17th Aug 2026 (6 days ago)
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