10 things you should know about proposed changes to the Property Practitioners Bill

The provisions of the Bill are significant and far-reaching and will have a direct impact on how we operate in future, says REBOSA CEO, Jan le Roux. REBOSA has identified 10 key issues they are interrogating closely

1. DEFINITIONS

The Bill would extend the definition of an estate agent to a property practitioner, which could include bank employees, bond originators and building caretakers. This wider definition will mean the EAAB (the authority in future) will be inundated.

2. OMBUDSMAN

The introduction of an ombudsman, who in turn can appoint a mediator. There could be a faster resolution of conflicts but it also leads to vast powers with overlapping and unclear jurisdictions.

3. COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD

The number of board members would be reduced to a maximum of 12. The Minister can and will appoint at least one person with knowledge of the industry.

4. INSPECTIONS

Inspectors would have vast powers of inspection and the ability to seize documents and records.

5. FIDELITY FUND

The Bill proposes that consumers only be protected against the theft of trust funds from the trust account of a regular estate agent.

6. FIDELITY FUND CERTIFICATES

The current Act stipulates that an estate agent must be “issued” with a Fidelity Fund Certificate to earn commission. The new Bill refers to “possession”.

7. TRUST ACCOUNTS

Currently all estate agencies must have trust accounts. The Bill alleviates this somewhat by giving the Minister the authority to grant exemptions – but it does not go far enough.

8. REGISTRATION

All directors of companies and members of closed corporations will have to be registered as principals and thereby be qualified to be principals. Currently the EAAB allows non-executive directors to apply for exemption from qualification as principals.

9. TAX CLEARANCE

The Bill requires that all agents (not just agencies) submit tax clearance certificates annually. This could burden SARS and agents in dispute could be refused registration.

10. BEE CERTIFICATES

All agents – not just agencies – will be obligated to submit BEE certificates. The problem: no conditions have been stipulated.

Source: Jan le Roux, CEO of Rebosa

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