Minister for Fair Trading Virginia Judge today condemned a Sydney-based father and son who have been disqualified from holding real estate licences for seven years following a NSW Fair Trading investigation.

Kenneth Mason and his son Ryan Mason operated as agents and directors under the company name Mason Estate Agents Pty Ltd (trading as LJ Hooker Kogarah), 19 Station Street, Kogarah between 2004 and early 2008.

The business operated by the company was sold in early 2008. The company was then wound up and deregistered in December 2009.

“Landlords, tenants and property buyers and vendors deserve peace of mind when it comes to conducting business with their estate agent,” Ms Judge said.

“The vast majority of agents act ethically and fairly. Their good reputation should not be blighted by the dishonesty of others.

“This ban sends a clear warning to agents who think they can flout our laws and treat consumers with contempt.

“We will investigate you and not hesitate to take appropriate action, including barring you from the industry.”

Ms Judge said the investigation revealed breaches of the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 and Landlord and Tenant (Rental Bonds) Act 1977, including:

• Sales and rent trust account deficiencies totalling $148,752.
• Failure to lodge 68 residential rental bonds totalling $88,620.
• Carry on with real estate business for a further three and a half months after the expiry of its licence on 10 November 2007 and
• Failure to comply with statutory requirements of the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002, including maintenance of company records lodging annual audit reports within the required timeframe.

“As Minister, I condemn these activities wholeheartedly,” Ms Judge said.

“These former agents diced with other people’s money and trust, broke the law and have deservedly lost their livelihoods for the next seven years.

“The good news is that all monies have been accounted for, but that does not take away the distress their actions may have caused their clients.

“Always make sure that the agent, salesperson or manager you wish to deal with holds a current licence or certificate of registration for the type of work you want them to do.

“Take advantage of the Government’s online property licence check on this website.”

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