19th Dec 2025 (13 weeks ago)
We rented a property managed by Martin & Co Maidstone for just over two years. Unfortunately, our experience has been deeply frustrating and stressful, and ultimately unacceptable, due to their continued lack of professionalism, communication failures, and disregard for tenant well-being.
???? Ongoing Repair Issues Ignored or Mishandled
• Throughout our tenancy, essential repairs were consistently delayed, ignored, or only partially addressed.
• Roof leaks went unresolved for months, causing dampness and damage. Even when a roofer attended multiple times and provided a quote for complete repair, the landlord (via the agency) chose not to proceed.
• Bathrooms had significant water damage and mould. At one point, we were left without a working toilet for weeks.
• A silverfish infestation was left untreated for over a year, with the agency suggesting we buy insect spray or “ventilate better” despite confirmed leaks and humidity from structural issues.
• The kitchen extractor hood lights never worked. We reported this, and only after months of back-and-forth did we receive confirmation that the extractor wouldn’t be fixed—even though it was listed in inventory.
???? Poor and Disrespectful Communication
• Emails went unanswered for weeks at a time.
• When we raised legitimate concerns, they were often dismissed or met with unprofessional and condescending responses. For example: “Not sure why everything always has to be on your terms.”
• Simple requests for scheduling, written confirmation of repairs, or clarification on next steps were routinely ignored or delayed.
• Despite promising transparency, we were often misled or given conflicting information by different staff members.
???? Retaliatory Behaviour and Deposit Misuse
• After months of escalating complaints about unresolved repairs, the agency issued us a Section 21 eviction notice, which we believe was retaliatory.
• We gave notice to leave by 1st December and paid all rent due up to that date. We withheld a portion of the earlier rent (as previously discussed with the agency) due to ongoing unresolved issues, which is permitted under tenancy law in certain circumstances.
• Upon key return, the agency immediately submitted a claim for 100% of the deposit, despite prior agreements and without providing evidence of damages.
• After I disputed their claim and submitted my own, they stopped responding. To date, they’ve not attempted to resolve the matter, and the deposit remains withheld.
?? Final Thoughts
Martin & Co Maidstone has proven to be inconsistent, unreliable, and not tenant-focused. Repairs were delayed for months or never completed, pest control issues were ignored, and communication was frequently unprofessional. When we tried to end the tenancy fairly and in writing, the agency’s handling of the deposit confirmed our worst concerns — no transparency, no accountability, and no respect for their legal obligations.
I would strongly advise others to avoid renting through this agency. What should have been a simple, straightforward tenancy became a drawn-out, unnecessarily stressful situation due to poor management and disregard for tenants' rights.... Read more