Business types in this industry

The rental, hiring and real estate services industry includes businesses providing:

  • motor vehicles
  • transport equipment
  • farm animals & bloodstock
  • video and other electronic media
  • heavy machinery
  • scaffolding
  • furniture and appliances
  • intangible assets (e.g. patents and trademarks).

The industry also includes property related services such as:

  • real estate agencies
  • real estate management services
  • real estate auctioning services
  • valuing services for real estate.

Industry statistics

Industry research is an important part of planning for your business, it may help you identify:

  • economic and industry trends
  • establish or improve your business
  • help you keep pace with your industry.

The government’s statistical source for the rental, hiring and real estate services industry is the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). ABS provides statistics on Australian Industry and housing.

Check out the latest Housing data in Australia, by exploring the interactive dashboard on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website.

Explore the profile for the Rental, hiring and real estate services industry, on the Labour Market Insights website. This will give you an idea of what's happening in the Australian job market.

Legislation, standards and initiatives

It’s important that you’re aware of the laws that apply to the rental, hiring and real estate services industry. Key legislation includes the:

Licences and permits

State or territory governments manage the licences and permits for the rental, hiring and real estate services industry. The approvals you may need include:

  • hire car operator accreditation
  • real estate agent accreditation
  • vehicle permits and licences
  • luxury car licence
  • erecting/displaying signage
  • playing video/sound recordings
  • disposal of waste
  • zoning permits
  • restricted trading days.

Find the licences and permits you need for your business

Search the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) to find information on the licences you may need.

Search now

Taxation

Rental, hiring and real estate businesses have specific goods and services tax (GST) measures. It’s important that you know your GST obligations and to make sure you register with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to ensure you can claim your GST credits.

Visit the ATO website to learn more about the GST requirements for the rental, hiring and real estate services industry:

Other tax measures that may apply to your rental, hiring and real estate services business include:

  • Fuel tax credits provide a credit for fuel tax (excise or customs duty) that is included in the price of fuel. Credits only apply to fuel that is used in eligible business activities.
  • Luxury Car Tax (LCT) applies if you purchase or import luxury vehicles valued above a certain amount.

Employ people

If you're looking to employ staff, there are Australia’s national workplace laws specific to the rental, hiring and real estate services industry that you'll need to comply with.

Use our checklist for small business owners to help you meet Australian laws when hiring an employee. We’ve also included some tips that might help you through the hiring process.

Hiring employees

If you're ready to employ someone, create an employment contract tailored to the award and your business needs.

Employment Contract Tool

Workplace health and safety (WHS)

There are general work health and safety regulations for all businesses, however there are state and territory WHS requirements that apply to businesses in the rental, hiring and real estate services industry:

Check out WHS advice, including WHS duties and how you can manage risks.

Safe Work Australia

Environment

While the rental, hiring and real estate industry does not rely heavily on the environment, they can still have a significant impact. The main environmental issues that businesses in the rental, hiring and real estate services industry should understand include:

  • waste management and reduction
  • reporting
  • fuel economy
  • sustainability.

Insurance

Alongside compulsory insurances, the rental, hiring and real estate services industry has specific insurances. These insurances include:

  • public liability
  • equipment and machinery
  • property and buildings
  • vehicles
  • animals and business interruption.

Find out more about insurance options for your business.

Insurance

Find support

If you need advice or support, consider getting help from your industry association, a business adviser, accountant or legal professional.

Find grants and programs relevant to the rental, hiring and real estate services industry.

Grants and programs

Read next

If your business imports goods, understand your obligations.

Importing and your business

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