SAFEagent Consumer Protection Initiative for Lettings Agents Gains Support

Lettings Agents Consumer Protection initiative gathers pace and support from industry. A simple way of ensuring your money is SAFE if things go wrong. Think ABTA for Lettings agents!
By: SAFEagent
 
March 16, 2011 - PRLog -- Bushells is pleased to part of this initiative. The latest release from the group who launched this is below. The concept has gained momentum and support from a number of bodies and initial reaction as been incredibly positive. We have been delighted to be part of this group and are committed to protecting the general public from unforeseen problems in a simple, transparent and recognisable kitemark.


PRESS RELEASE FROM 'SAFEagent'

The recent announcement by a group of the country’s leading agents of the launch of a new consumer protection kitemark has been welcomed by agents and organisations operating in the sector.

Nick Cooper Chair of the group behind the initiative said: “We are delighted with the initial response , the overwhelming feeling is that at last through the delivery of a simple message we have the means to differentiate those agents who operate with a Client Money Protection Scheme and those who don’t.”

Christopher Hamer, The Property Ombudsman said:

“As Property Ombudsman I support this initiative. Reducing the number of disputes and disadvantaged consumers must be a prime aim and anything which helps landlords find an agent who is committed to a high standard of service, and to protection of client funds has to be seen as positive. For agents it must be an advantage to be able to confirm to the public that they have a secure approach to holding client money.”

Alan Ward Chair, Residential Landlords Association (RLA) said:

A clear and recognizable brand will help build confidence with landlords as well as tenants who place large sums of money on trust with professional letting and management agents. It will place the onus on agents operating without CMP to answer the question “why not?”

Peter Rollings, Chief Executive of leading London firm Marsh & Parsons said:

'Renting a property can be stressful at the best of times however it's surprising the number of tenants who hand over 6 weeks deposit, a large sum by most people's standards to someone they hardly know. Landlords also trust the agent to hand over rent. The new Kitemark offers a one stop shop, a sort of ABTA for Letting agents, where tenants and landlords can be absolutely sure that nothing can go wrong. It is a great idea which will help clean up the industry and support the consumer and Marsh & Parsons will be supporting it wholeheartedly'

The new kitemark, to be known as SAFEagent will be launched by the end of April. It will be FREE for agents in established CMP schemes to register with a nominal charge for marketing material. The initial launch of the kitemark will be aimed at agents with a consumer launch in the early summer.

To learn more - register@safe.gb.com

NOTE:

*The Group comprises:

Belvoir!
Bushells
Foxtons
Linley & Simpson
Northwood Franchising
Spicerhaart
Touchstone
Winkworth
Young London

# # #

Bushells is one of London's leading Estate Agents. Founded in 1937, we are one of the most successful estate agents in London. We are members of all recognised industry bodies including ARLA, TPO and NAEA. We are proud to have been founder members of the SAFEagent initiative.
End
Source:SAFEagent
Email:***@bushells.com Email Verified
Zip:SW4 9ER
Tags:Lettings Agents, Arla, Naea, Licensing, Professional Lettings Agents, Lettings In London, Property To Rent In London
Industry:Tenants, Landlords
Location:Clapham - London, Greater - England
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Page Updated Last on: Mar 16, 2011
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