The local authority recognised the agent had taken steps to comply but said the two days for which the business wasn’t covered still constituted a breach. Trading Standards is increasingly acting against agents that don’t comply, meaning it is crucial for businesses to check they are displaying a valid certificate in-branch and online.
Agents have been legally required to belong to have CMP since April 2019. Recently over 100 agents in London have been investigated for not belonging to an approved CMP scheme. Depending on levels of non-compliance, the agents involved faced fines of up to £30,000 each.
The benefits of having Client Money Protection
Belonging to a CMP scheme builds trust between the business and client and upholds the professionalism of the agent. It is mandatory for all Principals, Partners, or Directors (PPD)’s of firms that act as agencies in property and handle client’s money or uses a third-party to oversee client money.
Under the regulations, agents must display a valid certificate confirming membership. They must also provide their client money handling procedures both online and hard copy, making it available to clients free of charge upon request.
Propertymark CMP scheme and membership
The Propertymark CMP scheme reimburses landlords, tenants and other clients should an agent misappropriate their rent, deposit or other client funds. Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) offers a £1.50 discount per tenancy deposit to members of our scheme. PPDs are automatically enrolled in the scheme when they become members unless they are already members of existing schemes.
PPDs of organisations that don’t have CMP may meet the criteria for Propertymark membership, contact the membership team for more information. The full requirements for Propertymark membership can be found on our website.
Become a member
Membership gives you the credibility of being part of a respected association with over 17,800 members.
Members must display valid certification in all branches of the business. Certificates can be requested by emailing our Membership team. All branches must be up to date on our Find An Expert section, so we can list the number of branches against each firm. A branch list is included with the company declaration if amendments are to be made.
Members can also login to the online shop for a leaflet to give to clients to explain the client money protection they receive from a Propertymark Protected expert.
PPDs who have recently set up a business that handles client’s money must complete a company declaration form. This will help us establish the requirements needed to regulate the firm and provide the necessary CMP cover.
Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme
Client Money Protection (CMP) is a scheme that reimburses landlords and tenants should an agent misappropriate rent, deposit or other client funds.
