MIDDLE Swan, Quinns Rocks and Armadale customers hope to be paid compensation after a rogue tree lopper who took payment without doing the job received his Perth Magistrate’s Court order.

A Seville Grove tradesman who took upfront deposits for tree lopping and fencing jobs but failed to complete the work has been ordered to pay $23,400 in fines and compensation.

Two of the jobs were to undertake tree-lopping and pruning work for consumers in Middle Swan and Quinns Rocks, where Mr Maiava collected deposits before revising the initial quotes and demanding more money.

He then failed to complete the contracted work or return the clients’ deposits.

It is the second time Consumer Protection has prosecuted Mr Maiava for similar offences, after he and his company were fined $3000 in October 2019 for taking upfront payment for a tree lopping job in Mariginiup that was never completed.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake was disappointed Mr Maiava had failed to learn his lesson after the initial prosecution.

“While the majority of tradies do the right thing, the Australian Consumer Law protects consumers from the ones, like Mr Maiava, who don’t,” Ms Blake said.

“We want consumers to know that if a tradesperson increases a quoted price after accepting a deposit and before providing the service, they are entitled to a full refund and are under no obligation to proceed.

“To avoid being left high and dry if a tradie doesn’t do the job, we always recommend paying a small deposit of around 10 per cent.

“For bigger jobs, try to agree on payments as the work gets done, so you’re not paying for everything upfront.

“For added security, consider paying by credit card, which offers the advantage of a chargeback if the goods or services aren’t provided as agreed.”

Consumers who have issues with tradespeople taking deposits and then failing to begin or complete the work can contact Consumer Protection by email consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 304 054.