Consumer Affairs Victoria

Three estate agencies have been fined for failing to advertise rental properties with a fixed price, after an investigation by our Renting Taskforce.

Having no fixed price can leave renters:
• uncertain about how much they’ll have to pay
• feeling compelled to offer bids to secure a property
• open to exploitation.

The Taskforce protects vulnerable renters by targeting agents and other providers who fail to meet their responsibilities, including recent changes to renting laws.

Read more about our legal action: consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/agencies-fined-following-renting-taskforce-investigation

Learn more about recent renting reforms: consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/new-changes-to-the-rental-laws

The fine print in a car loan can add thousands to the total cost.

ASIC, Australia's consumer credit regulator, reviewed more than 350,000 car loans. They found big differences in what buyers were charged. In one case, fees added more than $9,000 on a $49,162 loan.

ASIC also looked at 250 loans where the car was repossessed. They found that 90% of buyers still owed more than half the loan, even after the car was repossessed.

Before you sign:

✅ ask what the total cost of the loan will be, not just the repayment amount
✅ remember you don't have to get finance from the car dealership, so compare at least one other option
✅ check what happens if the car is repossessed, you might still owe money on it.

Already struggling with repayments? Don't wait. Contact your lender about hardship support.

In other words, check a car loan as carefully as you check the car itself.

For more information about your rights when buying a car: consumer.vic.gov.au/cars

About 20% of Victorians own or live in a property that's part of an owners corporation, formerly known as a body corporate. New rules are being flagged for how they operate.

We're on JOY Drive this afternoon to explain your rights under the current rules and what may change.

📻 Listen live on JOY 94.9 from just after 5pm today
💻 Stream at joy.org.au/player/index.html

For more detail about the review: engage.vic.gov.au/ocactreview