Information on this topic also available for:
Our services
New national business names registration service coming in 2012
|
Helping consumers
Buying goods and services
The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) commenced on 1 January 2011. It is a national law designed to protect consumers and ensure fair trading. The ACL sets out your rights and responsibilities in all sorts of purchasing situations. For example, it covers refunds, consumer guarantees, unsafe and defective products when you make a purchase using a lay-by or an unsolicited consumer agreement with a door-to-door seller or telemarketer.
We can provide free information to help you if you have a problem. But remember, traders and retailers have rights too, so ensure that you make the right choice and are fully informed.
Top of pageResolving a complaint
If you believe you have a legitimate complaint, the first step is to make every effort to sort out the problem directly with the trader or service provider. Be clear, firm and polite and state what the problem is and how you would like it fixed. Keep all relevant documents, such as receipts, warranties and quotes.
If you don’t reach a satisfactory outcome, you can contact us on 13 32 20, visit your nearest Fair Trading Centre or lodge a complaint online.
Dispute resolution
We provide free information about your rights and options to resolve disputes with traders. In some cases our staff can contact the trader and attempt to negotiate a settlement.
If our staff are unable to successfully negotiate your matter, you can consider taking your dispute to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT).
The Tribunal provides independent, low cost and accessible dispute resolution in consumer or tenancy disputes. There is a fee to lodge an application. Application forms and the fee schedule can be obtained from the Tribunal’s website at www.cttt.nsw.gov.au or by calling the Tribunal Registry on 1300 135 399.
Credit problems
We fund community-based financial counselling services across the State. These services provide assistance to people in financial hardship. To find the service closest to you, call the Credit and Debt Hotline on 1800 808 488. For more information visit the Alternatives to high cost credit page.
Cars, bikes and boats
Private sale? Check the Personal Property Securities Register!
Before buying a second-hand car, bike or boat privately, you should contact the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to purchase a certificate. PPSR can tell you if there is any money still owing on your purchase, if it has been reported stolen to the police, or if it has been reported to the RTA as a write-off.
A PPSR certificate offers protection against repossession for unpaid debts, and can be purchased for a small fee online at www.ppsr.gov.au or by calling 1300 007 777.
Warranties and repairs
If you buy a new or used car from a motor dealer and have problems with warranty issues, call us for assistance on 13 32 20. We can give you information about your options for solving the problem. We can also help if you have problems with the cost or quality of repairs to your motor vehicle.
Home building and renovating
Thinking of building a new home or renovating? Only use a builder or tradesperson who is currently licensed with NSW Fair Trading. You can do a licence check online by visiting the Online services page or by calling 13 32 20.
Our website and building publications also contain lots of practical information, covering such things as the importance of written contracts, home warranty insurance and resolving building disputes for consumers, builders and tradespeople.
Renting
We provide information to tenants, landlords and real estate agents about their rights and responsibilities. This covers all residential premises, including residential parks. We also fund a number of community organisations to provide advice and advocacy to tenants across NSW.
Any money given to a landlord or their agent as a bond must be lodged with NSW Fair Trading.
Buying or selling your home
We have information to help you buy or sell a home either at auction or by private sale. If you are using a real estate agent or conveyancer, you can check if they are properly licensed on our website or by calling 13 32 20. We also have information about buying ‘off the plan’ from a developer.
Strata living
We provide information on all aspects of living in a strata or community scheme, including management and administration, and solving disputes.
Retirement villages
If you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities as a resident or operator, or if you are thinking about moving into a retirement village, visit the Retirement villages page or contact the Fair Trading Specialist Support Unit for help and advice on 9895 0297 or toll free on 1800 625 963.
Helping business
Just starting?
Your business may require some government licences and permits before it can start. To find out what licences you need, visit the Business Licence Information Service (BLIS) website at blis.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
Registering your business name
If your business is being conducted under any name other than that of the owner, it must be registered. Register your business name at any Fair Trading Centre or visit the Business names page for more details.
Keep up-to-date
Whatever your business, it is important to keep up-to-date with the laws affecting your industry. As well as covering all the latest reforms, our website provides a wide range of information to help you run your business, including how to provide quality service, how to deal with complaints, and how to protect yourself against scams that target businesses.
Associations and co-operatives
Give legal standing to your non-profit organisation by incorporating it as an association. This provides members with important legal protection.
A co-operative is a legal entity that is owned and controlled by its members for their mutual benefit. Our Registry of Co-operatives and Associations can provide free information and assistance, as well as free association incorporation packages and co-operative information kits.
You can find out more from any Fair Trading Centre, by calling the Registry of Co-operatives and Associations on 1800 502 042 or by visiting the Co-operatives and associations page.
Safe products
Whether you are a retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer or importer, you need to comply with national product safety laws. In NSW, both NSW Fair Trading and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) play a role in their regulation.
Additionally, in NSW many electrical and gas appliances also need to be approved before they are sold.
For information on product safety laws visit the Product safety section on our website or www.productsafety.gov.au
Retail tenancy
Retail tenancy services are now offered by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner. For more information see our Retail tenancy pages or call 1300 795 534.
Get a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader so you can access PDF versions of our information.