Sykes Captital
3.2/5, 348 reviews
57% recommended
100% sales valuation accuracy
100% sales fee satisfaction
93% lettings valuation accuracy
50% lettings fee satisfaction
29 Jul 2015 - The Romans Group has taken over Reading-based estate agency Atlantis show more 29 Jul 2015 - The Romans Group has taken over Reading-based estate agency Atlantis

Performance Statistics
Services Valuation Fees Min Price of property reviewed Max Price of property reviewed
Sales 100% 100% £270,000 £300,000
Lettings 93% 50% £270 £1,500
Review statistics
From Landlords From Tenants From Vendors From Buyers Other
66 9 87 122 21 0 10 1 16 16
Areas covered
  • RG1
  • RG2
  • RG4
  • RG6
  • RG30
  • RG31
Address

23/24 Market Place
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 2DE
0118 956 8888

Opening Hours
Services offered
  • Sales
  • Lettings
  • Block Management
  • Surveys
  • Conveyancing
  • Mortgage Advice
  • Home Builder
Advertise on
Members of
NAEA ARLA RICS ARMA TPOS Sales TPOS Lettings TPOS TDS
Latest Properties

No Properties

“The people in the shop helped me to find a ......”

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Jan 23,2013
Minithumbup
By: 'Navin'
Jan 23,2013
1 people found
this helpful
The people in the shop helped me to find a place to live very quickly. I paid less than I hoped. Thank you...
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“I have used Atlantis as my agents for over three ......”

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Jan 22,2013
Minithumbup
By: 'William'
Jan 22,2013
1 people found
this helpful
I have used Atlantis as my agents for over three years now and I am more than satisfied with their service and handling of my properties. Always polite, proactive and quick to re-market end of lease. Happy to recommend. William...
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“The staff here were a breath of fresh air, completely ......”

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Jan 18,2013
Minithumbup
By: 'Charlotte'
Jan 18,2013
1 people found
this helpful
The staff here were a breath of fresh air, completely in contrast to the shoddy service and harassment my partner and I had with Parkers, who repeatedly rang me at work after being told explicitly not to. Hope it's not a one off and the ...
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“James was excellent, having spoken with a few other agents ......”

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Jan 15,2013
Minithumbup
By: 'BH'
Jan 15,2013
1 people found
this helpful
James was excellent, having spoken with a few other agents from different companies, he was the only one to actually listened when told of our requirements and not only found something which matched our requirements, but exceeded them! He also got all the paperwork pushed ...
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“I reported my boiler issue to Leon on Friday I ......”

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Jan 14,2013
Minithumbup
By: 'Liz'
Jan 14,2013
1 people found
this helpful
I reported my boiler issue to Leon on Friday I received a really quick response saying that an engineer will be in touch shortly. The engineer text me to arrange a time and was kind enough to come out on Saturday. My boiler's now back ...
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“I feel as if I have to share my story, ......”

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Jan 05,2013
Minithumbdown
By: 'Claire'
Jan 05,2013
10 people found
this helpful
I feel as if I have to share my story, because I don't feel anyone should go through what I have gone through. I am currently fighting for my deposit from Atlantis, I'll let you judge who should get the deposit... My tenancy began on ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Where do I start... I think the major issue was next time react to a situation - when I say I have maggots do not LEAVE me with them for over 2 weeks. -Give me back my deposit, which I know you won't do HENCE why I have got TDS involved And please, business' like you won't be around for long. Nobody likes liars and nobody likes getting mugged off. - many thanks.
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“New to the area, needed a short term let due ......”

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Dec 11,2012
Minithumbup
By: 'James'
Dec 11,2012
2 people found
this helpful
New to the area, needed a short term let due to work. Atlantis were recommended by a colleague so they were where I started my search. Dealt directly with James, a director who showed obvious expert local knowledge and immediately dismissed properties that he knew ...
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Was this helpful? Yes

“Please Beware!We were let a property that ended up ......”

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Dec 09,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'AtlantisBeware'
Dec 09,2012
9 people found
this helpful
Please Beware! We were let a property that ended up having a faulty electrics and was situated in the middle of a very bad estate ( they show you the property during the day ). We gave the keys back to the lettings agent the same day ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Please Beware! We were let a property that ended up having a faulty gas supply and dodgy electrics and was situated in the middle of a very bad estate ( they show you the property during the day ). We gave the keys back to the lettings agent the same day but I had to go through the TDS to get my deposit back and also pay ‚£570 to re-advertise the property ( their own documentation say this charge should be ‚£200 ). I would stay well cler of these guys, they were rude, and very inefficient it was a real mission to get any of our monies back. Be careful
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“I experienced great difficulty getting my deposit back. Atlantis were ......”

