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NSW launches ‘Name and Shame’ list to keep records on shady agents
NSW property owners can now run their own background checks on agents and property managers using a new database that lists anyone flagged by the state watchdog, keeping dodgy agents in check.
The new “Name and Shame” register, introduced by NSW Fair Trading, will enable consumers to search for an agent or property manager and see any marks against their record, including fines, suspensions, or licence cancellations.
Launching immediately, property professionals will see any actions against them or punishments handed down by Fair Trading appear on the list, as well as public warnings.
With the implementation of the “Name and Shame” list, consumers will have easy access to the relevant information regarding an agent and any actions Fair Trading has taken against them.
Public warnings, cancellations, or suspensions appear on the list from the date they take effect, while fines and prosecutions will be displayed following the conclusion of their appeal period.
The list allows consumers to search by the trader's name, Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN), licence number, or the suburb of operation, and will also include public warnings, enforceable undertakings, and prosecution outcomes.
NSW's newest “Name and Shame” list initiative followed a busy financial year for NSW Fair Trading, which completed 500 investigations and 300 inspections, resulting in 300 penalty notices worth more than $430,000.
In addition to issuing fines, Fair Trading also carried out significant licensing actions, including suspensions, disqualifications and cancellations.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong, said the list formed part of the government’s plans to increase clarity and confidence in the real estate sector.
“Consumers deserve transparency and choice, and the Name and Shame list gives them all the information they need to make confident decisions before engaging or dealing with an agent,” Chanthivong said.
“Misleading or deceptive conduct not only causes consumer detriment, but it also frustrates other real estate agents who do the right thing when advising home owners.”
“Publishing serious breaches and repeated non-compliance sends a clear message that accountability matters.”
Strata and Property Services commissioner Angus Abadee said the list would support the disciplinary actions taken by Fair Trading’s Strata and Property Services and Rental Taskforces by ensuring transparency around actions against non-compliant traders.
“The list has been built with clear publication guidelines, timeframes and processes to correct errors and manage privacy where appropriate,” Abadee said.
“It’s about transparency that’s fair to consumers and businesses.”
Consumer Policy Research Centre CEO Erin Turner said the implementation of the list was a practical and helpful step to support all parties in the property market.
“For renters in particular, choosing an agent isn’t a level playing field, and this kind of transparency helps people spot red flags early, instead of discovering problems once they’re locked into a lease.”
“Bringing this information into an easy-to-search list makes it an even more powerful regulatory tool,” Turner concluded.