How do I know my rent and deposit are safe with a letting agent?Beta*
Finding a home and applying
Private renting in England since the Renters' Rights Act 2025, unless the question says otherwise. General information, not legal advice.
Every letting agent in England that holds tenants' or landlords' money must belong to a Client Money Protection scheme. If the agent goes bust or misuses the money, the scheme can pay you back. The agent must display its certificate in its office and on its website, and give you a copy free if you ask. It must also belong to a redress scheme (The Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme). If an agent can't show you either one, don't hand over money, and report it to your council's trading standards team.
More on finding a home and applying
See all the renting questions, or the free advice services for help with your own situation.
Savvy Renter — savvyrenter.co.uk · free tools for renters. Answers checked 15 October 2026. The full list is also published as faq.json.
* Beta: new page, not yet reviewed by a housing adviser. General information, not legal advice.
* Beta: new page, not yet reviewed by a housing adviser. General information, not legal advice.