding one-half upwards). If a fee were 35 fee units and the value of a fee unit were $1.015, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying 35 by $1.015 would be $35.525. Because $35.525 is halfway between $35.50 and $35.55, it is rounded upwards, so the amount of the fee would be $35.55.
(a) if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
(b) if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
(c) if the result is more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000—to the nearest dollar (rounding one-half upwards); or
(d) if the result is more than $5,000 but not more than $100,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 dollars (rounding one-half upwards).
pt.7-div.2
Licences
Licences
sec.35
Fee discount for multiple applications under the Act or an Agents Act
sec.35 Fee discount for multiple applications under the Act or an Agents Act
This section applies if—
a person’s application for a licence has not been decided when the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act or an Agents Act; or
a person applies for a licence and, at the same time, applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act or an Agents Act.
If—
the licence issue fee for 1 or more of the licences mentioned in subsection (1) is higher than the licence issue fee for any of the other licences mentioned in that subsection; and
1 of the applications is accompanied by a single licence issue fee that is the highest of the licence issue fees for a licence mentioned in subsection (1) ;
the licence issue fee for each of the other licences is nil.
If the licence issue fee payable for each licence mentioned in subsection (1) is the same and 1 of the applications is accompanied by the licence issue fee, the licence issue fee for each of the other applications is nil.
If the applicant is a corporation, and 1 of the licence applications mentioned in subsection (1) is accompanied by an application fee, the application fee for each other application is nil.
In this section—
application fee includes an application fee for a licence under an Agents Act.
licence issue fee includes a licence issue fee for a licence under an Agents Act.
s 35 amd 2022 SL No. 79 s 128
(sec.35-ssec.1) This section applies if— a person’s application for a licence has not been decided when the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act or an Agents Act; or a person applies for a licence and, at the same time, applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act or an Agents Act.
(sec.35-ssec.2) If— the licence issue fee for 1 or more of the licences mentioned in subsection (1) is higher than the licence issue fee for any of the other licences mentioned in that subsection; and 1 of the applications is accompanied by a single licence issue fee that is the highest of the licence issue fees for a licence mentioned in subsection (1) ; the licence issue fee for each of the other licences is nil.
(sec.35-ssec.3) If the licence issue fee payable for each licence mentioned in subsection (1) is the same and 1 of the applications is accompanied by the licence issue fee, the licence issue fee for each of the other applications is nil.
(sec.35-ssec.4) If the applicant is a corporation, and 1 of the licence applications mentioned in subsection (1) is accompanied by an application fee, the application fee for each other application is nil.
(sec.35-ssec.5) In this section— application fee includes an application fee for a licence under an Agents Act. licence issue fee includes a licence issue fee for a licence under an Agents Act.
(a) a person’s application for a licence has not been decided when the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act or an Agents Act; or
(b) a person applies for a licence and, at the same time, applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act or an Agents Act.
(a) the licence issue fee for 1 or more of the licences mentioned in subsection (1) is higher than the licence issue fee for any of the other licences mentioned in that subsection; and
(b) 1 of the applications is accompanied by a single licence issue fee that is the highest of the licence issue fees for a licence mentioned in subsection (1) ;
sec.36
Fee discount for applicant holding 1 or more licences under the Act or an Agents Act
sec.36 Fee discount for applicant holding 1 or more licences under the Act or an Agents Act
This section applies if—
a person holds 1 or more licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and
the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act .
The licence issue fee for each licence mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is nil.
If the applicant is a corporation, the application fee for each application is nil.
s 36 amd 2022 SL No. 79 s 128
(sec.36-ssec.1) This section applies if— a person holds 1 or more licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act .
(sec.36-ssec.2) The licence issue fee for each licence mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is nil.
(sec.36-ssec.3) If the applicant is a corporation, the application fee for each application is nil.
(a) a person holds 1 or more licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and
(b) the person applies for 1 or more additional licences under the Act .
sec.37
Fee discount for renewal of 1 or more licences under the Act or an Agents Act
sec.37 Fee discount for renewal of 1 or more licences under the Act or an Agents Act
This section applies if—
a person holds a licence under the Act and 1 or more other licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and
the person applies for renewal of 1 or more of the licences.
If—
the licence renewal fee for 1 or more of the licences mentioned in subsection (1) is higher than the licence renewal fee for any of the other licences mentioned in that subsection; and
1 of the applications is accompanied by a single licence renewal fee that is the highest of the licence renewal fees for a licence mentioned in that subsection;
the licence renewal fee for each of the other licences is nil.
If the licence renewal fee payable for renewal of each licence mentioned in subsection (1) is the same and 1 of the renewal applications is accompanied by the licence renewal fee, the licence renewal fee for each of the other licences is nil.
In this section—
licence renewal fee includes a licence renewal fee for a licence under an Agents Act.
s 37 amd 2022 SL No. 79 s 128
(sec.37-ssec.1) This section applies if— a person holds a licence under the Act and 1 or more other licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and the person applies for renewal of 1 or more of the licences.
(sec.37-ssec.2) If— the licence renewal fee for 1 or more of the licences mentioned in subsection (1) is higher than the licence renewal fee for any of the other licences mentioned in that subsection; and 1 of the applications is accompanied by a single licence renewal fee that is the highest of the licence renewal fees for a licence mentioned in that subsection; the licence renewal fee for each of the other licences is nil.
(sec.37-ssec.3) If the licence renewal fee payable for renewal of each licence mentioned in subsection (1) is the same and 1 of the renewal applications is accompanied by the licence renewal fee, the licence renewal fee for each of the other licences is nil.
(sec.37-ssec.4) In this section— licence renewal fee includes a licence renewal fee for a licence under an Agents Act.
(a) a person holds a licence under the Act and 1 or more other licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and
(b) the person applies for renewal of 1 or more of the licences.
(a) the licence renewal fee for 1 or more of the licences mentioned in subsection (1) is higher than the licence renewal fee for any of the other licences mentioned in that subsection; and
(b) 1 of the applications is accompanied by a single licence renewal fee that is the highest of the licence renewal fees for a licence mentioned in that subsection;
sec.38
Fee discount to hold auctioneer licence and chattel auctioneer licence
sec.38 Fee discount to hold auctioneer licence and chattel auctioneer licence
This section applies if—
a person applies for an auctioneer licence; and
either—
the person holds a chattel auctioneer licence; or
the person’s application for a chattel auctioneer licence has not been decided when the person applies for the auctioneer licence.
The application fee and licence issue fee for the auctioneer licence application is nil.
In this section—
chattel auctioneer licence means a chattel auctioneer licence issued under the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014 .
s 38 amd 2022 SL No. 79 s 128
(sec.38-ssec.1) This section applies if— a person applies for an auctioneer licence; and either— the person holds a chattel auctioneer licence; or the person’s application for a chattel auctioneer licence has not been decided when the person applies for the auctioneer licence.
(sec.38-ssec.2) The application fee and licence issue fee for the auctioneer licence application is nil.
(sec.38-ssec.3) In this section— chattel auctioneer licence means a chattel auctioneer licence issued under the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014 .
(a) a person applies for an auctioneer licence; and
(b) either— (i) the person holds a chattel auctioneer licence; or (ii) the person’s application for a chattel auctioneer licence has not been decided when the person applies for the auctioneer licence.
(i) the person holds a chattel auctioneer licence; or
(ii) the person’s application for a chattel auctioneer licence has not been decided when the person applies for the auctioneer licence.
(i) the person holds a chattel auctioneer licence; or
(ii) the person’s application for a chattel auctioneer licence has not been decided when the person applies for the auctioneer licence.
pt.7-div.3
Refunds for licensees
Refunds for licensees
sec.39
Withdrawn or refused licence application
sec.39 Withdrawn or refused licence application
The licence issue fee paid in relation to an application for a licence must be refunded if—
the application is withdrawn; or
the chief executive refuses to issue the licence in relation to the application.
(a) the application is withdrawn; or
(b) the chief executive refuses to issue the licence in relation to the application.
sec.40
Surrendered licence
sec.40 Surrendered licence
This section applies if—
the term of a licence is more than 1 year; and
the licence is surrendered before the term expires.
However, this section does not apply if the person surrendering the licence—
continues to hold, at the time of the surrender, 1 or more additional licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and
received a discount under division 2 in relation to any of the licences.
For each whole year the surrendered licence is unexpired, an amount must be refunded that is equal to the licence renewal fee for 1 year that was payable by the person who held the licence when the fees for the licence were paid.