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Nov 24,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'Kalamazoo'
Nov 24,2012
12 people found
this helpful
I experienced great difficulty getting my deposit back. Atlantis were terrible at record keeping. They used the wrong inventory and tried to charge for items that were never there. They constantly stalled and would not return the deposit even when I had signed the settlement. ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Lower fees, keep your promises, answer emails, return deposits, be honest.
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Was this helpful? Yes
By: Rosie
Dec 14, 2012
View all comments (1)
This company are no better than loan sharks they steal your money I took them to court and won they are very well known to the Citizens Advice Bureau . The owner always says you wont win a court case against him but I did . They have a terrible reputation in Reading.Rosie. ...

“Midway through contract negotiation for a letting and after we ......”

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Nov 10,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'Myrninerest'
Nov 10,2012
8 people found
this helpful
Midway through contract negotiation for a letting and after we had paid our deposit, the landlord of the property we hoped to rent pulled out of the deal since he changed his mind about the tenancy period we were asking for. This was no fault ...
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“My experience with this firm was awful as all they ......”

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Sep 11,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'Shaz'
Sep 11,2012
18 people found
this helpful
My experience with this firm was awful as all they are interested in are extortionate fees and they give an appalling service. I called to book an appointment initially and was promised a service in which Atlantis failed on all accounts. There charges are even ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
The agent needs to reduce extortionate charges in line with all other competitors. Also needs to train staff on customer service rather than ignorance and arrogance. The business has thrived due to customers. They will make and eventually break the business.
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Was this helpful? Yes
By: Sam Anson
Sep 28, 2012
View all comments (1)
Hi Shaz, I came across this initiative by Shelter last week which you may be interested in looking at http://england.shelter.org.uk/campaigns/letting_away_with_it?src=hpban-c. As a landlord and tenant I believe there should be more regulation over what agents are and aren't allowed to charge for, especially given the current economic climate. Sam ...

“Luckily our tenancy was only an introduction through Atlantis and ......”

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Aug 30,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'annoyedmatt'
Aug 30,2012
22 people found
this helpful
Luckily our tenancy was only an introduction through Atlantis and our property was managed directly by the landlord, who was fantastic, but when it came to moving out Atlantis were rubbish. There organisation was so inept they kept asking if people could view the property ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Pay us back our deposit within the 28 days stated (which is too long anyway).
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By: Mark R
Sep 15, 2012
View all comments (3)
I also had this negative experience with Atlantis they are a business in denial and need someoen to set up a facebook page against them. As repeatedly the director states he is member of regulatory bodies and needs to conform to their standards. Actually he pays fees for this and does not conform and no-one checks. This is just an excuse for extortionate rates. There are many agents that are also members but do not charge add ons like Atlantis. They are bigger rip offs than the banks. The d ...

“wont be using atlantis again i should have listened to ......”

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Aug 23,2012
Minithumbup
By: 'L&A'
Aug 23,2012
15 people found
this helpful
wont be using atlantis again i should have listened to all of the reviews before getting a tenancy with them. although i have always dealt with Nicole Alder who was lovely, the company as a whole is a joke. ive never really bothered them at ...
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Was this helpful? Yes
By: Andy Malone
Sep 02, 2012
View all comments (1)
Dear Sir / Madam, It is very disappointing to hear that your experience of Atlantis was not as positive as you would have hoped for, as we strive to offer the highest level of service at all times. Unfortunately, as you have not provided your name or the address of the property you rented through us, could I ask that you contact me directly either by e-mail or phone so that I can look into these issues personally. Kind regards, Andy Malone Director Direct dial: 0118 955 7007 e ...

“I personally would question these positive reviews. Allagents should display ......”

