Client money protection (CMP)
Cover that repays landlords and tenants if an agent loses or misuses money it holds for them. Compulsory for agents in England that hold client money.
In short: Client money protection is a scheme an agent belongs to so that rent, deposits and other money it holds for clients can be repaid if the agent goes bust or misappropriates it. Since 1 April 2019 every letting and property management agent in England that holds client money must belong to an approved scheme.
英格兰。 于 5 October 2026 对照法律进行核查. 信息，非法律建议。
The duty comes from sections 133 to 135 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and the Client Money Protection Schemes for Property Agents Regulations 2019. An agent that holds client money must:
- belong to an approved CMP scheme;
- display its certificate in its offices and on its website;
- give a copy to a client on request and tell clients within 14 days if membership changes.
Councils can fine an agent that does not, up to £30,000.
A landlord choosing an agent who will collect rent or hold a deposit should ask to see the CMP certificate and the redress scheme membership. An agent that never touches client money does not need CMP.
Related: Letting agent, Redress scheme
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