EXCLUSIVE A Ray White real estate agency ran a competition for a week of free rent... but tenants were furious after learning what they had to do to qualify
Ray White Rockhampton, in Queensland, informed tenants of the 'opportunity' in an email on Wednesday.
'We're thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity exclusively for our Ray White Rockhampton tenants!' the email read.
'We're giving away three prizes of one week's free rent, and entering couldn't be easier.
'How to enter: Leave us a five-star Google review; mention your property manager's name in the review.
'That's it! You'll be in the draw to win one of three chances to enjoy a week of free rent – on us.
'With only our tenant community eligible to enter, the odds are in your favour so don't miss out!'
A screenshot of the email was shared to Reddit where social media users were quick to slam the real estate agency.
'Pathetic, and unethical way of conducting business,' one wrote.
'Makes you wonder how many of their reviews are even real from the past.'
Since the email was sent, several have made the effort to leave one-star reviews on Google.
'Ray White is offering rewards of free rent to their rental tenants for five star reviews on Google,' one warned.
'Be aware five star reviews inclusive of property manager names from May 2025 are very likely the result of this.'
'Dodgy practices, offering tenants the chance for "a week's free rent" but must leave a five star review,' a second added.
'That is very unethical, and you should be ashamed.'
The business has an average rating of 4.8 stars from 851 reviews on Google.
Ray White Rockhampton principal Riley Neaton told Daily Mail Australia his company made a grave mistake.
'We have apologised profusely to our tenants for this error in judgement,' he said.
'None of the reviews we received are believed to be fake but we have asked Google to remove all reviews that have been received.
'We promise it will never happen again.'
A Ray White spokeswoman said the competition was quickly reversed.
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