We are a 'SafeAgent'

26/07/2011

SAFEagent scheme wins more backing

Friday 22nd July 2011

The UK’s largest supplier of referencing to the lettings industry, HomeLet, is the first UK supplier to align itself to the SAFEagent campaign, which is to launch a kitemark for consumers to recognise which agents belong to a client money protection scheme.

Its backing follows the endorsement of organisations such Shelter, NUS, Trading Standards Institute, Council of Mortgage Lenders, Residential Landlords Association and the British Property Federation.

HomeLet’s managing director, John Boyle, said: “SAFEagent is a mark of integrity and protection for landlords’ and tenants’ money. We believe that having this protection in place should be a pre-requisite for lettings and management agents that are professional operators.

“We will be looking to raise awareness among our clients of the SAFEagent mark and encourage them to get registered.

“The message ultimately to consumers is simple: be safe … choose a SAFEagent when you rent or let.”



SAFEagent has been set up by agents for agents, with the secretariat provided by the National Approved Letting Scheme, in the continuing wake of cases where lettings agents have absconded, gone bust or shut down with client funds missing.

Over 1,000 agents have so far signed up to the scheme, which is fully backed by Landlord Today, since the launch a month ago. 

Nick Cooper, chair of the SAFEagent steering group, said: “Consumers want and deserve protection, and SAFEagent does just that. 

“We’re delighted that HomeLet has led by example as a key partner to take forward the campaign to ensure that in future the SAFEagent mark will be the mark of choice when dealing with a lettings and management agent.”