Client Money Handling

Dwell is a member of ARLA PropertyMark . As a PropertyMark member we must publish our client money handling procedures on our website, as well as making copies available to customers upon request.

PropertyMark Conduct and Membership rules oblige members to provide the following link to its conduct rules which can be read in full here:

https://www.propertymark.co.uk/media/1045366/conduct-and-membership-rules.pdf

Dwell hold clients’ money in one main ring-fenced client account, which is separate from all other monies. Client money is available on demand. The bank account is correctly titled to include the name of the Firm and the word “Client” to distinguish the account from an office or any other account.

Dwell adheres to the Client Money Rules of Conduct, using the following procedures:

• All Client Money is held in a ringfenced Client Money Account with HSBC, an authorised bank.
• We operate a Client Money Account into which all Client Money is paid.
• We ensure that Client Money Accounts are designated as such and are easily distinguished from any other account.
• We have confirmed with our bank holding the Client Money Account that the bank acknowledges that monies in the Client Money Account must not be combined with, or transferred to, any other account maintained by the Firm, and the bank shall not be entitled to exercise any right of set off or counterclaim against the money in that Client Money Account in respect of any sum owed to it in respect of any other account of the firm.
• Records and accounts are retained which show all dealings with Client Money and demonstrate that all Client Money held by the Firm is held in a Client Money Account.
• We will provide a copy of its procedures for handling Client Money to any person who may reasonably require a copy, free of charge, upon request.
• Records are retained which provide a history of all dealings with Client Money.
• Client Money is repaid as soon as possible if there is no longer any requirement to retain that money.
• Client Money may be repaid to the client upon request
• We hold appropriate Professional Indemnity insurance cover
• We hold appropriate Client Money Protection insurance cover
• A copy of our Client Money Protection certificate can be viewed here 

   Propertymark CMP Main Scheme Certificate 2024.pdf

Surplus Client Funds

In the event that Dwell receives surplus client money into our client account, the following best practice is followed. First, efforts to trace the clients or owners of the money are made, and any surplus money is held within a client account for at least six years. If, after six years, the client or owner of the money has not been found and no true claimant to the money has come forward it may be donated to a registered charity chosen by the Agent.

General Controls

Dwell, its accounts team and Auditors ensure that;

• Any employees with client money contact will always have clear segregation of duties and responsibilities
• We employ competent and knowledgeable staff or appropriate third party auditors or accounts teams who are responsible for processing clients’ money and who are familiar with Client Accounting rules
• Our accounting systems and client data are securely controlled and protected
• Our IT and Computer systems are adequately protected for access, firewalls, back-ups and disaster recovery
• We provide adequate cover for holiday and long-term absence
• Principals cannot override controls surrounding the accounting system
• All areas of the business apply the same level of controls in relation to the client accounting function.

Client Accounting Systems and Controls

• Accounting records and systems are appropriate to the nature and volumes of client account transactions.
• Systems provide details of all money received into and paid from all client accounts and show a running balance of all client money held in that account
• Systems identify all receipts and payments to the client to which they relate
• Client ledgers show cash balances held on behalf of clients at all times
• Trial balance reports are run regularly to show the breakdown of funds held within our client account 
• Accounting records are completed promptly
• Current balances and period reports are available upon demand to its auditors 
• All ledgers include the client name and reference
• Overdrawn balances on client ledgers are prevented by systems controls
• Adequate controls are in place over unidentified client money to ensure that such funds are kept securely.
• A list of client bank account details will be maintained
• Daily reconciliations are performed
• Further reconciliations are completed at least once every month where clients’ money is held in a general client account.
• Any unresolved differences or adjustments are fully investigated and explained.
• Any errors identified in the reconciliation process are promptly rectified.
• Reconciliations are reviewed and signed off by appropriate senior staff.
• PropertyMark rules dictate that an appropriate independent auditor reports and signs off our client account annually.
• Client accounting records, including copies of reconciliations, are securely kept for at least six years plus the current year.

Controls over the payment of Client Money

Dwell ensures that:

• Checks are made to ensure that sufficient funds are held on behalf of the relevant client before payments are made Adequate authorisation procedures are in place for payments made by electronic methods. All payment requests have supporting evidence and that documentation has been authorised in advance by a Manager We do not accept any payments by cash or cheque Effective controls are in place over the setting up of new supplier accounts on our systems