Client Money Protection Scheme

RICS operates a Client Money Protection Scheme in the UK which is a requirement for regulated firms in the UK that hold client money. This provides last-resort protection for clients if an RICS-regulated firm is unable to return their money, subject to the limits and exclusions.

The scheme has two parts:

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Client Money Protection for Residential Agents

Covers money held for residential agency work in England.

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Client Money Protection for Surveying Services

Covers money held by firms carrying out general surveying activities (except residential agency work).

The RICS Client Money Protection for Residential Agents scheme is approved by the UK Government under the Client Money Protection Schemes for Property Agents (Approval and Designation of Schemes) Regulations 2018.

This means that RICS-regulated firms who have notified us they are handling client money for residential lettings and property management in England and are following the scheme rules and requirements meet the legal requirement to belong to a government-approved client money protection scheme.

Are you a consumer who is looking to claim money that was held by a RICS-regulated firm?

Please get in touch with us here to report your concerns about the firm for our regulation team to look into. You may also be able to claim your money back through the Client Money Protection Scheme.

The Client Money Protection Scheme is a scheme of last resort. Please ensure you have sought restitution through all available means, including the firm, the insurers of the firm, tenancy deposit protection schemes, and any other client money protection schemes.

To get started, you can submit your claim using the form below. If you would like more information or need further support, please contact the regulation team on regulation@rics.org.

Rules and guidance

June 2025 : Client Money Protection Scheme Rules (PDF 0.69MB)

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Client Money Protection - Cover Certificate (PDF 0.12MB)

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Client money information if your firm is currently, or is considering, holding client money

Client Money Handling, 1st edition

This professional statement provides clear rules for RICS-regulated firms and members to have the appropriate controls and procedures to keep...

Firm regulation

Ensure your firm operates to global ethical and professional standards.

RICS Regulatory Scheme fees

RICS enforces three key regulatory schemes: Client Money Protection, Valuer Registration, and the Designated Professional Body (DPB) Scheme to uphold professional standards and protect public interest.