About this form
Form U3 is used alongside the counterparty’s own particulars form where that counterparty is acting for another individual. It is the mirror of Form A3, applied to the unrepresented side of the transaction. The purpose is the same on both sides: to make sure the person whose interests are actually being transacted appears on the file, rather than only the person who happens to be signing.
When you need it
- An unrepresented counterparty holds a power of attorney for an individual owner or buyer.
- A family member is transacting on behalf of an individual owner, without an agent of their own.
- The unrepresented counterparty discloses, or it becomes apparent, that they act for another natural person.
- An overseas owner is being represented locally by an individual who has no salesperson acting for them.
How to complete it
- Confirm first that the counterparty is genuinely unrepresented — in a co-broke transaction none of this applies.
- Complete the counterparty’s own particulars form first: U1 where they are an individual, U2 where they are an entity.
- Record the principal’s particulars on U3 and verify their identity against an identification document.
- Establish the basis of the counterparty’s authority to act, and record what that basis is rather than that it exists.
- Complete a Form U5 for the principal as well as for the counterparty — screening follows the person, not the signature.
- Submit the form and its supporting evidence to the agency, and delete identification images from your own device.
Common mistakes
- Using U3 in place of the counterparty’s own particulars form rather than in addition to it.
- Confusing U3 with U4 — U3 records an individual principal, U4 records a legal person or arrangement.
- Recording the principal’s particulars but never screening them.
- Accepting an assertion of authority without seeing the instrument that confers it.
- Discovering the arrangement late, after the Option to Purchase has already been issued.
Legal basis
Published by CEA as an annex to the Guide on the Estate Agents (Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism) Regulations 2021. Read the issuer’s guidance.
Questions
- How does U3 differ from A3?
- They capture the same thing on opposite sides. A3 records the principal behind your client; U3 records the principal behind an unrepresented counterparty.
- Is the principal screened?
- Yes. A Form U5 is completed for every person screened on the counterparty side, principals included.
- Which version should I use?
- Use the 30 June 2025 versions. Forms from the superseded guide must no longer be used.