(sec.40-ssec.1) This section applies if— the term of a licence is more than 1 year; and the licence is surrendered before the term expires.
(sec.40-ssec.2) However, this section does not apply if the person surrendering the licence— continues to hold, at the time of the surrender, 1 or more additional licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and received a discount under division 2 in relation to any of the licences.
(sec.40-ssec.3) For each whole year the surrendered licence is unexpired, an amount must be refunded that is equal to the licence renewal fee for 1 year that was payable by the person who held the licence when the fees for the licence were paid.
(a) the term of a licence is more than 1 year; and
(b) the licence is surrendered before the term expires.
(a) continues to hold, at the time of the surrender, 1 or more additional licences under the Act or an Agents Act; and
(b) received a discount under division 2 in relation to any of the licences.
sec.41
Shortened licence term
sec.41 Shortened licence term
This section applies if the chief executive issues or renews a licence for a shorter term under part 6 .
For each whole month the term of the licence is shortened, an amount must be refunded that is equal to one-twelfth of the licence renewal fee for the licence for 1 year that was payable when the fees for the licence were paid.
In this section—
whole month means a month beginning on the day of the calendar month on which a licence was issued or renewed and ending on the day before the corresponding day of the next calendar month.
for a licence issued on 1 September in a year—a month beginning on the first day of any month and ending on the last day of that month
for a licence issued on 7 March in a year—a month beginning on the seventh day of any month and ending on the sixth day of the next month
(sec.41-ssec.1) This section applies if the chief executive issues or renews a licence for a shorter term under part 6 .
(sec.41-ssec.2) For each whole month the term of the licence is shortened, an amount must be refunded that is equal to one-twelfth of the licence renewal fee for the licence for 1 year that was payable when the fees for the licence were paid.
(sec.41-ssec.3) In this section— whole month means a month beginning on the day of the calendar month on which a licence was issued or renewed and ending on the day before the corresponding day of the next calendar month. for a licence issued on 1 September in a year—a month beginning on the first day of any month and ending on the last day of that month for a licence issued on 7 March in a year—a month beginning on the seventh day of any month and ending on the sixth day of the next month
• for a licence issued on 1 September in a year—a month beginning on the first day of any month and ending on the last day of that month
• for a licence issued on 7 March in a year—a month beginning on the seventh day of any month and ending on the sixth day of the next month
pt.7-div.4
Refunds for real estate salespersons
Refunds for real estate salespersons
sec.42
Withdrawn or refused application for registration as real estate salesperson
sec.42 Withdrawn or refused application for registration as real estate salesperson
The registration issue fee paid in relation to an application for registration as a real estate salesperson must be refunded if—
the application is withdrawn; or
the chief executive refuses to issue a registration certificate in relation to the application.
(a) the application is withdrawn; or
(b) the chief executive refuses to issue a registration certificate in relation to the application.
sec.43
Surrendered registration certificate
sec.43 Surrendered registration certificate
This section applies if—
the term of registration as a real estate salesperson is 3 years; and
the registration certificate for the registration is surrendered before the term expires.
For each whole year the registration is unexpired, an amount must be refunded that is equal to the registration certificate renewal fee for 1 year that was payable when the fees for the term of registration were paid.
(sec.43-ssec.1) This section applies if— the term of registration as a real estate salesperson is 3 years; and the registration certificate for the registration is surrendered before the term expires.
(sec.43-ssec.2) For each whole year the registration is unexpired, an amount must be refunded that is equal to the registration certificate renewal fee for 1 year that was payable when the fees for the term of registration were paid.
(a) the term of registration as a real estate salesperson is 3 years; and
(b) the registration certificate for the registration is surrendered before the term expires.
pt.7-div.5
Fees that are not refundable
Fees that are not refundable
sec.44
No refund payable in particular circumstances
sec.44 No refund payable in particular circumstances
To remove any doubt, it is declared that—
no refund is payable for an application fee for—
a licence; or
renewal of a licence; or
restoration of a licence; or
registration as a real estate salesperson; or
renewal of a registration certificate; or
restoration of a registration certificate; and
no refund is payable for—
a licence restoration fee; or
a registration restoration fee; or
the unexpired term of a deactivated licence; or
the period a licence or registration certificate—
is suspended; or
would have been in force apart from its cancellation.
(a) no refund is payable for an application fee for— (i) a licence; or (ii) renewal of a licence; or (iii) restoration of a licence; or (iv) registration as a real estate salesperson; or (v) renewal of a registration certificate; or (vi) restoration of a registration certificate; and
(i) a licence; or
(ii) renewal of a licence; or
(iii) restoration of a licence; or
(iv) registration as a real estate salesperson; or
(v) renewal of a registration certificate; or
(vi) restoration of a registration certificate; and
(b) no refund is payable for— (i) a licence restoration fee; or (ii) a registration restoration fee; or (iii) the unexpired term of a deactivated licence; or (iv) the period a licence or registration certificate— (A) is suspended; or (B) would have been in force apart from its cancellation.
(i) a licence restoration fee; or
(ii) a registration restoration fee; or
(iii) the unexpired term of a deactivated licence; or
(iv) the period a licence or registration certificate— (A) is suspended; or (B) would have been in force apart from its cancellation.
(A) is suspended; or
(B) would have been in force apart from its cancellation.
(i) a licence; or
(ii) renewal of a licence; or
(iii) restoration of a licence; or
(iv) registration as a real estate salesperson; or
(v) renewal of a registration certificate; or
(vi) restoration of a registration certificate; and
(i) a licence restoration fee; or
(ii) a registration restoration fee; or
(iii) the unexpired term of a deactivated licence; or
(iv) the period a licence or registration certificate— (A) is suspended; or (B) would have been in force apart from its cancellation.
(A) is suspended; or
(B) would have been in force apart from its cancellation.
(A) is suspended; or
(B) would have been in force apart from its cancellation.
pt.8
Transitional provisions
Transitional provisions
sec.45
Refund for property developer licence issued under PAMDA
sec.45 Refund for property developer licence issued under PAMDA
This section applies to a person who immediately before the commencement of this section, held a property developer licence under PAMDA.
However, this section does not apply if—
the person, on the commencement, continues to hold a licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and
the person received a fee concession, in relation to 1 or more of the licences, under the repealed Property Agents and Motor Dealers Regulation 2001 , section 4 ; and
the concession resulted in no licence issue fee being payable for each of the licences.
The chief executive must refund to the person the amount worked out using the formula—
where—
LF means—
if the licence has been renewed—the licence renewal fee paid by the person when the licence was last renewed; or
if the licence has been restored—the licence renewal fee paid by the person when the licence was last restored; or
otherwise—the licence issue fee paid by the person for the licence.
LM means the number of months (including any part of a month) for which the licence was issued, renewed or restored.
WM means the number of whole months, as defined in section 41(3), before the expiry date for the licence had PAMDA not been repealed.
(sec.45-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who immediately before the commencement of this section, held a property developer licence under PAMDA.
(sec.45-ssec.2) However, this section does not apply if— the person, on the commencement, continues to hold a licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and the person received a fee concession, in relation to 1 or more of the licences, under the repealed Property Agents and Motor Dealers Regulation 2001 , section 4 ; and the concession resulted in no licence issue fee being payable for each of the licences.
(sec.45-ssec.3) The chief executive must refund to the person the amount worked out using the formula— where— LF means— if the licence has been renewed—the licence renewal fee paid by the person when the licence was last renewed; or if the licence has been restored—the licence renewal fee paid by the person when the licence was last restored; or otherwise—the licence issue fee paid by the person for the licence. LM means the number of months (including any part of a month) for which the licence was issued, renewed or restored. WM means the number of whole months, as defined in section 41(3), before the expiry date for the licence had PAMDA not been repealed.
(a) the person, on the commencement, continues to hold a licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and
(b) the person received a fee concession, in relation to 1 or more of the licences, under the repealed Property Agents and Motor Dealers Regulation 2001 , section 4 ; and
(c) the concession resulted in no licence issue fee being payable for each of the licences.
(a) if the licence has been renewed—the licence renewal fee paid by the person when the licence was last renewed; or
(b) if the licence has been restored—the licence renewal fee paid by the person when the licence was last restored; or
(c) otherwise—the licence issue fee paid by the person for the licence.
sec.46
Refund for surrender of registration certificate as a property developer salesperson
sec.46 Refund for surrender of registration certificate as a property developer salesperson
This section applies to a person who—
immediately before the commencement of this section held a registration certificate as a property developer salesperson under PAMDA; and
surrenders the certificate.
