Estate Agents Act 1980 (review and inquiry)

This page provides general information and shouldn't be considered as legal advice. Seek legal advice if you're unsure about your legal rights. Be aware that the law can change.

Under this Act, we can also conduct inquiries into the conduct of estate agent licence holders and agent's representatives on application by the Director of Consumer Affairs or the Chief Commissioner of Police.

Cases we can hear

Review applications

A person whose interests are affected by a decision of the Business Licensing Authority may apply to VCAT for review of the decision. 

An estate agent whom the Director recovers costs of an audit from may apply to VCAT for review of the Director’s decision to recover the costs. 

A claimant who made a compensation claim from the Victorian Property Fund may apply to VCAT for a review of the Secretary’s decision to disallow the claim. A claimant may only apply to VCAT after the claimant has exhausted all relevant rights of action and other legal remedies for the recovery of the money against the estate and all other persons liable. 

Inquiries

Only the Director of Consumer Affairs or the Chief Commissioner of Police may apply for VCAT to hold an inquiry.

The Act sets out specific reasons why disciplinary action may be taken. The Director or Chief Commissioner's application for inquiry will set out grounds of action.

For estate agents, the grounds will concern whether the estate agent:

• has contravened or failed to comply with the Estate Agents Act 1980 or the regulations or the Sale of Land Act 1962
• is of good character or is otherwise a fit and proper person to hold a licence
• has been guilty of conduct as an estate agent which renders him or her unfit to hold a licence
• improperly obtained, or is improperly holding a licence.

For directors or effective officers in control of a corporation and for members of a private corporate, in addition to the above, the grounds concern whether the director or officer in effective control:

• has failed to pay any fines he or she was required to pay or costs imposed on him or her under the Estate Agents Act 1980 or the Sale of Land Act 1962.

See section 25 of the Act for detail of the grounds.

For agent's representatives, the grounds concern whether the agent's representative:

• is eligible to be an agent's representative
• is of good character or is otherwise a fit and proper person to be an agent's representative
• has been guilty of conduct as an agent's representative which renders him or her unfit to be an agent's representative
• has contravened or failed to comply with the Estate Agents Act 1980 or the regulations; or the Sale of Land Act 1962.

If the inquiry is about your character or conduct you will be a party to the inquiry.

Legislation that gives VCAT the power to hear these applications

Review applications

Section 32, 64A and 81 of the Estate Agents Act 1980

Inquiries

Sections 25 and 28 of the Estate Agents Act 1980

Documents you need to apply

If you have a decision document, use it to help you complete the VCAT application form and attach a copy of the document to your application.

Time limits

Review applications

You must make your application within 28 days from when:

• the decision was made, or
• if you have requested a statement of reasons under the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act, the statement of reasons is given to you or you are informed that a statement of reasons will not be given.

You may be able to apply for an extension to this time limit.

Inquiries

There are no time limits for applications for inquiry.

What can VCAT order?

Review applications

Unless the relevant Act of Parliament gives us different powers, VCAT can:

• affirm the original decision, in which case the original decision will stand
• vary the decision
• set aside the decision and substitute our own decision
• set aside the decision and send back the matter for reconsideration by the decision maker giving directions or recommendations
• invite the decision maker to reconsider their decision at any time during the case.

Inquiries

If VCAT finds grounds of action proven, we may:

• reprimand
• impose requirements, conditions or limitations
• suspend or cancel a licence
• disqualify the person from holding a licence either permanently or for a specified period
• declare a person ineligible to hold a licence or be an agent's representative either permanently or temporarily
• require undertakings to be given
• may impose a penalty of up to $5000.

Apply

We can explain the application process and what the form is asking you for. Contact us to get support.

We can't give you legal advice. This means we can't tell you what to write in your application or recommend how to get the outcome you want.

Seek legal help if you're unsure about your options or need advice about your claim.

Do I need a lawyer or professional representative?

You don't need to have legal or other professional representation to appear at VCAT. If you want to be represented by a lawyer or a professional advocate, usually you must ask for VCAT's permission. Be aware that the regulatory body in most cases uses legal representation.

Find legal services that may be able to assist you.

Access and privacy

VCAT hearings and files are usually public.

VCAT has limited authority to restrict who can access cases and files but, in certain circumstances, you can apply for confidentiality.