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I’m very disappointed with my experience as a tenant and, based on it, I would not recommend this letting agency.<br><br>The problems started from the beginning of the tenancy. I moved into a flat that was in a poor state in a number of respects, including not having properly running hot water when I moved in. There were various pre-existing issues with the condition of the property, some of which were subsequently documented in the inventory.<br><br>There were also delays in receiving the inventory/check-in documentation. This meant I did not have a proper opportunity at the beginning of the tenancy to go through everything promptly and raise disagreements about the recorded condition. Once I had moved in, I also found it extremely difficult to get hold of Charlotte when I needed assistance.<br><br>One thing I would particularly caution prospective tenants about is being asked to deal directly with a landlord rather than through the agency’s normal processes. I was advised by the agency to deal directly with my landlord rather than through Goodlord, including paying my deposit directly. I followed that advice. The deposit was ultimately protected, but I had to chase this myself before receiving confirmation.<br><br>During the tenancy, I also spent my own money replacing and improving a number of things in the flat. When I left, I chose to leave several of these improvements behind as a courtesy to the landlord and future tenants, including a replacement toilet seat, curtains and a blind.<br><br>Unfortunately, the direct arrangement I was advised to use has now become a significant issue at the end of the tenancy. I have returned the property and am still waiting for my deposit to be resolved. When I contacted the letting agency for assistance, I was told that because I had dealt directly with the landlord, I needed to continue dealing with her. I found this particularly frustrating because dealing directly with the landlord was something I had originally done on the agency’s advice.<br><br>I have now been told by the landlord that there may be a deduction for decorating. I am quite prepared to accept responsibility for genuine damage I caused — there was some damage associated with Blu-Tack, for example — but I do not accept responsibility for pre-existing deterioration or ordinary scuffs and marks resulting from living in a property, which I consider normal wear and tear. Some of the pre-existing condition of the flat can be seen in the original inventory.<br><br>I am currently still chasing the landlord for an indication of when the decorating invoice will be received and when my deposit will actually be resolved. My latest request for a timeframe has received no response.<br><br>I have tried to be fair and factual in writing this review. The deposit was protected, and I am not suggesting otherwise. My complaint is about the overall experience: moving into a property with significant existing issues, including the hot-water problem; delays with the inventory; difficulty getting assistance after moving in; having to chase confirmation regarding my deposit; being advised to deal directly with the landlord; and now being left to pursue the return of that deposit myself.<br><br>Having spent my own money improving aspects of the property and left those improvements behind in good faith, it is particularly disappointing for the tenancy to end this way.<br><br>Based on my experience from moving in through to moving out, I would not use this letting agency again, and I would advise prospective tenants to make sure that all deposits, inventories and other important matters are handled through clear, documented processes from the outset.... Read more
17th Aug 2026 (6 days ago)