Nearly two-thirds of letting agents are not clearly displaying their Client Money Protection certification online despite it being a legal requirement, according to new research.
The Letting Partnership reviewed 200 letting agency websites at random and found just 38 percent had a valid CMP certificate clearly visible. The remaining 62 percent either did not display one or had an unclear or outdated certificate – exposing them to fines of up to £5,000 from Trading Standards.
Compliance gap widens as RRA approaches
CMP schemes are designed to protect landlords’ and tenants’ funds held by letting agents. Agents are legally required to make evidence of their cover publicly available, yet the findings suggest many are falling short of this basic requirement.
This follows Landlord Knowledge’s recent report on agent complaints surging 47 percent, with the Property Redress Scheme warning that the sector was unprepared for the Renters Rights Act. The CMP findings add to concerns about letting agent compliance standards ahead of the major regulatory changes taking effect on 1 May.
Chris Mason, chief operating officer of The Letting Partnership, said: “Across the lettings sector, many agents are already operating to a high standard when it comes to compliance, but much of that work happens behind the scenes and isn’t always visible to landlords and tenants.”
He added: “With the Renters Rights Act already bringing significant legislative changes, trust between landlord and letting agent has never been more important. Landlords are increasingly relying on letting agents for guidance, and they need to feel confident that the agent they are working with is not only compliant, but can clearly demonstrate that they are operating to a high standard.”
Demonstrating compliance becomes critical
The research points to a disconnect between meeting regulatory requirements and demonstrating them effectively. While many agents may have CMP cover in place, failing to display it clearly creates unnecessary risk and undermines landlord confidence.
In response to the findings, The Letting Partnership has launched “TLP Assured” – an initiative offering independent assessment of client money processes through audits. Agents meeting the criteria receive certification materials to demonstrate compliance with CMP requirements.
What this means for landlords
- Check your agent’s credentials: Ask to see your letting agent’s CMP certificate and verify it is current – do not assume compliance.
- Watch for warning signs: If an agent cannot quickly produce valid CMP documentation, consider this a red flag about their overall compliance standards.
- Bottom line: With increased scrutiny under the RRA, landlords using agents should prioritise those who can clearly demonstrate they meet regulatory requirements.
Editor’s view
The gap between having compliance in place and showing it matters more than ever. As councils gain stronger enforcement powers and the RRA adds new obligations, landlords need agents who can prove their credentials – not just claim them.
Author: Editorial Team – UK landlord & buy-to-let news, policy, and finance
Published: 24 March 2026
Sources: The Letting Partnership
Related reading: Agent complaints surge 47% as Property Redress warns sector unprepared for RRA