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Aug 06,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'AST'
Aug 06,2012
22 people found
this helpful
I personally would question these positive reviews. Allagents should display the ip and subnet of these reviews. I'm sure quite a few of these positives orginate from the same office/network. I work in a large international company based in Reading and personally know many ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
if you've already signed with them, please accept my sympathies. If not, then read on even more carefully. The Fees -(maybe different, in your case) 1. Review the agreement fees closely. Specially, at checkout, a percentage of your rent is deducted. Don't sign till you've read this. Take your time. Remember, they need your business. 2. Everytime you renew the contract, there's a fees involved which isn't transparent. Review this. If not clear, ask this in advance. 3. If moving to a different tenancy, Atlantis may charge you ‚£40 for providing a landlord review/clearance. 4. A notorious ‚£30 charge for any opportunity they can get you at. It increases too while you contest this with the deafs and the dafts. Tips. Maintain a folder by their name. 0. Get a renters insurance. You will not regret it. 1. Keep scanned copies of all agreements and fees. 2. A MUST. Review the inventory with a magnifying glass. Don't sign it unless you study it. Make a note of every inconsistency. Keep a scanned copy and send them via email and post. Even if they don't ask for it. Remember, this will come handy if dealing with TDS. Photographs a big plus. I'd take a video of the entire property with a paper in background that reflects the date. 3. Unlike Haslams and Parkers, Atlantis doesn't provide a quarterly inspection report to tenants. If you have reported an issue, you'll get no confirmation from them. So keep your records of mail or letters describing the issue. Again, photographs. 4. There a huge communication gap between Atlantis accounts and property management. Chances are you'll get charged frequent penalties of ‚£30 which keeps on increasing as you debate it. Always CC Accounts in your mail/ 5. Raise the issue with the top head, if you have to. There's a warm statement by the chief. Don't fall for that. Learn it by your experience. Remember, people at this end hear hard. 6. Finally, if nothing works, remember you have help with 3rd parties. Escalate the issue.
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By: Wannarey
Oct 26, 2012
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By "libellous" (sic), I assume you mean "truthful"? What happened to John Sykes? He was my favourite idiot. ...

“Yes, you might find the perfect property and yes you ......”

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Aug 03,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'Tebby'
Aug 03,2012
25 people found
this helpful
Yes, you might find the perfect property and yes you might have a great deal, but Atlantis will do whatever they can to make sure it is the worst experience possible. I really can't say anything other than the fact that they provided absolutely no ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Been Transparent, been at all helpful in ANY way at ANY time, been customer orientated, not been obvious money grabbing sharks just looking for any excuse to charge more fees. You know what, forget it you won't listen anyway.
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By: Sam Anson
Sep 10, 2012
View all comments (6)
Hi Tebby, I am a landlord and have a property which is let through Atlantis. My tenants have contacted me directly to complain about about Atlantis. I am also a tenant up in Chester who has experienced really bad service in the past from a different agent based in Hampshire and can therefore empathise on how frustrating it is when you feel your agent is not treating you fairly. I came across this initiative by Shelter last week which you may be interested in looking at http://england.shelter. ...

“This estate agency is bordering on criminal. And this is ......”

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Jul 28,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'J.V.'
Jul 28,2012
19 people found
this helpful
This estate agency is bordering on criminal. And this is why ¢â‚¬â€œ Few days ago I have received letter from Atlantis and Mr Nicholas, telling me that ¢â‚¬Å“Further to tenancy agreement you have invoices remaining unpaid on your account¢â‚¬Â. Included with letter was copy of invoice ...
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Was this helpful? Yes
By: Andy Malone
Jul 30, 2012
View all comments (1)
Dear Sir / Madam, Unfortunately as you have not provided your name or the address of the property you rented through us, I am unable to comment on your post, but I would ask that you contact me directly either by e-mail or phone, where I will be happy to provide you with full details of the outstanding invoices on your account and answer any questions you may have regarding these. Kind regards, Andy Malone Director Direct dial: 0118 955 7007 e-mail: a.malone@atlantisproperty ...

“I have used their rental and sales team's. The service ......”

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Jul 26,2012
Minithumbup
By: 'Happy'
Jul 26,2012
5 people found
this helpful
I have used their rental and sales team's. The service for both teams are excellent. The advise they gave me helped me in making the correct decision and always keep me informed on progress....
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By: noatlantis
Nov 27, 2012
View all comments (1)
Yet another dubious 5 star review more than likely written by someone from Atlantis. The terrible grammar and spelling certainly befits the estate agent. ...

“i have used Atlantis for both sales and lettings. Their ......”

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Jul 16,2012
Minithumbup
By: 'simon'
Jul 16,2012
6 people found
this helpful
i have used Atlantis for both sales and lettings. Their fees are competitive and their friendly professional service has meant Ive regurlary returned to them. I've no hesitation in recommending them....
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By: markr321
Sep 18, 2012
View all comments (2)
yes another cover up reviw by atlantis..appalling and farcical ...