The chief executive must refund to the person the amount worked out using the formula—
where—
RF means—
if the registration certificate was renewed—the registration certificate renewal fee paid by the person when the registration certificate was last renewed; or
if the registration certificate was restored—the registration renewal fee paid by the person when the registration certificate was last restored; or
otherwise—the registration issue fee paid by the person for the registration certificate.
RM means the number of months (including any part of a month) for which the registration certificate was issued, renewed or restored.
WM means the number of whole months, as defined in section 41(3), before the expiry date for the registration certificate had PAMDA not been repealed.
(sec.46-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who— immediately before the commencement of this section held a registration certificate as a property developer salesperson under PAMDA; and surrenders the certificate.
(sec.46-ssec.2) The chief executive must refund to the person the amount worked out using the formula— where— RF means— if the registration certificate was renewed—the registration certificate renewal fee paid by the person when the registration certificate was last renewed; or if the registration certificate was restored—the registration renewal fee paid by the person when the registration certificate was last restored; or otherwise—the registration issue fee paid by the person for the registration certificate. RM means the number of months (including any part of a month) for which the registration certificate was issued, renewed or restored. WM means the number of whole months, as defined in section 41(3), before the expiry date for the registration certificate had PAMDA not been repealed.
(a) immediately before the commencement of this section held a registration certificate as a property developer salesperson under PAMDA; and
(b) surrenders the certificate.
(a) if the registration certificate was renewed—the registration certificate renewal fee paid by the person when the registration certificate was last renewed; or
(b) if the registration certificate was restored—the registration renewal fee paid by the person when the registration certificate was last restored; or
(c) otherwise—the registration issue fee paid by the person for the registration certificate.
sec.47
No refund for surrender of transitioned licence if multiple licences held under Act or Agents Act
sec.47 No refund for surrender of transitioned licence if multiple licences held under Act or Agents Act
This section applies to a person if—
under section 239 of the Act , the person is taken to be the holder of a transitioned licence that is a licence under the Act ; and
the person surrenders the licence; and
the person continues to hold, at the time of the surrender, another licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and
the person received a fee concession in relation to 1 or more of the licences under the repealed Property Agents and Motor Dealers Regulation 2001 , section 4 ; and
the concession resulted in no licence issue fee being payable for each of the licences.
No refund is payable under section 40 to the person for the surrender.
In this section—
transitioned licence see schedule 3 of the Act .
(sec.47-ssec.1) This section applies to a person if— under section 239 of the Act , the person is taken to be the holder of a transitioned licence that is a licence under the Act ; and the person surrenders the licence; and the person continues to hold, at the time of the surrender, another licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and the person received a fee concession in relation to 1 or more of the licences under the repealed Property Agents and Motor Dealers Regulation 2001 , section 4 ; and the concession resulted in no licence issue fee being payable for each of the licences.
(sec.47-ssec.2) No refund is payable under section 40 to the person for the surrender.
(sec.47-ssec.3) In this section— transitioned licence see schedule 3 of the Act .
(a) under section 239 of the Act , the person is taken to be the holder of a transitioned licence that is a licence under the Act ; and
(b) the person surrenders the licence; and
(c) the person continues to hold, at the time of the surrender, another licence under the Act or an Agents Act; and
(d) the person received a fee concession in relation to 1 or more of the licences under the repealed Property Agents and Motor Dealers Regulation 2001 , section 4 ; and
(e) the concession resulted in no licence issue fee being payable for each of the licences.
sch.1-pt.1
Fees relating to licences
Fees relating to licences
sch.1-pt.1-div.1
Issue of licence
Issue of licence
sch.1-pt.1-div.2
Renewal of licence
Renewal of licence
sch.1-pt.1-div.3
Restoration of licence
Restoration of licence
sch.1-pt.1-div.4
Other acts relating to licence
Other acts relating to licence
sch.1-pt.1-div.5
Licence register
Licence register
sch.1-pt.2
Fees relating to registration as real estate salesperson
Fees relating to registration as real estate salesperson
sch.1-pt.2-div.1
Application for registration
Application for registration
sch.1-pt.2-div.2
Renewal of registration certificate
Renewal of registration certificate
sch.1-pt.2-div.3
Restoration of registration certificate
Restoration of registration certificate
sch.1-pt.2-div.4
Other acts relating to registration certificate
Other acts relating to registration certificate
sch.1-pt.2-div.5
Registration certificate register
Registration certificate register
sch.1-pt.3
Fees relating to register of undertakings
Fees relating to register of undertakings
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This regulation may be cited as the Property Occupations Regulation 2014 .
sec.2 Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This regulation commences on 1 December 2014.
pt.2 Limited property agent licences
Limited property agent licences
sec.3 Limited real estate agent licence (affordable housing)
sec.3 Limited real estate agent licence (affordable housing)
For section 28 (1) of the Act , the activities that may be performed under a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing) are limited to the following activities performed under an affordable housing rental scheme—
letting places of residence;
collecting rents;
negotiating for the letting of places of residence.
Only the following persons may hold a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing)—
a person who is a director of an approved non-profit corporation;
a person who is in charge of an approved non-profit corporation’s business at its place of business.
Subsection (2) does not limit the requirements that must be met to obtain a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing).
In this section—
affordable housing rental scheme means a scheme to provide affordable rental housing that is approved by the chief executive of the department in which the Housing Act 2003 is administered.
approved non-profit corporation means a non-profit corporation that—
is a registered provider under the Housing Act 2003 ; and
provides a service consisting of letting and collecting rents under an affordable housing rental scheme.
(sec.3-ssec.1) For section 28 (1) of the Act , the activities that may be performed under a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing) are limited to the following activities performed under an affordable housing rental scheme— letting places of residence; collecting rents; negotiating for the letting of places of residence.
(sec.3-ssec.2) Only the following persons may hold a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing)— a person who is a director of an approved non-profit corporation; a person who is in charge of an approved non-profit corporation’s business at its place of business.
(sec.3-ssec.3) Subsection (2) does not limit the requirements that must be met to obtain a limited real estate agent’s licence (affordable housing).
(sec.3-ssec.4) In this section— affordable housing rental scheme means a scheme to provide affordable rental housing that is approved by the chief executive of the department in which the Housing Act 2003 is administered. approved non-profit corporation means a non-profit corporation that— is a registered provider under the Housing Act 2003 ; and provides a service consisting of letting and collecting rents under an affordable housing rental scheme.
allows the chief executive to issue or renew licences for shortened terms to synchronise expiry dates (ss 31-33);
sets the fees regime as contained in schedule 1, rounding rules for fee units, discounts for multiple or concurrent licence applications, and refund rules including transitional refunds from repealed regimes (ss 34, 34A, 35-47; sch 1).
The regulation routinely attaches maximum penalties of 10 penalty units to many record‑keeping and procedural breaches (for example s 11(2), s 12(2), s 13(2), s 15(2), s 16(2)), thereby converting operational failures into enforceable contraventions under the Act’s enforcement architecture. It also cross‑references other statutes and instruments, for example the Evidence Act 1977, the Housing Act 2003, the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014 and the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, to place certain procedural elements into the broader statutory framework (ss 3, 14, 15, 34A, 38).
The regulation therefore translates high‑level obligations in the Act into defined behaviours, recording obligations and administrative mechanics. It changes what practitioners and businesses must physically do to comply, clarifies what information the regulator expects to see, prescribes fee calculation and refund rules, and sets out the limited conditions under which particular licence types and concessions apply.
Main concepts
The regulation organises operational rules around a set of recurring concepts that practitioners must map to their business processes. Key concepts are:
Limited licence scopes and eligibility (s 3, s 4). The instrument defines the permitted activities under two types of limited real estate agent licences: an affordable housing limited licence (restricted to letting places of residence, collecting rents and negotiating lettings, and limited to certain persons associated with approved non‑profit corporations) (s 3); and a business letting limited licence (limited to letting businesses, collecting rents and negotiating lettings) (s 4). The definition of “approved non‑profit corporation” and “affordable housing rental scheme” appears in s 3 and is expressly linked to the Housing Act 2003 and the chief executive’s approval powers (s 3(4)).
