Connells is playing it safe with clients’ money

The branch will now carry the easily identifiable SAFEagent mark. This will enable tenants to immediately see that their money is protected, following a raft of high profile media cases where unscrupulous lettings agents have absconded with tenant and landlord funds.

The scheme has been launched for lettings agents by letting agents with the aim of identifying agents in Client Money Protection Schemes and highlighting the risks of using uninsured agents.

Selina Egan, lettings manager for Connells in Leamington and Warwick, said: “We want every tenant and landlord that we welcome through our doors to have peace of mind when it comes to client money protection. And, this is exactly what we can reinforce now that we bear the SAFEagent logo. The message to the consumer is simple - everyone looking to rent or let should ensure that they use a firm which is part of a client money protection insurance scheme and look for the SAFEagent logo.

“Landlords and tenants often make decisions based on cost but it is important to ensure you ask your agent for details of the organisation they are regulated by and which client money protection scheme they are covered by.

“All agents regulated by NALS, the Law Society, ARLA/ NAEA, and RICS maintain and operate designated client accounts where clients’ money is held completely separate from the operating funds of the firm.

“If the agent you are using cannot provide you with the assurance of knowing they are covered by a client money protection scheme the question you need to ask is why not.”

SAFEagent is also backed by industry and consumer organisations such as Shelter, CAB, NUS, the British Property Federation, the Trading Standards Institute, the Council of Mortgage Lenders and The Property Ombudsman.

For more information on how this scheme benefits landlords and tenants, contact the branch on 01926 428107 or email: [email protected]