Real Estate

Compliance for Real Estate Agencies & Property Managers

Real estate businesses carry strict licensing, trust accounting, and privacy obligations. Reguladar keeps every renewal date and audit deadline visible so you're always ready.

Common Challenges

Compliance pain points for real estate businesses

Trust account compliance

Real estate agents who hold rental or sales deposits must maintain trust accounts in strict compliance with state legislation. Trust accounts must be audited annually and any misuse of trust money is a criminal offence.

Licensing and CPD

Real estate licences and certificates of registration must be kept current with state regulators. Continuing professional development (CPD) must be completed by prescribed deadlines each year — often in March.

Privacy and client data

Real estate agencies collect extensive personal information during tenancy applications, sales processes, and property management. The Privacy Act requires proper collection notices, secure storage, and notifiable data breach response procedures.

Regulations

Key regulations that apply to you

These are the primary regulatory frameworks Reguladar tracks for real estate businesses.

Property and Stock Agents Act (state-based)

Licensing, trust accounting, conduct obligations, and disciplinary matters

Residential Tenancies Acts (state-based)

Tenancy agreements, bond lodgement, repairs, entry, and dispute resolution

Privacy Act 1988

Handling of tenant, buyer, and landlord personal information

Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006

Customer due diligence and AUSTRAC reporting for high-value property transactions

Australian Consumer Law

Misleading representations in property marketing and advertising

Fair Work Act

Employment conditions under the Real Estate Industry Award

Deadlines

Never miss a compliance deadline

Reguladar tracks all your recurring obligations and alerts you before they're due.

ObligationFrequency
BAS lodgementQuarterly or monthly
Superannuation guaranteeQuarterly
Real estate licence renewalAnnually or triennially (varies by state)
CPD completionAnnually (typically by 31 March)
Trust account auditAnnually
Workers' compensation renewalAnnually
Professional indemnity insurance renewalAnnually

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the trust accounting rules for real estate agents?
Real estate agents who receive money on behalf of clients — including rental income, sales deposits, and bond money — must hold it in a statutory trust account, maintain proper records, reconcile accounts monthly, and submit to an annual independent audit. The rules are set by state fair trading legislation and breaches are treated very seriously.
How much CPD do real estate agents need to complete?
CPD requirements vary by state. In NSW, for example, agents must complete prescribed CPD units by 31 March each year or risk suspension of their licence. CPD must be completed through approved providers and covers both compulsory and elective topics. Reguladar can remind you of upcoming CPD deadlines.
Do real estate agencies need to comply with AML/CTF obligations?
Real estate agents who receive cash payments of $10,000 or more, or who are involved in transactions that fall within designated services under the AML/CTF Act, may have reporting obligations to AUSTRAC. The scope of AML/CTF obligations for real estate is expected to expand under proposed reforms to bring Australia in line with international standards.

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