Notification of material changes (ss 5-6). Licensees and salespersons must notify the chief executive of prescribed changes in their circumstances. The lists are granular: name, business name and contact details, business address, person in charge, residential address for individuals, executive officer changes for corporations, and any change that would affect suitability under specified sections of the Act (s 5, s 6).
Auction conduct and transparency (ss 7, 9, 11-13, 23-25). The regulation specifies disclosure of buyer’s premiums (s 7), display or announcement of the auctioneer’s name with limited exceptions (s 9), and detailed record entries required when property or goods are placed for auction and after sale (ss 11-13). It requires registers of bidders and assigns unique bidder identifiers, sets identity evidence standards (example: driver licence), and preserves bidder confidentiality subject to narrow exceptions (ss 23-25).
Record‑keeping and electronic storage (ss 11-16, s 14). The regulation prescribes precise entries for auction contract, auction store, auction sales and livestock auction books (ss 11-13), allows electronic storage (s 14) but mandates secure, orderly and accessible storage and a minimum five year retention period for documents required under the Act (s 15). For electronic records, it requires system capacity, monthly backups and off‑site storage free from magnetic interference (s 16).
Conduct standards in operational terms (ss 17-22, 26-30). The regulation operationalises conflicts of duty or interest rules (s 18, s 26), sets a reasonableness/prudent standard for due diligence and verification of ownership and material facts for auctioneers, property agents and resident letting agents (ss 19-20, ss 28-29), and requires agents to act according to client instructions and not to market on unauthorised terms (ss 22, 30). It implements pre‑appointment checks for prior agents to avoid multiple commissions or contractual exposure (s 21, s 27).
Fees, discounts, rounding and refunds (ss 34, 34A, 35-44, sch 1). Fees are prescribed in schedule 1 (s 34). Rounding rules for fee units are specified (s 34A). The regulation provides discounts where multiple licence applications are concurrent or where applicants already hold licences (ss 35-38), and sets out refund conditions for withdrawn/ refused applications, surrendered licences/registration certificates, shortened licence terms and transitional refunds for licences transitioning from the repealed PAMDA regime (ss 39-47). It also specifies non‑refundable categories (s 44).
Interaction with other statutes and transitional arrangements (ss 3, 14, 15, 34A, 38, 45-47). The regulation repeatedly ties definitions and approvals to the Housing Act 2003, the Evidence Act 1977, the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014 and the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 and provides transitional refund calculations for former PAMDA licence/registration holders (ss 3, 14, 15, 34A, 38, 45-47).
These concepts convert statutory standards of behaviour into checklists and records that both the industry and the regulator can inspect. The recurring normative phrase is “must take reasonable steps” or “must ensure”, creating a standard of conduct framed by reasonableness or the prudent practitioner test rather than rigid procedural checklists in every case (for example ss 19-20, 29). At the same time, specific, non‑delegable requirements (for example the particular items to be entered in auction books at set times) are set out with maximum penalties attached (see ss 11-13).
Who it affects
The regulation affects a defined set of actors within property occupations and auction markets. The principal groups and how they are affected are:
Licence holders and applicants. All persons who hold or apply for licences under the Act are affected by fee, discount and refund rules (ss 34, 35-41). Where a person already holds licences or applies for multiple licences, discounts may apply (ss 35-38); where the chief executive issues licences for shortened terms to synchronise expiries, refund mechanics apply (s 41). Principal licensees have additional document‑keeping obligations (s 15-16).
Real estate agents and property agents. The regulation imposes active duties: conflict checks (s 18), due diligence in verifying ownership and facts material to sale or listing (ss 19-20), obligations to act only within client‑authorised terms and prices (s 22), and pre‑appointment checks to avoid conflicts with existing appointments (s 21). It also imposes record retention obligations via principal licensee rules (ss 15-16).
Real estate salespersons and resident letting agents. Salespersons must notify specified changes in circumstances (s 6) and are subject to conduct standards similar to agents (s 18). Resident letting agents have tailored conflict, prior appointment and due diligence duties when letting lots or collecting rent in building complexes (ss 26-30).
Auctioneers and chattel auctioneers. Auctioneers must keep specified auction books and make particular entries when property or goods are placed with them for sale (ss 11-13). They must register bidders and maintain bidder registers for at least five years (s 23), disclose buyer’s premium percentages and the auctioneer’s name (ss 7, 9), and follow rules about seller bidding and bidder identity disclosure (ss 24-25). Holders or applicants for auctioneer licences can benefit from fee concessions when holding or applying for chattel auctioneer licences under the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014 (s 38).
Sellers, buyers and bidders at auctions. Sellers are subject to requirements limiting seller bids above reserve price and to disclosure where the seller or their agent bids (s 24). Prospective bidders are affected by registration processes and identity verification requirements and by the confidentiality rules that limit disclosure of bidder identity to protect privacy and auction integrity (ss 23, 25).
Approved non‑profit corporations providing affordable housing. s 3 restricts affordable housing limited real estate agent licences to directors or persons in charge of approved non‑profit corporations as defined, linking eligibility to registered provider status under the Housing Act 2003 and the chief executive’s approval of affordable housing rental schemes (s 3(2), s 3(4)).
Principal licensees responsible for records. Principal licensees must keep all documents required under the Act in a secure, orderly and accessible way for at least five years, and must meet specific requirements when those records are stored in electronic form (ss 15-16).
The chief executive and inspectors. The regulation repeatedly invokes the chief executive’s role for approvals (s 3), shortened licence terms (pt 6), refunds and fee calculations (pts 7 and transitional provisions), and provides limited exceptions where disclosure to inspectors or courts is authorised (s 25(1)). Inspectors and courts are the specified recipients where otherwise confidential information may be disclosed.
Essentially, the regulation imposes procedural and documentary obligations on regulated persons, while also protecting certain market participants through confidentiality and disclosure rules. It affects administrative processes in firms engaged in agency and auction activities, and potentially the commercial choices of sellers and buyers at auction (for example through buyer’s premium disclosure and registration requirements).
Key duties and rights
This section sets out the principal duties created by the regulation and the discrete rights or exceptions it recognises, with legal reference.
Record‑keeping duties
Auction contract book: an auctioneer who receives real property for sale must keep an auction contract book at their registered office and enter specified particulars when the property is placed, and further particulars as soon as practicable after the auction (s 11(2)-(5)). Entries include dates, lot descriptions, owner names, reserve price, special conditions, proposed auction time and outcome (s 11(3), (5)). Maximum penalty 10 penalty units (s 11(2), (5)).
Auction store and sales books for goods: where goods are placed with an auctioneer or the auctioneer sells goods, entries must be made in an auction store book on reception (s 12(2)) and in an auction sales book within 24 hours after sale (s 12(4)). Specific exceptions for grouping low‑value articles (lot value not more than $50) are provided (s 12(3)). Maximum penalty 10 penalty units (s 12(2), (4)).
Livestock auction book: before selling livestock, the auctioneer must enter descriptive particulars and the client’s details and obtain written authority for non‑cash sales stating how proceeds are to be handled (s 13(2)). At the auction start the client’s name must be announced or displayed where online (s 13(3)), and sale particulars recorded post‑auction (s 13(4)). Maximum penalty 10 penalty units for the duties in ss 13(2)-(4).
Document retention duties
Principal licensees must keep documents required under the Act in a secure, orderly and accessible way for at least five years (s 15(2)). This duty applies subject to Evidence Act 1977 s 111 (s 15(1)).
If documents are stored electronically, the principal licensee must ensure the computer system has sufficient capacity and backup capability, be backed up at least once a month, and the backup device be kept offsite and protected from magnetic interference or similar risks (s 16(2)).
Conduct and disclosure duties
Conflicts: property agents and salespersons must not accept or continue appointments that place their duty or interests in conflict with clients (s 18). Resident letting agents face the same general rule but with an express written disclosure exception in prescribed circumstances (s 26).
Due diligence: auctioneers, real estate agents and resident letting agents must take reasonable steps to find out or verify ownership and facts material to sale, letting or rent collection that a prudent practitioner would check to avoid error, omission, exaggeration or misrepresentation (ss 19-20, 28-29). These steps apply before the relevant activity and thereafter as circumstances change (s 20(2), (4); s 29(2)).
Acting in accordance with client instructions: property agents and resident letting agents must act in accordance with a client’s instructions unless unlawful or contrary to the division, and they must not market on unauthorised terms; price offers must be in accordance with written instructions (ss 22, 30).
Prior appointment checks: new agents must take reasonable steps to identify any existing appointment and must not solicit or accept an appointment if it would expose the client to double commissions or damages, unless the new agent gives a written warning before signing (ss 21, 27).
