It has been mandatory for letting agents in England who hold client money to belong to a client money protection scheme since 1st April 2019, in order to make sure that the funds of their tenants and landlords are protected.
Client money protection schemes are designed protect client money held by property professionals, such as letting agents, to ensure that their landlords and tenants are compensated in the event that an agency is unable to repay their money.
Client money is any money held on behalf of the landlord or tenant in advance of being due. This includes rent, holding deposits, and security deposits (before they’re placed in a deposit protection scheme), as well as money paid in advance for bills, or repairs or maintenance work.
There are currently six government-approved client money protection schemes - Client Money Protect, Money Shield, Propertymark, RICS, Safeagent (previously NALS), and UKALA Client Money Protection.
In order to join a client money protection scheme, agencies will need to hold their clients’ money in an account with a bank or building society authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Agencies are also expected to have strong client money handling procedures in place.
Agencies will need to display the certificate confirming their membership of an approved client money protection scheme in a visible location in each of their premises and on their website. It’s also recommended that they publish a copy of their membership certificates on third-party websites and alongside listings on portals. Agents must provide a copy of the certificate from their approved scheme to anyone who reasonably requests it, free of charge.
Since 1st April 2019, agencies can be fined up to £30,000 if they do not belong to an approved client money protection scheme. There was no transition period for this law. However, there is a two-year grace period, ending on 1st April 2021, for agencies who have had difficulty opening a client money account. Agencies can be fined up to £5,000 if they don’t display their certificate of membership or provide it when asked.
This article is based on guidance from gov.uk and is intended as a guide only. It is not exhaustive and doesn't constitute legal advice. See gov.uk for more information on client money protection schemes.
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Oh Goodlord Limited is an Appointed Representative of Goodlord Protect Limited for general insurance products and credit broking. Goodlord Protect Limited is directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 836727. You can check this information on the Financial Services Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk/register or by telephoning 0800 111 6768 (Freephone) or 0300 500 8082 from the UK. The FCA is the independent watchdog that regulates financial services.