Letting out a property has always carried legal and financial responsibility — but in today’s climate, it’s more demanding than ever. With over 170 different laws affecting landlords in England and Wales, keeping up with compliance while ensuring profitability is no small feat.
That’s why many landlords turn to professional letting agents. But it’s not just about choosing any agent — it’s about working with one who is accredited by Propertymark.
In this post, we break down what Propertymark is, and why using a Propertymark-accredited letting agent is a smart decision for landlords who want reassurance, regulatory confidence and maximum return on their rental investment.
What is Propertymark?
Propertymark is the leading professional body for property agents, representing various property disciplines including sales, lettings and commercial sectors.
Letting agents who are Propertymark members must:
- Adhere to a strict code of professional conduct
- Complete ongoing training and CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Hold client money protection insurance
- Be regularly audited to ensure compliance with standards
- Stay up to date with new legislation and best practice
Simply put, they are held to higher professional and ethical standards than non-accredited agents.
At Bristol Lettings (Digs), we are proud to be part of Propertymark and have been members for many years. Our commitment to a quality service means we not only abide by but also aim to excel the high standards required to retain Propertymark membership.
Why Does Accreditation Matter for Landlords and Tenants?
Choosing a Propertymark-approved letting agent provides benefits that go beyond basic property management. Here’s how it protects and supports you:
Legal Confidence and Compliance
With legal requirements changing frequently — from tenancy legislation to new energy efficiency rules — agents need to stay ahead of the curve. This helps ensure your tenancy agreements, safety certificates, deposit handling and notices are fully compliant.
As Propertymark members, we ensure we are always up to date with the latest property law and legislation. Coupled with our extensive in-house knowledge and commitment to staff development, we are well placed to give our landlords expert guidance on the latest industry updates.
Financial Security
All members are required to have the Propertymark Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme in place. This protection means that landlords, tenants and other clients may be able to claim compensation should an agent misappropriate their rent, deposit or other funds.
Members are also required to submit independently audited accounts annually to ensure compliance. At Bristol Lettings (Digs), we work extensively with accredited accountants to ensure that all our accounts are compliant with best practice and the latest standards.
Extensively Trained Teams
As Propertymark-approved agents, members of our staff who have taken the relevant exams must complete 12 hours of Continuing Professional Development each year.
A minimum of 4 hours of this CPD must be undertaken at educational events, such as courses and conferences, with the remaining 8 hours spent on private study including reading industry blogs, peer-to-peer training and other independent learning.
This ensures that our staff are highly trained in the latest developments in the industry, including legislation changes, new schemes and initiatives and best practice for compliance.
Ethical Standards & Accountability
All agents follow a strict code of practice and are subject to disciplinary action if they fail to uphold it.
As a Propertymark member, we belong to a government-approved independent redress scheme. This independent redress scheme gives tenants and landlords peace of mind that, should they be unhappy, they can choose to have their dispute resolved by an impartial and professional third party.
Better Tenant Management
From professional vetting and referencing to managing disputes, repairs and rent arrears, Propertymark-approved agents offer efficient systems and tried-and-tested procedures to protect your investment and reputation.
Is Your Letting Agent Propertymark-Approved?
Not all agents are created equal. If your current agent isn’t Propertymark-accredited, you may be leaving yourself open to legal risks, poor tenant experiences and financial exposure.
At Bristol Lettings (Digs), we’re proud Propertymark members. We stay on top of regulatory changes so you don’t have to — and offer a tailored service designed around your property goals.
Propertymark Accredited Agents Bristol
Whether you are a landlord renting out a property or a tenant currently renting one, using a Propertymark member holds a number of benefits for you.
To find out more about our landlord services and how our Propertymark membership can help maximise your investment, give one of our expert team a call today on 0117 930 8750 or fill out a contact form and we’ll get back to you.