Auction disclosures and procedures: auctioneers must disclose buyer’s premium percentages in every written advertisement, display them visibly to prospective bidders, and at the auction start for in‑person auctions announce the statement and for online auctions display it to online bidders (s 7). Auctioneers must display their name conspicuously for the duration of auctions or, where display is ineffective, announce it at the start (s 9). Auctioneers must register bidders (s 23), ensure unique bidder identifiers are used and maintained so bids can be linked to persons, and must keep the register for at least five years (s 23(1), (5), (7)).
Seller bidding: if the seller or seller’s agent bids, the auctioneer must disclose that the bid is by the seller or seller’s agent; if a reserve price is set, the auctioneer must not accept a seller bid higher than the reserve (s 24).
Confidentiality rights and exceptions
An auctioneer must not disclose the identity of a registered bidder to anyone other than an inspector or a court (s 25(1)). The regulation provides a narrowly drawn exception permitting disclosure to the seller or seller’s agent where disclosure is necessary to negotiate after a property is passed in or otherwise facilitate sale (s 25(2)). This preserves bidder confidentiality except for explicit, practical exceptions.
Fees and refunds
Fees payable are prescribed in schedule 1 (s 34). The regulation prescribes rounding rules for fee units (s 34A) and gives detailed rules for discounts where multiple applications are made, for applicants who already hold licences, and for chattel auctioneer/auctioneer cross‑licensing (ss 35-38). Refund rules for withdrawn or refused applications, surrendered licences, shortened licence terms and surrender of registration certificates are set out, together with a non‑exhaustive list of fees that are expressly non‑refundable (ss 39-44). Transitional refund calculations for licences and registration certificates issued under the repealed PAMDA are legislated (ss 45-46). There is also a rule denying refunds in some situations where transitioned licences and fee concessions intersect (s 47).
Penalties and enforcement mechanics are not detailed in each provision beyond the maximum penalty unit references for specific obligations; the Act’s enforcement regime will determine how inspections, notices and prosecutions proceed in practice.
Penalties and enforcement
The regulation attaches enforceable sanctions to a number of operational failures and prescribes record retention and disclosure constraints that will be enforceable under the Act’s compliance and enforcement framework. The instrument itself records maximum penalties and authorises disclosure to inspectors or courts in narrowly defined circumstances.
Penalty quantum and distribution
A recurring maximum penalty of 10 penalty units applies to many operational obligations. Examples include the duty to keep an auction contract book (s 11(2)), the duties to enter particulars into auction books at placement and after sale (s 11(3), (5)), the obligation to enter particulars in the auction store book for goods (s 12(2)) and the auction sales book after sale (s 12(4)), the livestock book and written authority obligations (s 13(2)-(4)), and the obligations for principal licensees to keep documents securely for at least five years and to ensure appropriate electronic backup (ss 15(2), 16(2)). The regulation does not attach higher penalties in any of the cited provisions.
The regulation does not set the dollar amount of a penalty unit; that amount is specified elsewhere in the relevant jurisdiction’s penalty unit scale. Practitioners must therefore calculate sanctions by reference to the then‑current penalty unit value.
Enforcement actors and permitted disclosures
Inspectors and courts are the only authorised recipients of bidder identity disclosure under s 25(1). The regulation expressly contemplates that enforcement authorities may request identity information necessary to investigate or prosecute breaches. The auctioneer may otherwise disclose bidder identity to the seller or seller’s agent only where necessary to enable negotiation after a pass‑in or otherwise to facilitate sale (s 25(2)).
The chief executive is a central administrative decision maker in fee, licence term and refund mechanics. The regulation delegates discretions to the chief executive: for example, to approve affordable housing rental schemes (s 3(4)), to issue or renew licences for shortened terms to align expiry dates (ss 31-33), and to effect refunds under the transitional provisions (ss 45-46). Those discretions will be exercised under the Act’s administrative law framework.
Enforceability and standards
Several provisions set standards in reasonableness or “prudent” practitioner terms (for example the “reasonable steps” and “prudent agent” tests in ss 19-20, 29). Enforcement of those clauses will be fact‑sensitive and require line drawing by inspectors, prosecutors or courts considering whether the licensee met the standard. The presence of both prescriptive entries (specific items to be recorded) and general conduct standards (reasonable/prudent) creates a mixed enforcement environment: some breaches are mechanically verifiable (missing entries, missing books), others will require assessment of professional conduct and enquiries as to what steps were “reasonable”.
Administrative redress and refunds
The regulation details refund conditions for fees and surrendered licences (ss 39-43) and exceptions where refunds do not apply (s 44). It also prescribes formulas for transitional refunds for holders of former PAMDA licences or registration certificates (ss 45-46). The chief executive’s role in effecting refunds and issuing shortened licences means administrative processes and decisions will be central to dispute resolution; the Act will therefore be the proper place to seek appeal rights or merits review.
Operational enforcement risk
The tight coupling of specific record‑keeping entries and five‑year retention requirements means that routine audit or inspection can produce technical breaches that attract penalties. Likewise, the electronic backup and off‑site storage requirements impose operational failure risk. Conversely, the regulation provides some practical allowances (for example grouping low‑value articles in the auction store book, s 12(3); exceptions to name display where impractical, s 9(2)).
In short, enforcement under the regulation blends mechanically verifiable administrative breaches with fact‑sensitive standards of competence and reasonableness. Inspectors and courts are the authorised recipients for confidential bidder identity; the chief executive has rule‑making and administrative discretion for approvals, shortened licence terms and refunds. Practitioners should map the five‑year retention and monthly backup cycles to their compliance and audit calendars because many penalties hinge on those operational timeframes (ss 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 23).
How it interacts with other laws
The regulation is drafted to operate as an implementing instrument to the Act and cross‑references several other statutes, thereby embedding its requirements into a wider statutory matrix. Cross‑references in the text frame approvals, exceptions and interpretive rules.
Relationship to the Property Occupations Act
Multiple provisions in the regulation begin “For section X of the Act”, indicating that the regulation supplies the particulars that the Act leaves to subordinate law. Examples: limited licence activities (s 3 and s 4 operate “for section 28(1) of the Act”), auction and record requirements reference the Act’s auction sections (ss 11-13 reference the Act, including s 236(2)(d)), conduct standards are “for section 235 of the Act” (s 17), bidder registration implements auction-related sections (s 23 referenced implicitly to auction provisions in the Act). The regulation therefore primarily provides the necessary operational detail to give effect to the Act’s framework.
Evidence Act 1977
s 15(1) places document retention duties “subject to the Evidence Act 1977, section 111”. That indicates that obligations to produce or keep documents may be affected by statutory protections or exceptions in the Evidence Act. Practitioners should note that s 111 of the Evidence Act may deal with privileged materials or similar evidentiary exceptions; the regulation deliberately preserves that statutory priority.
Housing Act 2003
s 3 links the limited real estate agent licence (affordable housing) to “approved non‑profit corporations” that are “registered providers under the Housing Act 2003” and refers to “an affordable housing rental scheme that is approved by the chief executive of the department in which the Housing Act 2003 is administered” (s 3(4)). This ties eligibility and the scope of affordable housing limited licences to approvals and registration under the Housing Act, meaning that organisations must satisfy Housing Act registration and any chief executive approval to access the limited licence regime.
Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014
s 38 provides a fee discount for applicants who hold or apply for a chattel auctioneer licence under the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014. That creates an administrative cross‑licensing concession between the two regimes, and practitioners working across both sectors should note the nil application and licence issue fees in specified circumstances (s 38(2)).
Acts Interpretation Act 1954
s 34A explicitly states that rounding rules are to be applied “for the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, section 48C(3)”, thereby prescribing the rounding method for fees expressed as numbers of fee units. An example calculation is given to illustrate midpoint rounding behaviour (s 34A example).
PAMDA and transitional arrangements
The regulation contains transitional provisions for licences and registration certificates that existed under the repealed Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act or its regulation (PAMDA). ss 45-47 prescribe refund mechanisms for persons who held or surrendered licences or registration certificates under PAMDA, and also specify exceptions where no refund is payable if other licences are held or fee concessions applied. This creates a formally navigable transition pathway from the repealed regime into the Act’s licensing regime.
