Client Money Protection
Information for Landlords
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What is the safeagent Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme?
safeagent is approved by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to operate a client money protection scheme for lettings and management agents in England who since April 2019 have been legally required to belong to an approved scheme.
safeagent CMP scheme offers recompense to tenants and landlords of rent, unprotected deposits or other client funds in the event that monies are misappropriated or fraudulently used by a safeagent firm.
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How can I make a claim for missing money from safeagent CMP Scheme?
In the first instance contact safeagent on T:01242 581712 or email info@safeagents.co.uk to check if your agent is part of safeagent.
If the agent is safeagent accredited we will carry out an initial investigation and get back in touch with you within 48 hours of your enquiry. safeagent will need to ascertain whether theft has occurred and therefore criminal activity has taken place before advising you to make a claim.
Where you are in dispute with an agent over the return of monies which they hold and they are still trading, we would not accept a claim under safeagent CMP Scheme.
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Are there limits to what can be claimed?
No there are no limits to what an individual claimant can claim for under safeagent CMP scheme.
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What happens when my claim is received by safeagent?
You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your claim within 3 working days confirming that your claim is being reviewed and we will respond within 28 days.
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How long will it take to settle my claim?
It is difficult to define how long it will take as it depends on whether or not all of the supporting information has been provided to us with the claim form but we will keep you informed of response times each time we contact you.
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Are there any claims which are not accepted under safeagent's CMP Scheme?
safeagent’s CMP Scheme will not accept claims in the following circumstances:
- For deposits properly protected by one of the statutory custodial or insurance backed schemes.
- Where there is theft of client monies by an employee of a firm that would be covered by the firm’s Professional Indemnity Insurance which all safeagent agents are required to have in place.
- Where client money is held by any person or third party organisation not connected to the letting agent firm eg money held by contractors, financial institutions or any other business.
- Where the agent is still trading and has refused to hand over funds to a tenant or a landlord for whatever reason. Landlords and tenants will be advised of potential routes to seek recovery ie legal action or through the Small Claims Court process.
- Where investment schemes are entered into by landlords with guaranteed rent payable.
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Is there a time limit for making a claim?
Claims must be submitted within 12 months of the case occurring.
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What are the client accounting procedures safeagent firms are expected to comply with?
Read the safeagent Accounting standards.
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How can I make a complaint about the safeagent CMP Scheme?
If you are not satisfied with the way in which we have dealt with your claim you can read our Complaints Procedure.
Client Money Protection Scheme – current cases
We are currently accepting claim applications for the following firm which is no longer part of our accreditation or Client Money Protection Scheme.
Premier- Lettings (UK) Ltd, 41 Chapel Street, Petersfield GU32 3DY
Closing date for claim applications: 24/10/2024
