The Government, Citizens'Advice Bureau and Shelter have joined forces to urge private landlords and tenants to choose a letting agent who is part of a client money protection scheme.

As part of SAFEagent Awareness Week this week, a national campaign is aiming to let more people know about the initiative.

Agents registered with SAFEagent automatically become part of a client money protection scheme which reimburses consumers in the event of misappropriation of client funds.

David Gilson, of St Clements-based College and County lettings agency, which has been a member of the scheme since September last year, said: “Many of us are not in a position to buy our own homes and will be renting for many years to come.

“So it is of the utmost importance to choose a letting agent with whom you know your money is protected.

“As a registered SAFEagent we are proud to be able to offer this assurance, and also prove our commitment to professional business practices.”

More than 2,000 UK letting agencies have signed up to the scheme so far. Organisations supporting the campaign include Shelter, Crisis, The Property Ombudsman, the National Union of Students, the Office of Fair Trading and the Trading Standards Institute.

For more information about the SAFEagent campaign, visit safeagents.co.uk Two properties with College and County are due to be available in early June. Hawridge Mews in central East Oxford is a two-bedroom penthouse at £1,600pcm while a four-bedroom family home in Winchester Road, North Oxford is commanding £2,600pcm.