CONSUMING MATTERS

March 2003

PRODUCED BY

THE CONSUMER AND TENANT RESOURCE CENTRE OUTER EAST

FUNDED BY THE CONSUMER AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS VICTORIA

NEW CREDIT CARD CHARGES

As from January 2003 merchants can charge you extra for paying by credit card, there is no requirement for such a fee to be charged and it is expected that many merchants will not charge one. However, where a merchant does charge a fee it will be up to them to determine the amount of that fee and different merchants may charge different fees.

If a merchant does impose a credit card fee, they should make sure that you are aware that there will be an extra charge and how much it will be, so that you can decide whether to pay by credit card or not.
Merchants may use a variety of means to inform, including prominent in-store and point-of-sale signage, and prominent messages on bills and the internet.

If you are not sure whether a merchant charges a fee ask them before you purchase.Don't forget recurring debits linked to your credit card, such as mobile phones, internet or gym fees. If the merchant that direct debits your account introduces a credit card fee, you might find it less costly to have the direct debit linked to your transaction account instead.

If you would like more information on credit cards, give us a ring at the centre on 9761 0288 .

REMOVALISTS

Removalists have not enjoyed a good reputation for many years due to the unprofessional behaviour of a few. To address this, the Victorian Furniture Removers Association (VFRA) introduced a Code of Conduct and more recently, they have established an accreditation process. If you are thinking of shifting and employing a removalist you can now ask for their accreditation number and/or ring the VFRA for referral to members in your area.

Reputable removalists will be happy to explain the total cost of the removal and not come up with extras when they arrive on the doorstep. They also have a dispute committee if a disagreement does arise regarding price, goods not arriving or any other breaches of the Code of Conduct.
When you contact a removalists ask them to send a copy of the contract and if there is a condition that you are not happy about you have time organise another carrier. Quite often it is too late to change carriers if they arrive to shift your belongings and present you with a contract that you do not agree to. If there is a condition that you must pay prior to the goods being taken out of the van then watch out.

Despite all good intentions sometimes things do go wrong and it is essential that you purchase insurance cover to ensure your goods are protected from damage or loss. You need to read the insurance document carefully to see what is excluded or how your cover might be limited.
The VFRA has published brochures on removals and insurance, which can be obtained from our Centre.

ETHANOL BLENDED PETROL

New laws came into operation on 1/5/03 in Victoria which made it mandatory to display labels on pumps dispensing petrol with ethanol.
To assist consumers and retailers understand the new laws, Consumer Affairs have produced two information sheets on Ethanol labelling. Additionally, Choice magazine has done an article "Ethanol in Petrol - Should you Care?" which highlights the differences from state to state and industry to government. To receive copies of this information contact the Centre on 9761 0288.

KNOW YOUR LEGISLATION

We have had an increase in calls from tenants complaining about private landlords and Estate Agents failing to comply with the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. In particular, the complaints concern failure to give required notice of entry to the tenanted property. The Act states that tenants must be given written 24 hour notice that sets out the reasons for entry and number of persons coming onto the premises. Tenants can refuse entry if this is not complied with.

TENANTS CHECKLIST

If you are about to rent a property, listed below are a few things for you to consider. Often, particularly if properties are inspected at night or with other tenants still residing there the absence of important amenities or facilities is overlooked.
Check the following:

• Adequate smoke detectors.
• Doors and windows open and shut, have flyscreens and adequate locks
• Power points
• Blinds or curtains on all windows
• Heating. What sort?
• TV outlet and an antenna
• Telephone connection
• Exhaust fans, kitchen and bathroom
• Any sign of vermin e.g. mice, possums etc
• Clothesline
• Can you maintain the garden?
• Is public transport nearby?
• Is the property on a busy road or close to a railway line?
  

If during the inspection you come to an agreement that something will be done if you take the property, make sure that you get it in writing. In most cases, if you move into a property and something is broken or in need of repair the landlord will be required, by law, to carry out the repair.

OLDER AND WISER

Older and wiser is a consumer guide for seniors. It is a handy reference and contains information on buying goods and services. Topics include; Internet shopping, scams, housing options, cars, funerals, and how to deal to with tradespeople. Knowing your rights can help you avoid disputes or help resolve them if they do occur. There is also a list of organisations that can be contacted for further advice and support. You can obtain the magazine from the Centre.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT 1970

Did you know that a person must not deposit a document in or on any vehicle without the consent of the owner or driver of the vehicle. Also you must not affix any document on to any fixed structure without the express consent of the owner, occupier or manager of the structure.

An unsolicited document is one that is not addressed by name to a person who owns or occupies the premises. Unsolicited documents must be put into mailboxes. Advertising material must not be deposited in mailboxes that have a legible sign or marking which states "No Advertising Material" or "No Junk Mail", or words to that effect. Newspapers, Magazines, Political paperwork, council or utility information etc are not included in the category of junk mail.

The penalty for breaches of this section of the Act is $1,000. If you are interested in reading more of this Act you can contact us and we will send you a copy of Section 45 of the Environment Protection Act 1970.

SCAMS UPDATE

Recently, we were telling listeners to our Monday morning radio program on Eastern FM about the latest scams. Afterwards we had a call from a consumer who had received a lot of letters saying that she had won different competitions. However, to collect her winnings she would need to forward a sum of money to the organisation involved. The consumer got tired of receiving these letters so she decided to write back saying they could deduct the amount from the winnings and send her the rest of the money. The consumer has not had any letters since and recommends this as a way of stopping this type of letter.