Consumer Affairs Victoria

Running mid-year sales? Every detail about your pricing and promotions must be accurate.

You must not promote a part or component of the price, unless the total price is as clear and obvious to a consumer.

Don't claim an item is ‘on sale’ or ‘marked down’ if it wasn't sold at the higher price for a reasonable time beforehand.

For more advice on pricing and promotions, visit consumer.vic.gov.au/pricing

A former estate agent has been convicted and ordered to repay $164,000 to the Victorian Property Fund after illegally transferring rental payments.

Daniella Vella transferred the money into a third-party account working at the now defunct Harrison Parker Real Estate in Greenvale, where she also moved nearly $230,000 between trust and business accounts.

Vella will also serve an 18-month community corrections order.

Full story: consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/essendon-agent-convicted-for-mishandling-client-money

1 in 5 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.

On the radio this morning, we’ll answer questions about your current rights and what might change.

From 10am, tune in to 774 ABC Melbourne, or stream via ABC listen at abc.net.au/listen/live/melbourne

Keep these heater placement rules in mind:

▪️ Always place them on flat, stable surfaces
▪️ Keep them at least one metre from anything that could burn such as curtains, clothing or bedding.
▪️ Never leave heaters or fires unattended or running overnight.

For more winter safety tips, visit productsafety.gov.au/wellwinter

Rental providers and agents can still use apps and other rent tech to
collect rent. But renters can’t be charged fees to apply or pay rent.​

You also have the right to pay by Centrepay or any other method set
out in your rental agreement. ​

Together, these rules strengthen protections for Victorian renters.​

Know the Funda-rentals. 🏠 consumer.vic.gov.au/fundarentals

Pyjamas sold online can be tempting for something that might only last a season. But children’s winter PJs can be highly flammable. 🔥

To keep kids safe this winter:

▪️ check fire hazard labels
▪️ avoid buying loose fitting nightwear that could catch alight
▪️ keep children away from open flames and heaters.

For more winter safety tips, visit productsafety.gov.au/wellwinter

Legal action is underway after our inspectors seized 38 toys from a Moorabbin warehouse.

The toys contain button batteries – a serious hazard that can injure or kill children if swallowed.

We allege these products failed to meet safety and information standards under the Australian Consumer Law.

YJC Imports Pty Ltd and director Yu-Jie Chang are each facing 8 criminal charges.

Read more: consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/importer-charged-after-toys-seized

📲 Unexpected call from a salesperson? 🚪 Someone at your door? 🛍️ A salesperson approaching you at the shops?

These are all unsolicited sales situations.

You don't have to agree to anything on the spot. You can hang up, walk away, or simply say no 🙅. They have to respect that, by law.

If you do sign up, the Australian Consumer Law gives you a 10-day cooling-off period to change your mind.

To understand your rights, visit consumer.vic.gov.au/consumers-and-businesses/products-and-services/business-practices/door-to-door-sales-and-telemarketing/unsolicited-consumer-agreements

You only pay the advertised rent. Agents can't take higher
offers or ask you to pay more. Full stop. ​

New renting rules are here. ​

Know the Funda-rentals. ​

🏠 consumer.vic.gov.au/fundarentals