REA releases complaints guide in seven languages

The Real Estate Authority (REA) has today published new consumer resources translated in seven languages to help guide real estate consumers through the complaints and discipline system REA oversees. The information sheets are available in English(external link), te reo Māori(external link), Hindi(external link), Korean(external link), Samoan, Simplified Chinese(external link) and Tongan.

REA is the independent government conduct regulator of the real estate profession. Along with licensing over 15,000 real estate professionals, REA receives approximately 250-300 formal complaints a year about conduct-related issues.

Chief Executive Belinda Moffat says REA seeks to help all real estate consumers in New Zealand to navigate the buying and selling process with confidence.

“The majority of licensed real estate professionals in New Zealand work hard to maintain professional conduct standards when providing services to buyers and sellers of real estate. However, if things do go wrong, it’s important that consumers know they can make a formal complaint to REA and understand the process their complaint will follow. Our new guides will support consumers through that process.”

The Complaint Process information sheet explains what types of complaints REA can consider, how to make a complaint, and the stages the process may go through, including referral to a Complaints Assessment Committee or the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal.

Ms. Moffat says these new resources are part of REA’s continuing focus to support real estate consumers across New Zealand’s diverse communities understand and participate in real estate transactions. These resources sit alongside REA’s consumer website www.Settled.govt.nz(external link) and REA’s consumer guides on buying and selling real estate.

“Buying and selling property involves a lot of detailed information and is often one of the largest financial and emotional transactions a consumer will ever make. When English is not a consumer’s first language, this can be even more daunting. Our consumer resources are designed to help consumers understand and navigate this complex process.”

REA’s consumer resources are free to download from REA.govt.nz and Settled.govt.nz.(external link)

ENDS
For more information contact Aaron Alexander, REA Communications and Engagement Manager on 027 237 7196 or via media@rea.govt.nz

Notes
See also: REA releases real estate consumer protection information in seven languages(external link)

REA currently produces the following resources in seven languages:

• The Buying Journey Guide: advice and guidance on each step in buying a home, from researching the market through to settling the transaction and moving in.
• The Residential Sale & Purchase Agreement Guide: a detailed explanation of the key document through which property is bought and sold.
• The Residential Agency Agreement Guide: for people looking to sell a home, this guide explains what to look for in the agreement with a real estate agency.1
• View and download the information sheet.(external link)
• To read more about making a complaint, click here.

Translations were prepared by the Department of Internal Affairs translation service.

About REA
The Real Estate Authority (REA) is the independent government agency that regulates the conduct of licensed real estate professionals in New Zealand. We license people and companies working in real estate, provide oversight of the code of conduct, oversee the complaints and disciplinary process for poor conduct by licensees, provide education and guidance to licensees to assist them to meet their regulatory obligations, and provide information to consumers about the real estate transaction process. REA is governed by a Board. The Chair is Denese Bates KC. REA Chief Executive is Belinda Moffat.
People who have concerns about the conduct of a real estate professional can contact the Real Estate Authority (REA) – visit rea.govt.nz or call 0800 367 732. Consumers seeking independent information about buying and selling property can visit REA’s consumer website settled.govt.nz.

1 The guides provide general information to help understand the purpose and contents of the standard agreements. REA strongly advises consumers to seek the advice of a lawyer or conveyancer before signing any specific agreement.