Consumers reminded to be on high alert for unlicensed trades and scams following catastrophic NSW floods

With a significant number of homes damaged during the floods, residents are being warned against accepting unsolicited offers of repairs from people who may be posing as builders or other tradespeople..

Service NSW offers a free licence check tool to verify a tradesperson’s credentials while the myHome Planner tool can be used to identify key planning controls which may impact a site, such as flood-prone areas, bushfire risk and heritage orders.

Before engaging a tradesperson, people should:

• Check the trade licence via the Service NSW website
• Ask for references and examples of previous work.
• Complete the step by step process outlined on the Building Commission NSW website.
• Clarify what is and isn’t included in the contract
• Confirm whether subcontractors will be involved in the project
• Check for additional insurance beyond the mandatory Home Building Compensation (HBC) Scheme
• Understand what compensation may be available if construction delays lead to extra costs such as additional rent or mortgage repayments.

Since 1 January 2025, Building Commission NSW has received 157 reports of alleged unlicensed or unregistered trade work.

After events like floods, cyclones and other natural disasters, it is even more important to be vigilant and ensure people completing work are appropriately licensed and that Home Building Compensation cover is obtained for work worth more than $20,000. 

To complete the step by step process, visit the building and renovating resources page on the NSW Building Commission website.

People concerned about building contracts or work quality are encouraged to lodge a complaint with Building Commission NSW.

Check a builder or tradesperson licence on the Service NSW website.

Renters whose homes have been damaged should report repairs to their landlord or property manager as soon as possible.

There are two types of repairs: urgent and non-urgent.

• Urgent repairs – include gas leaks, dangerous electrical faults, burst water services, blocked toilets, serious structural damage from flooding, storms, or fire, and essential appliance failures such as stoves, ovens, heaters, or hot water systems.
• Non-urgent repairs – are those that do not pose an immediate risk but still need to be fixed.

Tenants should contact their landlord or property manager about anything needing repair. 

Landlords and property managers have an obligation to carry out urgent repairs promptly. 

If urgent repairs are required and the landlord or property manager cannot be reached, tenants may arrange repairs themselves using an approved or preferred tradesperson listed in their tenancy agreement and claim reimbursement up to $1,000. 

If a landlord fails to carry out urgent repairs, tenants should keep records of all communications and receipts and if the issue remains unsolved, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading.

More information on rental repairs is available on the getting repairs done on a rental property page.

For more information about help after flooding, visit the NSW Fair Trading website.

Quotes to be attributed to NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard: 

“While it’s heartening to see communities across the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter and Mid North Coast regions coming together in the wake of devastating floods, it is deeply concerning that some individuals may seek to take advantage of vulnerable residents during this difficult time.

“Before engaging any tradesperson to assess damage on your property I strongly encourage homeowners and tenants to verify their licence through the Verify NSW website.

“Tenants living in properties that have sustained flood damage are entitled to urgent repairs carried out in a timely manner. If landlords or property managers are failing to deliver appropriate help, I encourage tenants to contact NSW Fair Trading for support and advice.”