Residents affected by this week’s severe storms around Kurri Kurri are urged to use only qualified and reputable tradespeople to do repair work.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“It’s a disappointing fact of life that significant storms are followed by scammers who try to cash in when the community is vulnerable and stressed,” NSW Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said.
“Residents who are approached by unlicensed tradespeople should immediately report it to Fair Trading.
“Misleading and deceptive conduct is illegal and Fair Trading will do all it can to track down the perpetrators and take them to court.”
Mr Kean urged residents to remember that all building work costing more than $5000 must be performed by a licensed contractor, and all electrical and plumbing work must be undertaken by licensed tradespeople, irrespective of the value of the work.
To prevent voiding their insurance, residents should always contact their insurer before engaging contractors to undertake any repair work.
Unsolicited sales where the goods or services are valued over $100 are legally covered by a 10-day cooling-off period, and payment cannot be sought during the cooling-off period.
“As damage caused by the storms on Monday may also affect motor vehicles, it’s important for consumers to ensure that any repairs to their cars are undertaken by licensed repairers,” Mr Kean said
Storm damage can also pose issues for landlords, tenants and real estate agents, when a rental property is damaged.
NSW Fair Trading can provide tenants and landlords with advice on their rights and obligations in relation to urgent repairs and, if required, compensation.
For licence checks and more information about consumer rights, visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call or call 13 32 20.