“Extremely poor service huge turnover of staff arrogant approach neither ......”

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Jul 16,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'landlord'
Jul 16,2012
11 people found
this helpful
Extremely poor service huge turnover of staff arrogant approach neither landlord or tenant focussed. Full managment non-existent several prompts needed unable to satisfactorily obtain quotes. Avoid at any cost...
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Was this helpful? Yes
By: Andy Malone
Jul 23, 2012
View all comments (1)
Dear Sir / Madam, Due to the anonymous nature of your post and the lack of any detail whatsoever, I cannot comment on any of the points you have made, but certainly I do not recognise your description of us, and nor would the many landlords and tenants who use our service on a daily basis and who have posted positive reviews on this site. If you genuinely have an issue with our service, then I would ask that you do not hesitate to contact me directly, either by e-mail or phone and I would ...

“Atlantis are an absolute joke. James Hathaway never returns phonecalls ......”

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Jul 14,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'Sam'
Jul 14,2012
15 people found
this helpful
Atlantis are an absolute joke. James Hathaway never returns phonecalls or emails. I've been told to direct stuff to Andy Malone - has hasn't responded to any of my last two emails or phone calls. Their saving grace was Kayt Daugherty who has now left. ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Andy Malone: Confirm receipt of email as per my request in my voicemail Russel Pearce: Call or write to introduce yourself as Kayt's replacement James Hathaway: Respond to emails and phonecalls John Sykes: Establish a rent guarantee scheme to landlords, as per Northwood UK's scheme, whereby landlords hand everything over to you but you pay them 75% of market rate, even if it's empty. It works a treat.
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By: Sam Anson
Jul 21, 2012
View all comments (1)
I just want to correct some of the content in my review here. 1) Saying that Andy Malone didn't respond to any of my last two emails or phone calls is incorrect. Sorry Andy for the mistake. The issue was that he didn't respond to my voicemail asking him to confirm that he had received my email. 2) The previous tenenats didn't dump my bed in my garden but in the garden shed. 3) I don't have any proof that Matthew L'estrange told my tenants that I would pay for the gardening and a table and ...

“To say the least this agency is full of lies. ......”

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Jul 13,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'V'
Jul 13,2012
4 people found
this helpful
To say the least this agency is full of lies. Before we moved in we agreed with Matt that some of the landlord's belongings will be removed and minor refurbishment will be undertaken. At the date of signing the contract we arrived at the property ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Deliver on promise.
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“I have used most of the agencies in the Reading ......”

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Jul 04,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'Mai'
Jul 04,2012
15 people found
this helpful
I have used most of the agencies in the Reading area in my 15+ yrs of living in rental property, so am well positioned to be able to say Atlantis are THE WORST Lettings Agency in Reading by far. Not only that but they are THE ...
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By: Andy Malone
Jul 23, 2012
View all comments (1)
Dear Sir / Madam, I am very concerned to read your comments regarding your experience with Atlantis as a tenant as we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to both landlords and tenants, but unfortunately as you have not provided your name or the address of the property you are referring to, I am unable to comments on the specific points you have made. However, I would like to comment on you view that our landlords are unscrupulous by stating that our landlords – ...

“I have used Atlantis Property for the past ten years ......”

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Jun 30,2012
Minithumbup
By: 'Simon'
Jun 30,2012
4 people found
this helpful
I have used Atlantis Property for the past ten years to manage and let my apartment.Without question,they are the most organised and efficient lettings agent I have used over the years.They have always found tenants for me very quickly,and for the ...
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“The day we went to sign the tenancy agreement we ......”

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Jun 28,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'Tanfields'
Jun 28,2012
11 people found
this helpful
The day we went to sign the tenancy agreement we were shocked that there were tenants in the Atlantis offices complaining about various things, but we went ahead as we liked the property and assumed that this was just a blip. We should have heeded ...
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Was this helpful? Yes
By: Andy Malone
Jul 24, 2012
View all comments (1)
Dear Sir / Madam Firstly, I would like to apologise for the fact that you did not receive the level of service you would have hoped for whilst renting a property through us on this occasion, and I am very disappointed that we have not met the very high standards of service we set ourselves. We strive to provide the highest level of service on all occasions, and so I would very much welcome the opportunity of discussing your experience with us in more detail, so that we may learn from it an ...

“I have been dealing with James for well over 9 years ......”