Administrative law and chief executive discretions
Several provisions leave key actions to the chief executive, for example approving an affordable housing rental scheme (s 3(4)), issuance or renewal of licences for shortened terms (pt 6), and effecting refunds under the transitional provisions (ss 45-46). Those discretions will be governed by administrative law principles and the Act’s own decision‑making and review provisions.
Interactional consequences
The regulation’s record‑keeping, confidentiality and disclosure provisions intersect with privacy and evidential statutes. For instance, the bidder identity confidentiality in s 25 limits disclosure but allows disclosure to the seller where necessary to facilitate sale; disclosure to inspectors or courts is authorised. Any conflicts with privacy legislation are not resolved in the regulation text; practitioners must therefore consider privacy law implications together with the disclosure rules here.
In sum, the regulation functions as a subordinate, operationally detailed instrument that depends on and operates within the Act’s framework while cross‑referencing other statutes for eligibility, evidentiary and interpretive matters. Practical compliance therefore requires reading the regulation alongside the Act and the other statutes it references.
Amendment history
The regulation text itself includes several amendment annotations and commencement detail that are material for practitioners tracking legislative change. The primary commencement date is 1 December 2014 (s 2). Within the text the following amendment records appear:
s 34A (Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units) includes an insertion note: “s 34A ins 2022 SL No. 79 s 127”. That indicates s 34A was inserted by Subordinate Legislation No. 79 of 2022, clause 127. The provision contains a worked example to illustrate rounding behaviour.
ss 35, 36, 37 and 38 each include amendment notes: “s 35 amd 2022 SL No. 79 s 128”, “s 36 amd 2022 SL No. 79 s 128”, “s 37 amd 2022 SL No. 79 s 128”, “s 38 amd 2022 SL No. 79 s 128”. These notes confirm that those sections were amended by the same subordinate legislation instrument in 2022 at clause 128.
The regulation contains transitional provisions that reference the repeal of PAMDA and the “repealed Property Agents and Motor Dealers Regulation 2001, section 4” in ss 45 and 47. That context establishes that the regulation was designed to accommodate a regime change from PAMDA into the current Act and its regulation.
The schedule references and structural divisions (for example sch 1 and its parts) are present but the text provided does not list the specific fee amounts in schedule 1. The regulation nevertheless records that fees are prescribed in schedule 1 (s 34). Any later amendment to schedule 1 (fees) would typically be captured in further subordinate legislation or notices; such amendments are not shown in the instant text.
Practitioners should note that the embedded amendment annotations indicate discrete updates in 2022, particularly in the fees and rounding area and in fee‑discount provisions. The example in s 34A is an explicit interpretive insertion to clarify rounding in fee unit multiplication; the s 35-38 amendments appear aimed at rationalising discounts and cross‑licence concessions (for multiple licence applications and chattel auctioneer/auctioneer relationships).
This extract does not show any repeal or substitution notes beyond the PAMDA transition references. For a definitive amendment history one must consult the consolidated instrument as published on the official legislation register, including any subsequent subordinate legislation not reflected in the provided text. The Act’s schedule references to “transitioned licence” and to the repealed instrument are retained to manage legacy entitlements.
Litigation history
The regulation text does not record any cases, decisions or judicial treatment. There are no named cases, tribunal decisions or cites to litigation within the instrument itself. Where the regulation refers to statutory standards expressed in terms of “reasonable steps” or “prudent” practice (for example ss 19-20, 29), the regulation leaves the articulation of those standards to be clarified in enforcement actions or litigation under the Act and the general law. Those clarifications are not present in the regulation.
Consequently:
The instrument does not supply case precedent or examples of judicial interpretation.
There is no textual record here of disputes about the meaning of “satisfactory evidence” for identity for bidder registration (s 23), the application of “prudent” or “reasonable steps” tests (ss 19-20, 29), or the scope of the auctioneer’s discretion in disclosing bidder identity to sellers (s 25).
Practitioners seeking to predict how the regulation’s more discretionary standards will be applied or tested must therefore consult case law and administrative decisions under the Act and related statutes. The regulation itself is silent on litigation outcomes and offers no interpretive guidance in the form of examples beyond a single rounding calculation in s 34A. For risk assessment, assume that enforcement of prescriptive record‑keeping duties (books and specific entries) will be straightforward to adjudicate, while standards couched in reasonableness will require fact‑specific inquiry, witness evidence and industry practice evidence in any contested proceedings.
Gotchas
The regulation contains numerous practical pitfalls where routine business practice may conflict with prescriptive duties or where wording creates operational uncertainty. The following items are the most salient “gotchas” that arise directly from the text.
The ubiquity of the 10 penalty unit maximum for many procedural breaches
Many record‑keeping and auction obligations carry a maximum penalty of 10 penalty units (for example ss 11(2), 12(2), 13(2), 15(2), 16(2)). While this appears modest, aggregated or repeated breaches can lead to multiple penalties under the Act. The regulation does not specify graduated administrative sanctions for repeated or systemic failures.
“Reasonable steps” and “prudent” are fact dependent
Sections 19, 20 and 29 require “reasonable steps” or steps a “prudent” practitioner would take to verify ownership and facts material to transactions. These standards are inherently indeterminate and will require careful contemporaneous record of steps taken. Failure to document the steps taken will expose practitioners to enforcement even where actual enquiries were made.
Electronic record‑keeping is permitted but constrained
s 14 permits electronic records, but s 16 imposes minimum system capacity, monthly backups and off‑site storage requirements. Backup devices must be stored in a location not the registered office and “unaffected by magnetic interference or another thing that may adversely affect the stored information”. This may create compliance costs for small offices that rely on internal servers without off‑site backups.
Bidder identity confidentiality with practical exception
s 25 forbids disclosure of bidder identity except to inspectors or courts, but permits disclosure to the seller/seller’s agent “if the disclosure is necessary” to negotiate or facilitate sale. The “necessary” threshold is subjective; auctioneers and clients should document the reasons for disclosure to avoid privacy or misuse allegations.
Auctioneer name display exceptions
s 9 requires conspicuous display of the auctioneer’s name for the entire auction, but provides exceptions where display is ineffective (outdoor livestock auctions, auctions where the auctioneer moves to different items). If the exception applies, the auctioneer must announce the name at the auction start. Failure to recognise and follow these alternative steps can be a technical breach.
Registry carry‑over for bidder registration
s 23 allows a prior registration to be applied to subsequent auctions, but does not specify retention beyond “at least 5 years” after last entry. Auctioneers reusing registrations must ensure they are current and that identity evidence remains satisfactory.
Buyer’s premium disclosure duties have multiple locations and timing
s 7 requires buyer’s premium percentage to be in each written advertisement, displayed where prospective bidders will see it, and at auction start announced for in‑person or displayed for online bidders. Failure in any one of these channels is a breach; online auctions have additional display obligations.
Prior appointment checks and double commissions
s 21 and s 27 prohibit accepting appointments when an existing valid appointment would expose clients to multiple commissions or damages. The regulation permits a written statement exception, but that statement must be given before the client signs the new appointment. Agents that rely on oral warnings or late written disclosures risk contravening the rule.
Fee schedule not printed here; rounding complexity
The regulation refers to schedule 1 for fees (s 34) which is not populated in this extract. s 34A prescribes rounding rules for fee units and contains an illustrative example. Practitioners must carefully apply rounding rules when dealing with fee units and keep documentation of fee unit values in force at the time.
Transitional refund exceptions are conditional and technical
The transitional provisions calculate refunds using formulas tied to the licence term, renewal fees or issue fees, months of term and whole months (ss 45-46 refer to s 41(3) definitions). s 47 contains a denial of refund where the person holds multiple licences and received a PAMDA concession that produced nil issue fees. These are technical calculations that can produce unexpectedly small or nil refunds.
Interaction with the Evidence Act and privacy law
s 15(1) preserves the Evidence Act 1977 s 111; the regulation does not reconcile its disclosure rules with privacy legislation. Practitioners making disclosures should consider privacy obligations in addition to the regulation’s limited disclosure rights.
“Satisfactory evidence” of identity is not exhaustively defined
s 23 gives an example (“a driver licence with the person’s photo on it”) to illustrate “satisfactory evidence of the person’s identity” but does not prescribe an exhaustive list. Auctioneers must adopt consistent ID policies and record what was accepted.
These items create compliance risk primarily through operational oversight: missing entries, insufficient backup schedules, failure to document due diligence steps, and inconsistent auction signage or online disclosures. Firms should convert these obligations into discrete procedural checklists and audit them against the five‑year retention requirement.
