Most letting agents are not publicly displaying their Client Money Protection (CMP) certification, leaving landlords and tenants exposed to unnecessary risk. An analysis by The Letting Partnership found that 62% of agency websites failed to clearly show valid CMP evidence (The Letting Partnership, 2026). This transparency gap creates legal exposure for both sides - and hefty penalties for agents in England who ignore it.

What the data reveals

The Letting Partnership reviewed 200 agency websites and identified a stark compliance problem. Only 38% displayed CMP certification clearly and visibly (The Letting Partnership, 2026). The remaining 62% either lacked any evidence or buried it where clients couldn't find it easily.

Client Money Protection is intended to protect landlords' and tenants' funds when those funds pass through an agent's hands - typically rent payments and deposit money. The safeguard covers up to £30,000 per client (depending on the scheme). Yet if you can't find proof that your agent holds it, you're relying on trust alone.

For agents, the stakes are concrete. Failing to display CMP certification can result in fines of up to £5,000 from Trading Standards (The Letting Partnership, 2026). Beyond the fine, agents face reputational damage and potential loss of clients - particularly important ahead of the Renters' Rights Act, which is likely to increase tenant scrutiny of agency credentials.

Why the gap exists between policy and practice

Chris Mason, Chief Operating Officer at The Letting Partnership, described the issue bluntly: "What our analysis shows is that even with something as fundamental as Client Money Protection, there can be a gap between having the right processes in place and clearly demonstrating them" (The Letting Partnership, 2026).

Many agents do hold valid CMP cover. The problem isn't usually missing protection; it's missing visibility. Some agents may assume clients won't ask. Others may have listed certification years ago and haven't updated their websites. Still others may not realise how prominently they're required to display it.

For landlords, this matters because you're liable if your agent mishandles your funds - and CMP only protects you if you can prove coverage existed at the time. Tenants face an equivalent risk when handing over deposits. Neither party benefits from hidden compliance.

What both sides should do

Landlords and tenants should treat visible CMP certification as a baseline requirement, not a bonus feature. Before appointing an agent or handing over rent or deposits, ask for written proof of cover. Request the agent's CMP scheme name, policy number, and confirmation of coverage amount. If it's not on their website, that's a red flag - not necessarily a dealbreaker, but worth investigating.

You can verify an agent's CMP status through the deposit scheme if you're managing a tenancy. For landlords instructing an agent to let a property, contact the agent directly and request documentation. The Letting Partnership now offers "TLP Assured," an independent assessment programme that audits agencies and lists compliant firms publicly - a useful reference point if you're hunting for a reliable letting agent (The Letting Partnership, 2026).

The takeaway: don't assume your agent's compliance. Demand proof. The £5,000 Trading Standards fine is directed at agents, but the financial and legal cost of a deposit dispute or mishandled rent payment falls on landlords and tenants. Visibility protects everyone.