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Jun 27,2012
Minithumbup
By: 'Sandra'
Jun 27,2012
4 people found
this helpful
I have been dealing with James for well over 9 years and over that period he has proved time and time again he is an expert in the letting and property field. Any queries that I raise with him concerning the letting market he is already ...
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“As a family business we have been using the services ......”

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Jun 19,2012
Minithumbup
By: 'David'
Jun 19,2012
3 people found
this helpful
As a family business we have been using the services of Atlantis for over 10 years. We have had a close working relationship, suitable tenants are found quickly and we are updated with all applicants regardless of them meeting stringent criteria. The lettings team do a ...
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“Kayt Daugherty has been my contact whilst letting various properties ......”

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Jun 18,2012
Minithumbup
By: 'sash'
Jun 18,2012
1 people found
this helpful
Kayt Daugherty has been my contact whilst letting various properties through Atlantis and she has been very efficient, very personnable and extremely professional at all times. The thought of Kayt not being there at any time leaves me very nervous. Anything that happens Kayt is ...
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“I have used Atantis to manage my property since I ......”

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Jun 18,2012
Minithumbup
By: 'kerry'
Jun 18,2012
3 people found
this helpful
I have used Atantis to manage my property since I bought it in 2004. I have to say that in those years I have been tempted to leave Atlantis and have only stopped since since i have been dealing with Kayt, she is very professional and ...
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By: Anon99
Jul 14, 2012
View all comments (1)
I was in exactly the same position. Almost ready to employ a new agent for £105 per month for doing sweet F A who was more caring but now she's left - can you believe it. And it seems like it's back to the same old same old. No replies to emails or returning phonecalls, too busy fleecing tenants. Apparently Andy Malone is supposed to be in charge. He replies to emails and phone calls even less than James Hathaway, and that's saying something. Tenants beware. Landlords beware. Atlantis are too b ...

“Kelly has been very helpful in offering advise and taking ......”

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Jun 14,2012
Minithumbup
By: 'Julie'
Jun 14,2012
4 people found
this helpful
Kelly has been very helpful in offering advise and taking time to ensure I received everything I needed. I have found her to be very helpful and organised. Thank you for all your help!!...
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“My partner and I came into contact with Atlantis Property ......”

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Jun 14,2012
Minithumbdown
By: 'Let'
Jun 14,2012
8 people found
this helpful
My partner and I came into contact with Atlantis Property Services in January 2012, when we decided to move our currently rented house. At first, what looked like a good agency, later we came to regret it deeply. We found a property which we wanted to ...
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By: Andy Malone
Jun 16, 2012
View all comments (1)
Dear Sir / Madam, I am very concerned to read your comments regarding your proposed tenancy, but unfortunately as you have not provided your name or the address of the property you are referring to, I am unable to comments on the specific points you have made. I would therefore ask that you contact me directly either by e-mail or phone and I will be happy to look into the matter in order that I may do so. I am however able to comment on your point regarding our hidden charges by confir ...
No fees information available
Kindly note that legally, letting agents need to publish information about their tenancy fees, government-approved redress schemes and client money protection schemes on their website and on third party websites (on which agents are listed). For properties to lease/rent in England, agents need to keep this information up to date and precise on allAgents or specify within the property description.

Complaints Procedure

As a member of ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents), NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) and The Property Ombudsman, Atlantis Property Services Ltd aims to provide the highest standards of service to all its customers. To ensure that your interests are protected, in the unlikely event that we do not provide the service you were expecting, we offer both an internal and external complaints procedure.

Internal Complaints Procedure

If you believe you have a grievance, please write in the first instance to “The Property Manager” at:

23/24 Market Place
Reading
RG1 2DE

The grievance will be acknowledged immediately, investigated thoroughly in accordance with established “in-house” procedures, and a reply sent to the complainant within twenty-one days of receipt of the letter.

If, however, you remain dissatisfied with the result of the internal investigation, please write to

“The Senior Manager” at:
23/24 Market Place
Reading
RG1 2DE

The Senior Manager and his/her team will thoroughly investigate your complaint, and the results of the complaint at branch level, and will reply within twenty-one days of receipt of your letter. If after this time you remain unsatisfied, Atlantis Property Serviced Limited offers mediation between the complainant and the company.

External Complaints Procedure

If you remain dissatisfied, Atlantis Property Services Limited will recommend mediation services through ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents), NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) or The Property Ombudsman.
Last updated at 8:23 AM 28/01/2015 by allAgents

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