How to comply
Below is a practical compliance checklist aligned to the regulation’s operative provisions. Each item references the governing section(s) so practitioners can map process controls to legal obligations.
Licence scope and eligibility checks
Confirm whether a proposed limited real estate agent licence is for affordable housing or business letting, and ensure activities are restricted to those listed (s 3, s 4). For affordable housing limited licences, confirm the applicant is a director or in charge of an “approved non‑profit corporation” (s 3(2)-(4)) and that the housing scheme has chief executive approval under the Housing Act 2003 (s 3(4)).
Notifications to chief executive
Implement an internal trigger to notify the chief executive of prescribed changes for licensees (s 5) and salespersons (s 6). The lists include: name, business name, business address, email, postal address, business facsimile and telephone, person in charge of place of business, residential address for individuals, executive officer changes for corporations and any change affecting suitability under the Act (ss 5(1), 6(1)). Create templates for immediate notification.
Auction disclosures and announcements
Buyer’s premium: ensure every written advertisement includes the required statement of the buyer’s premium percentage, display the statement visibly to prospective bidders, and at auction start either announce it for in‑person bidders or display it to online bidders (s 7(1)). Keep archived copies of advertisements and screenshots of online displays as documentary evidence of compliance.
Auctioneer name: ensure conspicuous display of the auctioneer’s name throughout the auction where practical; if impractical because of weather, outdoor livestock auction format or moving auctioneer, announce the name at the start and record that the display was impractical (s 9(1)-(3)).
Auction books and entries
Real property: maintain an auction contract book at the registered office (s 11(2)). On receipt of instructions to sell, record the date, lot‑on‑plan description, description of improvements (if any), owner name and address, reserve price, any special sale conditions and proposed auction date/time/place (s 11(3)). Post‑auction, promptly record the auction date, property description, sale price and buyer details if sold, or highest bid details and bidder name/address if not sold (s 11(5)). Retain the book for at least five years.
Goods (non‑livestock): maintain an auction store book and auction sales book (s 12(5)). On delivery, record description, identifying marks, reserve price, seller name/address and delivery date (s 12(2)). Within 24 hours after sale, enter date of auction, description, sale price, buyer name/address and cross‑reference to the store book (s 12(4)). Group articles delivered by one person where lot value is not more than $50, if appropriate (s 12(3)).
Livestock: maintain a livestock auction book and obtain written authority for non‑cash sales, signed by the client and specifying payment arrangements (s 13(2)(b)). Announce or display the client’s name at the start; after sale, record date, buyer’s name and price (s 13(3)-(4)). Keep the livestock auction book and written authority at the registered office (s 13(5)).
Electronic record‑keeping and backups
If records are electronic, verify system capacity to store required records and test backup capability (s 16(2)(a)). Schedule monthly backups and maintain a backup device or disk offsite (not at the registered office) in a location protected from magnetic interference or similar risks (s 16(2)(b)-(c)). Document backup schedules and test restorations periodically.
Principal licensee retention obligations
Ensure that the principal licensee’s document retention policies meet the “secure, orderly and accessible” requirement and five‑year retention minimum (s 15(2)). Maintain access controls, indexed storage and retention logs for audits.
Bidder registration process
For each auction held at the same place on the same day, keep a bidder register (s 23(1)). Before accepting bids, ensure persons are registered; inform prospective bidders that only registered bidders will be accepted (s 23(2)).
Collect name and address, and require satisfactory evidence of identity before registration (s 23(4)(a)-(b)); a driver licence with a photograph is given as an example (s 23(4) example). Where bids will be made on behalf of others, record the principal’s name and address (s 23(4)(c)).
Assign unique bidder identifiers and document them in the register (s 23(5)-(6)). Provide a card or token with the identifier for ease of bidding and retain the register for at least five years from last entry (s 23(6)-(7)).
Confidentiality and disclosure of bidder identity
Do not disclose a registered bidder’s identity except to an inspector or a court (s 25(1)). If disclosure to a seller/seller’s agent is necessary to negotiate after a pass‑in or facilitate sale, document the necessity and the circumstances before disclosure (s 25(2)). Maintain an internal log of any disclosures made under s 25(2).
Seller bidding
If the seller or seller’s agent bids, announce to other bidders that the bid originates from the seller or seller’s agent (s 24(2)). Do not accept seller bids higher than a set reserve price (s 24(3)). Maintain contemporaneous auction audio/video or clerk records where possible to demonstrate compliance.
Acting for clients and pre‑appointment checks
Before accepting instructions, take reasonable steps to ascertain whether a prior appointment exists (s 21(1), s 27(1)). Where the new appointment risks double commission or damages under an existing appointment, do not solicit or accept unless a written warning is given before the client signs (s 21(3)-(4), s 27(2)-(3)). Keep copies of searches, client statements and written warnings.
Conflicts of duty and disclosure
Implement conflict checks and do not accept or continue appointments that create conflicts unless permitted disclosure is made in writing and recorded (s 18(1)-(2), s 26(1)-(2)). Provide clients with written disclosure where s 26 allows acceptance after disclosure.
Fees, discounts and refunds
Ensure fee invoicing reflects schedule 1 as current at the time of application or renewal (s 34). Apply rounding rules from s 34A when converting fee units to dollars. When making multiple concurrent licence applications or renewals, apply the discounts provided in ss 35-38 and document the application bundle demonstrating eligibility for discounts. For surrendered licences or shortened terms, follow s 40-41 refund mechanics and maintain records of licence issue/renewal fees and term dates for rebate calculation. For transitional refunds (ss 45-46), preserve records of prior PAMDA fees, renewal/restoration dates and calculations in case of audit.
Audit and compliance program
Establish an audit schedule that checks auction book entries, bidder registration logs, buyer’s premium disclosures in advertisements, auctioneer name display/announcement, electronic backup logs and notifications to the chief executive. Ensure record retention meets the five‑year minimum and that you can produce documents for inspection consistent with Evidence Act s 111 protections where appropriate (s 15(1)).
Training and documentation
Train auctioneers, agents and administrative staff on the precise entry requirements for each book, on identification requirements for bidders, on when to refuse bidder registration, and on conflict disclosure and pre‑appointment checks. Maintain templates for written disclosures, written authority for livestock sales and the written statements required to be given to clients when prior appointments may expose them to double commissions (ss 21(4), 13(2)(b)).
Following the checklist above and documenting the “reasonable steps”, backup routines and client disclosures will materially reduce exposure to the mechanical record‑keeping and process breaches that the regulation penalises. Where discretionary standards apply, contemporaneous documentation of the enquiries and steps taken will be the primary defence in any enforcement action.
Section sec.4Limited real estate agent licence (business letting)
(c) negotiating for the letting of places of residence.
(a) a person who is a director of an approved non-profit corporation;
(b) a person who is in charge of an approved non-profit corporation’s business at its place of business.
(a) is a registered provider under the Housing Act 2003 ; and
(b) provides a service consisting of letting and collecting rents under an affordable housing rental scheme.
sec.4 Limited real estate agent licence (business letting)
sec.4 Limited real estate agent licence (business letting)
For section 28 (1) of the Act , the activities that may be performed under a limited real estate agent’s licence (business letting) are limited to the following activities —
letting businesses or interests in businesses;
collecting rents;
negotiating for the letting of businesses or interests in businesses.
(a) letting businesses or interests in businesses;
(b) collecting rents;
(c) negotiating for the letting of businesses or interests in businesses.
pt.3 General provisions about licensees or real estate salespersons
General provisions about licensees or real estate salespersons
sec.5 Prescribed changes in licensee’s circumstances to be notified to chief executive
sec.5 Prescribed changes in licensee’s circumstances to be notified to chief executive
For section 83 of the Act , each of the following is a prescribed change for a licensee—
a change in the licensee’s—
name; or
business name; or
business address; or
email address; or
postal address; or
business facsimile number; or
telephone number;
a change of the person who is in charge of a licensee’s place of business;
if the licensee is an individual, a change in the licensee’s residential address;
if the licensee is a corporation, a change of an executive officer of the corporation;
the coming into existence of circumstances for the licensee that would, under section 34 (1) or 35 (1) or (2) of the Act , affect the licensee’s suitability to hold a licence if the licensee were applying for the licence.
