Vanessa Chilli Frog

While managing landlord requests is a daily part of agency life, not every payment they ask you to process qualifies as a legitimate property expense. Agents have a legal responsibility to ensure only valid, verifiable costs are entered against a rental property’s Trust Account - and that starts with understanding what is actually allowed. So, what expenses can be processed ... read more >>

As Trust Account Managers and Licensed Real Estate professionals, we walk a fine line between keeping landlords happy and remaining compliant with strict legislative and tax requirements. While some landlords may see their rental property as an extension of their personal finances, agents must always remember: you are not their personal bookkeeper, and your professional obligations must come first. We’re ... read more >>

Here’s What the Law Says (Outside NSW) If you’re a real estate agent operating in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, or other Australian states and territories, managing sales and rental trust funds separately is essential—not just for legal compliance, but also for transparency, fraud prevention, and operational best practice. While state legislation may vary in how trust accounts must be structured, one consistent expectation ... read more >>

If you're a real estate agent operating in New South Wales, staying compliant with trust account regulations is not optional — it's the foundation of your licence. One of the most common areas of non-compliance arises when agencies fail to keep sales and rental trust accounts separate, as required under the law. What the Legislation Requires According to Schedule 1, ... read more >>

Why NSW Sales Agents Need to Get Deposit Handling Right... and How to Access Compliance Support Without the Commitment In NSW real estate, handling trust money—especially sale deposits—isn’t just a task; it’s a legal responsibility. With strict obligations under the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002 and the standard NSW Contract for Sale, sales agents can quickly find themselves in ... read more >>

Ever had the purchaser's solicitor demanding the deposit back, while the vendor’s solicitor insists it must be held? You're stuck in the middle… so what do you do? ✅ Hold the funds. Always. Under NSW law, you can only release the deposit if BOTH parties agree in writing or there’s a court or tribunal order. You're not taking sides—you’re the stakeholder, and your role is to protect the ... read more >>