SafeAgent

For the past 25 years, safeagent has served the industry and protected consumers as the UK’s leading, not-for-profit accreditation scheme for lettings and management agents operating in the Private Rented Sector.

Launched as the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) with the backing of the industry in 2000, the aim was to establish a ‘single badge’ for landlords and tenants looking for agents who through adherence to strict accreditation criteria offer clearly defined standards of customer service.

Rebranded as safeagent in 2019 when Client Money Protection (CMP) became compulsory for lettings and management agents, the organisation has developed a much broader remit as an independent organisation with some 2,000 industry members. safeagent is well-respected, recognised by Government, consumer groups and industry bodies.

Reasons why lettings and management agents become safeagent accredited:

• To gain recognition by being registered with a respected, UK-wide, not-for-profit accreditation scheme
• To demonstrates to tenants and landlords that they meet defined standards of customer service
• To access the benefits specially negotiated by safeagent for accredited firms
• To be part of a Government-approved Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme with a unique pricing structure for agents based on how much client money the firm holds
• To access online, low-cost, high-quality training and qualification

safeagent agents get:

• Access to a unique free Legal Helpline operated by Henrique Griffiths Solicitors specialising in landlord and tenant law providing a written response to queries which agents find invaluable
• Discounted membership of the Property Redress Scheme
• Access to safeagent Professional Development online courses and qualifications
• Free Health & Safety and Employment Law advice from Penninsula, the UK’s Employment Law specialists
• Regular legislative updates
• safeagent promotional material and logo to promote safeagent accreditation to consumers

safeagent chief executive Isobel Thomson explains: “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.

“We champion the cause of our professional accredited agents who uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

“It is important to us that the feedback we get about our qualifications and the support agents receive from our team is always 100 per cent positive. Our courses and qualifications provide a benchmark of achievement for agents, enabling them to become better skilled, more efficient and more effective in their roles.”