(a) a change in the licensee’s— (i) name; or (ii) business name; or (iii) business address; or (iv) email address; or (v) postal address; or (vi) business facsimile number; or (vii) telephone number;
(i) name; or
(ii) business name; or
(iii) business address; or
(iv) email address; or
(v) postal address; or
(vi) business facsimile number; or
(vii) telephone number;
(b) a change of the person who is in charge of a licensee’s place of business;
(c) if the licensee is an individual, a change in the licensee’s residential address;
(d) if the licensee is a corporation, a change of an executive officer of the corporation;
(e) the coming into existence of circumstances for the licensee that would, under section 34 (1) or 35 (1) or (2) of the Act , affect the licensee’s suitability to hold a licence if the licensee were applying for the licence.
(i) name; or
(ii) business name; or
(iii) business address; or
(iv) email address; or
(v) postal address; or
(vi) business facsimile number; or
(vii) telephone number;
sec.6 Prescribed changes in real estate salesperson’s circumstances to be notified to chief executive
sec.6 Prescribed changes in real estate salesperson’s circumstances to be notified to chief executive
For section 149 of the Act , each of the following is a prescribed change for a real estate salesperson—
a change in the salesperson’s—
name; or
email address; or
postal address; or
residential address; or
telephone number;
the coming into existence of circumstances for the salesperson that would, under section 120 (1) of the Act , affect the salesperson’s suitability to hold a registration certificate if the salesperson were applying for registration.
(a) a change in the salesperson’s— (i) name; or (ii) email address; or (iii) postal address; or (iv) residential address; or (v) telephone number;
(i) name; or
(ii) email address; or
(iii) postal address; or
(iv) residential address; or
(v) telephone number;
(b) the coming into existence of circumstances for the salesperson that would, under section 120 (1) of the Act , affect the salesperson’s suitability to hold a registration certificate if the salesperson were applying for registration.
(i) name; or
(ii) email address; or
(iii) postal address; or
(iv) residential address; or
(v) telephone number;
sec.7 Buyer’s premium
sec.7 Buyer’s premium
For section 92 (2) (a) (ii) of the Act , the auctioneer must disclose the percentage of the buyer’s premium payable on the purchase of goods at auction by—
including the required statement for the goods in each written advertisement for the auction; and
displaying the required statement for the goods in a way likely to be seen by each prospective bidder; and
at the start of the auction—
if bids may be made in person—announcing the required statement for the goods at the place where bidders may be present at the auction; and
if bids may be made online—displaying the required statement for the goods to each person who may bid online during the auction.
In this section—
required statement , for goods, means a statement that a buyer’s premium of a stated percentage of the purchase price of the goods is payable on a successful bid for the purchase of the goods.
(sec.7-ssec.1) For section 92 (2) (a) (ii) of the Act , the auctioneer must disclose the percentage of the buyer’s premium payable on the purchase of goods at auction by— including the required statement for the goods in each written advertisement for the auction; and displaying the required statement for the goods in a way likely to be seen by each prospective bidder; and at the start of the auction— if bids may be made in person—announcing the required statement for the goods at the place where bidders may be present at the auction; and if bids may be made online—displaying the required statement for the goods to each person who may bid online during the auction.
(sec.7-ssec.2) In this section— required statement , for goods, means a statement that a buyer’s premium of a stated percentage of the purchase price of the goods is payable on a successful bid for the purchase of the goods.
(a) including the required statement for the goods in each written advertisement for the auction; and
(b) displaying the required statement for the goods in a way likely to be seen by each prospective bidder; and
(c) at the start of the auction— (i) if bids may be made in person—announcing the required statement for the goods at the place where bidders may be present at the auction; and (ii) if bids may be made online—displaying the required statement for the goods to each person who may bid online during the auction.
(i) if bids may be made in person—announcing the required statement for the goods at the place where bidders may be present at the auction; and
(ii) if bids may be made online—displaying the required statement for the goods to each person who may bid online during the auction.
(i) if bids may be made in person—announcing the required statement for the goods at the place where bidders may be present at the auction; and
(ii) if bids may be made online—displaying the required statement for the goods to each person who may bid online during the auction.
sec.8 Large scale non-residential property transactions or holdings
sec.8 Large scale non-residential property transactions or holdings
The area prescribed for section 8 (1) (a) (i) , (1) (b) (i) , (2) (a) and (3) (a) of the Act is 10,000m 2 .
The amount prescribed for section 8 (1) (a) (ii) , (1) (b) (ii) , (2) (b) and (3) (b) of the Act is $10,000,000.
(sec.8-ssec.1) The area prescribed for section 8 (1) (a) (i) , (1) (b) (i) , (2) (a) and (3) (a) of the Act is 10,000m 2 .
(sec.8-ssec.2) The amount prescribed for section 8 (1) (a) (ii) , (1) (b) (ii) , (2) (b) and (3) (b) of the Act is $10,000,000.
sec.9 Display and announcement of auctioneer’s name
sec.9 Display and announcement of auctioneer’s name
For section 95 (2) of the Act , an auctioneer who conducts an auction must display at the auction the auctioneer’s name—
in a conspicuous position so it is clearly visible; and
for the entire period of the auction.
However, subsection (1) does not apply if the display of the auctioneer’s name in the way stated in subsection (1) would be ineffective because—
the exposure of the place where the auction is held to the elements prevents the effective display; or
a livestock auction conducted outdoors
the auctioneer needs to change location to conduct the auction, to the extent the display of the auctioneer’s name would be ineffective without repositioning the name.
an auction where it is necessary for the auctioneer to move from item to item, for example, an auction of large machinery items
If subsection (2) applies, the auctioneer must announce the auctioneer’s name at the start of the auction.
(sec.9-ssec.1) For section 95 (2) of the Act , an auctioneer who conducts an auction must display at the auction the auctioneer’s name— in a conspicuous position so it is clearly visible; and for the entire period of the auction.
(sec.9-ssec.2) However, subsection (1) does not apply if the display of the auctioneer’s name in the way stated in subsection (1) would be ineffective because— the exposure of the place where the auction is held to the elements prevents the effective display; or a livestock auction conducted outdoors the auctioneer needs to change location to conduct the auction, to the extent the display of the auctioneer’s name would be ineffective without repositioning the name. an auction where it is necessary for the auctioneer to move from item to item, for example, an auction of large machinery items
(sec.9-ssec.3) If subsection (2) applies, the auctioneer must announce the auctioneer’s name at the start of the auction.
(a) in a conspicuous position so it is clearly visible; and
(b) for the entire period of the auction.
(a) the exposure of the place where the auction is held to the elements prevents the effective display; or Example— a livestock auction conducted outdoors
(b) the auctioneer needs to change location to conduct the auction, to the extent the display of the auctioneer’s name would be ineffective without repositioning the name. Example— an auction where it is necessary for the auctioneer to move from item to item, for example, an auction of large machinery items
sec.10 Prescribed statement for listing—property agents
sec.10 Prescribed statement for listing—property agents
The prescribed statement for section 214 (5) (b) or 216 (5) (b) of the Act is—
‘This property is being sold by auction or without a price and therefore a price guide can not be provided. The website may have filtered the property into a price bracket for website functionality purposes.’.
sec.11 Auction contract book
sec.11 Auction contract book
This section applies to real property placed by a person with an auctioneer for sale.
The auctioneer must keep at the auctioneer’s registered office an auction contract book.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
When the person places the property with the auctioneer for sale, the auctioneer must enter in the auctioneer’s auction contract book the following particulars—
the date the property is placed by the person with the auctioneer for sale;
the property’s lot-on-plan description;
if there is an improvement on the property, a description of the improvement;
the name and address of the owner or the person who has placed the property with the auctioneer for sale;
any reserve price for the auction;
any special conditions for the sale of the property;
the proposed date, time and place of the auction.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
However, if the particulars mentioned in subsection (3) are contained in the appointment of the auctioneer under section 102 of the Act and the auctioneer keeps the appointment or a copy of it at the auctioneer’s registered office, the auctioneer need not enter the particulars in the auction contract book.
The auctioneer must enter the following particulars in the auction contract book as soon as practicable after the auction—
the date of the auction of the property;
the property’s description;
if the property is sold at auction—
the price paid by the buyer; and
the buyer’s name and address;
if the property is not sold at auction—
the amount of the highest bid at the auction; and
if known, the highest bidder’s name and address.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.11-ssec.1) This section applies to real property placed by a person with an auctioneer for sale.
(sec.11-ssec.2) The auctioneer must keep at the auctioneer’s registered office an auction contract book. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.11-ssec.3) When the person places the property with the auctioneer for sale, the auctioneer must enter in the auctioneer’s auction contract book
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.