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Established accreditation scheme rebrands as safeagent
The National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) has today rebranded as safeagent.
NALS has helped coordinate the safeagent campaign since 2011, focussed on achieving mandatory Client Money Protection (CMP) for all lettings and management agents. The campaign – for the benefit of the consumer – was widely supported by agents and industry, with early recognition from HM Government. With the success of the campaign, and the introduction of mandatory CMP from 1 April 2019, it is time to reflect these achievements and prepare the next steps for the safeagent brand.
The safeagent name is popular with agents, as a readily recognisable mark for consumers to look for. safeagents truly embraced the campaign and it is important to retain the goodwill the brand has created.
NALS is a well-respected name in the private rented sector – an independent, not-for-profit accreditation scheme for agents, which has been operating for 20 years. With both NALS and safeagent sharing the same strong ethos of consumer protection, the decision was taken to merge the two brands, and trade under the one safeagent name.
The newly rebranded safeagent will continue to operate in the private rented sector, acting as the UK’s preferred accreditation scheme for letting and management agents.
The majority of NALS Firms are already safeagents, and the only difference is the use of one logo; safeagents will have access to all of NALS existing benefits, including campaigning, specialist training, and advice and support.
Safeagent Awareness Week which has been running for the past six years will be from 17-21 June 2019.
Isobel Thomson, Chief Executive of safeagent said:
It’s a pivotal time for the private rented sector. There have been many changes, and many more are in the offing, but we do know what makes a safeagent. In a crowded, sometimes confusing marketplace, safeagent remains an easily identifiable mark of trust for consumers in an agent’s professionalism and the security of their money.
“This is an exciting time for safeagent, a fresh look, with exciting plans for the coming months. We will maintain safeagent’s consumer focus, while also continuing to champion the cause of our professional accredited agents who uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
-ENDS-
For media enquiries, please contact: Ellie Irwin ellie@ellieirwin.co.uk 07833 683281
We are what it says on the tin – Safe Agents. An accreditation scheme that pledges our affiliated agents to defined standards of customer service, financial fidelity and professional development resources, providing protection for consumers renting a home.
For consumers (both landlords and tenants), we are a readily identifiable beacon of trust in an agent’s essential professionalism; that they will be treated fairly, their best interests will be served and any monies will be 100% secure.
For agents it means trading with absolute confidence, assured competence and total compliance. Being part of safeagent is the foundation of a differentiated business, with access to our collective expertise, friendly support and campaigning for a safer, fairer rented sector for all.
