Estate Agency Affairs Board Fidelity Fund renewals



Estate agents who intend continuing in business next year must renew their registration with the Estate Agency Affairs Board before the end of October. This timely reminder comes from Mr Bill Rawson, national president of the Institute of Estate Agents, which is the industry's professional body. The EAAB should be sending out renewal notices shortly, but the onus rests with the agents to make sure that they pay their renewal fees to the board before the month-end deadline. Renewal fees are not being increased, but penalties are levied on late payments. "This is a good opportunity to remind property sellers and landlords that, by law, estate agents must be registered with the EAAB, and to warn them against dealing with unregistered agents and firms," says Rawson. "Before they appoint estate agents to sell or let their properties, they should ask to see their fidelity fund certificates for the current year. If they are in any doubt about an agent's status, they can call the EAAB in Johannesburg and check details over the phone." "Naturally, as IEA president, I would like to encourage consumers to give preference to agents who are members of the IEA. Membership of our organisation is voluntary, and it provides agents with professional training and support. IEA membership also means that agents are registered with the EAAB." EAAB contact number: 011 880 9994 (ask for the Information Department).