Landscaper fined for demanding deposit $4,187 over legal limit
Ethan Carl Jon Bailey charged a $5000 deposit on a $12,500 job, breaching building contract laws that cap deposits at 6.5%.
An Alkimos landscaper was fined $1400 for demanding a deposit more than six times the legal limit. Ethan Carl Jon Bailey quoted a customer $12,500 for landscaping and a retaining wall via text but requested 40 per cent upfront - $5000 in cash.
The law allows only 6.5 per cent. Bailey also failed to provide a written contract or the required information notice.
He did not attend his conviction hearing at Joondalup Magistrates Court. Building Commissioner Phil Payne said deposit limits protect consumers from paying upfront when work goes unfinished or poor.
- A$5000
- Deposit demanded
- A$812.50 or 6.5%
- Legal deposit limit
- A$4187.50
- Amount over legal limit
- A$1400 fine plus A$571 costs
- Fine and court costs
Why it mattersThe case shows regulators are enforcing consumer protection laws and holding contractors accountable for overcharging.
AustraliaWestern Australian homeowners now know they have legal protection against excessive deposits and contractors must provide written contracts before starting work.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago
