‘Deplorable’: Former NSW property manager sentenced after stealing more than $180,000 from renters and landlords
A former NSW property manager has been sentenced to prison after admitting stealing more than $180,000 from tenants, landlords and a real estate agent over two years.
Sarah-Jane Watts, of Ewing Real Estate in Gunnedah, was sentenced in Gunnedah Local Court after admitting two offenses under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
Investigators found Watts fraudulently obtained more than $151,800 from the agency’s rental escrow account, as well as approximately $35,400 in rental bonds.
There is no allegation that Ewing Real Estate and its principal, Jarad Ewing, were aware of the actions taken by Watts at the time.
The abuse was first detected by NSW Fair Trading’s Rental Bonds team within the NSW Rental Taskforce, and suspicious bond activity was detected before the matter was referred to investigators.
Between March 2022 and July 2024, Watts transferred approximately $151,800 through 162 fraudulent transactions to six personal bank accounts he controlled.
Bank statements showed the money was spent on lifestyle expenses including meals, pub visits, hairdresser appointments and holidays.
Investigators said Watts concealed the transactions by sending fake landlord payments between legitimate mid-month and end-of-month payments.
The court sentenced Watts to a 12-month community sentence, during which he will remain under the strict supervision of the Community Corrections Service.
He was also ordered to pay $35,399.23 in damages to the Rental Security Board and $100,000 in damages to Ewing Real Estate, which had already compensated affected customers. The court also ordered him to pay $750 in professional fees.
Authorities confirmed Watts no longer had a real estate license.
Ewing Real Estate Pty Ltd and Mr Ewing have also entered into enforceable undertakings with NSW Fair Trading.
The agreements require additional staff training, stronger audit processes and contributions to the NSW Consumer Legal Fund.
NSW Fair Trading said the case was part of wider compliance efforts by the NSW Rental Taskforce, set up to strengthen protections for tenants and landlords.
Following the sentencing, Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the NSW Government “strongly condemns any attempt to deceive tenants”.
“Deceiving and stealing from people in the real estate market is deplorable,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“This investigation shows that our dedicated NSW Rental Taskforce is enforcing the rules and preventing irresponsible agents from doing the wrong things.
NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said trust was critical in the property industry.
“Estate agents handle large sums of money on behalf of consumers for payments such as rent and bonds, and it is vital that consumers’ trust is maintained,” Ms Jones said.
“Agents who violate the rules will face serious consequences.”
