Unregistered painter’s brush with law – Christopher Robert Larden

An Innaloo tradesman has been fined $1,500 and ordered to pay almost $600 in costs after he falsely presented as a registered painter and carried out painting work that requires registration.

Christopher Robert Larden did not appear at Armadale Magistrates Court on 4 August 2020 when he was sentenced for breaching WA’s building registration laws, which stipulate that only a registered painting contractor can carry out painting work valued at more than $1,000 for another person for payment or reward.

The court heard that in July 2018, a home owner in Treeby responded to an online advertisement in which Mr Larden described himself as a “licensed painter and decorator”. After providing a quote of $1,800 to paint the interior walls, Mr Larden completed the work within 10 days.

He has never held registration as a painting contractor or painting practitioner.

Building and Energy previously issued two warnings to Mr Larden in 2016 for advertising for painting services while not registered as a painting contractor.

Building and Energy Executive Director Saj Abdoolakhan encouraged home owners to ask to see a painter’s registration card or check the online Register of Painters when choosing someone to do painting jobs valued above $1,000.

“Registration aims to protect consumers by ensuring that a painter has the appropriate qualifications and experience to take on the project, as well as being a fit and proper person with police clearances and appropriate references,” he said.

“I welcome the fine imposed in this case, which involved conduct that misled the client and undermined those in the industry who have worked hard to gain suitable training and experience.”

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