A proposal to introduce a registration system for managers of residential property which will weed out unprofessional or dodgy operators has been welcomed by local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo. Mr Piccolo said that over the years he has received numerous complaints about the unprofessional conduct of a small number of property managers. “Some of the behaviour described to me has bordered on bullying and harassment, to the point that tenants have left their tenancy rather than put up with ongoing abuse,” said Mr Piccolo. “The situation has been so bad in a small number of cases that local churches have stepped in to support the tenant.” “While I appreciate that property managers need to protect the interests of landlords, nevertheless they need to behave in an ethical and professional manner.” At present, commercial property managers must be registered as a land agent or sales representative under the Land Agents Act – but the requirement does not extend to the residential property sector. Mr Piccolo said that the move is in response to complaints lodged with the State’s consumer watchdog, Consumer and Business Services, receiving about 180 calls a month from tenants, property managers and landlords from across the state relating to either inadequate service or alleged inappropriate or poor behaviour from a property manager. “A registration system would protect both landlords and tenants, as often landlords pay for a service they do not receive,” Mr Piccolo said. Mr Piccolo said that his experience has been that the overwhelming majority of property managers have done a good job but the small number who have behaved badly have done disproportionate damage to landlords or tenants. Proposed changes will include the development of a Code of Conduct for the real estate industry. It would only apply to people who are employed by a registered land agent and not those with a less formal arrangement such as managing a residential property for a relative. The Government will consult the industry and the non-Government sector on the proposal before releasing a draft Bill and Code of Conduct for public comment in the first quarter of next year. Mr Piccolo said he would welcome feedback from landlords and tenants in the local area about their experiences with property managers. Extending the regulatory system to residential property management – and the development of a Code of Conduct – will bring South Australia into line with other states and territories. Consumer and Business Services Minister John Rau said tenants should be able to rent and landlords rent out a property, secure in the knowledge that a qualified, professional property manager will act properly. “The proposed changes will offer better protection to both tenants and landlords. The Code of Conduct will ensure the industry is held to a clear, high standard,” said Mr Rau. “We will work with industry on what training managers might require, how standards will be set and enforced, and how the scheme should be implemented.”