Today, 1st August 2012 marks the official first birthday of SAFEagent.

SAFEagent was an industry initiative to create a signpost to lettings agents with client money protection.



There are several schemes in the sector operated by ARLA/NFOPP, the Law Society, NALS and RICS to which agents voluntarily belong.

The message is simple: Landlords and tenants should ensure that their lettings agent has client money protection and SAFEagent indicates this, making it easy for the consumer to identify “safe” agents.

Property Tribes is a supporter of SAFEagent because we recognise that without tenants, none of us have a business. SAFEagent is consumer facing and seeks to educate tenants & Landlords about the importance of client money protection. It is independent and rises above industry politics. It has an uncomplicated and transparent agenda.

These are very turbulent times in the lettings arena, and we believe that SAFEagent is needed now, more than ever.

So, Happy Birthday SAFEagent!

This video, which I was delighted to be asked to host, celebrates the first birthday, agents renewing their commitment to the scheme, and expresses SAFEagent's aims for the future:





SAFEagent has been recognised by Housing Minister Grant Shapps who commented:

“The private rented sector provides a valuable source of accommodation for over three million people in England, and the vast majority of them are happy with the service they receive. That’s why I have promised not to wrap the sector in red tape, but to instead work with the industry to help them develop their own plans to tackle those bad landlords, and with councils to throw the book at those who don’t live up to their responsibilities“.

One of the highlights of SAFEagent’s first year was a Reception at the House of Commons on 15th May 2012 to celebrate SAFEagent Awareness Week. Guests included Lord Best, Charles Walker M.P., and other notable property people.





Please join us in wishing SAFEagent a Happy 1st Birthday! Without government regulation, it is up to the industry to regulate from within and support initiatives that help consumers make informed choices.

You can share the video, tweet this post, or just send a twitter message to @safeagent.

Here are some ready made tweets for you to share:

Happy 1st birthday to @SAFEagent & well done to all agents renewing their commitment to this signpost to client money protection.

and

Happy 1st birthday to @SAFEagent. Find out more by watching this video http://youtu.be/foCW56FhQzM

Thank you for supporting this important initiative that benefits us and our clients (tenants).