Khanh Ho, 49, was sentenced in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to 16 offences committed between 2019 and 2021 across nine building sites in Melbourne's north-west and at South Melbourne Market.
He was also ordered to pay $20,000 in costs.
Fraudulent permits, forged documents
The court heard Ho issued fraudulent building and occupancy permits, forged documents, and accepted payments from clients while falsely claiming to be a registered building surveyor and inspector.
He collected approximately $30,000 while operating illegally on sites in Footscray, Altona North, Newport, St Albans, Hoppers Crossing, Laverton, Thornbury and South Melbourne.
Ho had previously been registered as a building surveyor, but his registration was cancelled in 2010 following an investigation into serious financial misconduct.
Magistrate condemns 'flagrant attack'
In sentencing, Magistrate Meghan Hoare said Ho's conduct was a direct threat to public safety and confidence in the building regulatory system.
'Ho's actions were a 'grave concern' and a 'flagrant attack' on building regulation's fundamental objective to protect the community.'
'Purchasers and occupiers of buildings must be able to have trust and confidence in the regulation system.'
VBA urges consumers to check registration
Victorian Building Authority Commissioner and CEO Anna Cronin said the conviction highlighted the importance of using only registered professionals.
'This conviction and fine sends a strong message to unregistered practitioners – we're coming after you.'
'Conduct like this undermines confidence in the building industry and those who engage in it should expect serious consequences.'
'Consumers should always ensure the building surveyors and builders they hire are registered – you can check this on the VBA website via Find a practitioner .'
What building surveyors do
Building surveyors play a critical role in ensuring construction work is safe and compliant. They issue building permits, conduct mandatory inspections and have the authority to act when work does not meet standards.
The VBA continues to investigate reports of unregistered practitioners and urges anyone with concerns to lodge a complaint or tip-off .
