100% sales valuation accuracy
100% sales fee satisfaction
64% lettings valuation accuracy
64% lettings fee satisfaction
Jul 24,2014
Jul 24,2014
68
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Approached Smart Move in Feb 2012 to manage my new build flat. The Manager there claimed he could get £1100 per month and all seemed positive. Its worth mentioning I am not a property mogul. This is my home, which I cant afford to live in.
After a wait of a good few weeks the manager claimed the only person available was a single mum on benefits and that he could only get £1000 pcm (which is the Enfield council maximum housing benefit for a 2 bed flat). Reluctantly I had to agree because I was desperate to pay the mortgage.
- The agent did not take out any background checks and when I met the prospective tenant in the office for what I thought was a meet and greet it was not made clear that I was actually"vetting the tenant" thus the agent did not have to provide sufficient checks. Turns out the tenant is a foreign national and she quickly moved her husband in, although she signed up as a single mum. A background check would have found this out.
- The agent did not explain that the £1000 pcm was not the full amount and deducted 10% + VAT - so £120 per month (or £1200 per year). The agent took this amount over the first 3 consecutive months and not over a monthly period...not explained to me at all. He took £400 a month for the first 3 months which meant I defaulted on my mortgage for each of those months.
- The tenant turned out to be a problem tenant and neighbours complaints were made to the agent and not handled. I had to deal with it all myself. The tenant refused to speak to me or open the door and feigned English whenever I called to check on the property or discuses matters (so if they didn't understand English, how could they read the contract which they signed). I asked the agent if he had a translator present for the signing of contracts - no comment.
- After 9 months I explained to the tenant that I would not be renewing the contract in 3 months time because I couldn't afford to live somewhere else and had to move back into the property (they were also problem tenants and now I was burned I thought I better move back in and get a lodger). The agent then proceeded to collude with the tenant (as the tenant feigned being able to speak English and would only speak to the Turkish agents) to stay on for as long as possible.
- The tenants husband paid cash to the agent every month. At the beginning of the tenancy the agent proclaimed that he didn't know the husband had moved in and didn't feel at all that he should let me know this information. I had to find out through the neighbours.
- The tenant did not on any occasion refuse to accept the rental money, thus meaning the tenant was legally allowed to stay in the property and meaning that I was not allowed to proceed with an accelerated possession order to get the tenants out within a couple of weeks.
Year 2.
As I was not allowed to proceed with an accelerated possession order the contract rolled over to the second year by default, all because the agents informed the tenant they could stay and the tenants refused to move, despite receiving end of tenancy letters.
- The agents then took 100% (£1200) of their fee for the second year in the first 2 monthly cash payments - I again defaulted on my mortgage for 2 months
- The agents claimed that they only kept taking the cash payments because the tenant and I had come to an arrangement that the agent would keep working for me, as a "gratuity" - which is a bare faced lie.
- The agents then claimed that they were within their rights according to the management contract with me that they could keep taking a fee for a minimum of 2 years whilst the tenant was in the property. Convenient. When asked to see a copy of the contract it was not provided, when asked 2 maybe 3 mores times it still was not provided. Only when the Ombudsman was called in did they provide me with a copy, which looks like it has been doctored and fraudulently produced.
- The agents refused to answer any complaint letters and were rude and dismissive of my problems and of issues I had with them over the 18 months-2 years I had the displeasure of dealing with them.
- During the complaints procedure their letters were abrasive, dismissive and they avoided answering any questions, instead blaming my conduct as a silent landlord on the issues at hand. The letters were also mis-spelled, sloppy and rushed out lacking proper information. If this is how they deal with important letters, imagine how they are handling your paperwork and internal procedure.
Year 3.
Now, after evicting the tenants legally (and slowly due to the backlog) I have a wonderful tenant in the property and done all the background checks myself etc etc - its not so hard and I have been managing the property on my own with no issues.
I have complained to the Ombudsman about the conduct of the Agents, sighting case law in which an Agent has allowed a tenant to stay in the property, working against the wishes of the landlord, and in doing so assumes responsibility for any financial loss. So it is my hope that the Ombudsman gets Smart Move to compensate me for a second years fees, the loss of a stolen fridge, a broken washer dryer and for loss of furniture which was left dumped in communal areas (honestly it happened, I'm not making this up). Who knows if it will bear any compensation, but at least the Ombudsman will have these guys on their radar.
So, its safe to say - that if you want a head ache like mine, then go to Smart Move and speak directly to Jessy Lamba....if you want a professional, try a reputable brand.
Avoid Avoid Avoid AvoidAvoid Avoid Avoid AvoidAvoid Avoid Avoid AvoidAvoid Avoid Avoid Avoid
After a wait of a good few weeks the manager claimed the only person available was a single mum on benefits and that he could only get £1000 pcm (which is the Enfield council maximum housing benefit for a 2 bed flat). Reluctantly I had to agree because I was desperate to pay the mortgage.
- The agent did not take out any background checks and when I met the prospective tenant in the office for what I thought was a meet and greet it was not made clear that I was actually"vetting the tenant" thus the agent did not have to provide sufficient checks. Turns out the tenant is a foreign national and she quickly moved her husband in, although she signed up as a single mum. A background check would have found this out.
- The agent did not explain that the £1000 pcm was not the full amount and deducted 10% + VAT - so £120 per month (or £1200 per year). The agent took this amount over the first 3 consecutive months and not over a monthly period...not explained to me at all. He took £400 a month for the first 3 months which meant I defaulted on my mortgage for each of those months.
- The tenant turned out to be a problem tenant and neighbours complaints were made to the agent and not handled. I had to deal with it all myself. The tenant refused to speak to me or open the door and feigned English whenever I called to check on the property or discuses matters (so if they didn't understand English, how could they read the contract which they signed). I asked the agent if he had a translator present for the signing of contracts - no comment.
- After 9 months I explained to the tenant that I would not be renewing the contract in 3 months time because I couldn't afford to live somewhere else and had to move back into the property (they were also problem tenants and now I was burned I thought I better move back in and get a lodger). The agent then proceeded to collude with the tenant (as the tenant feigned being able to speak English and would only speak to the Turkish agents) to stay on for as long as possible.
- The tenants husband paid cash to the agent every month. At the beginning of the tenancy the agent proclaimed that he didn't know the husband had moved in and didn't feel at all that he should let me know this information. I had to find out through the neighbours.
- The tenant did not on any occasion refuse to accept the rental money, thus meaning the tenant was legally allowed to stay in the property and meaning that I was not allowed to proceed with an accelerated possession order to get the tenants out within a couple of weeks.
Year 2.
As I was not allowed to proceed with an accelerated possession order the contract rolled over to the second year by default, all because the agents informed the tenant they could stay and the tenants refused to move, despite receiving end of tenancy letters.
- The agents then took 100% (£1200) of their fee for the second year in the first 2 monthly cash payments - I again defaulted on my mortgage for 2 months
- The agents claimed that they only kept taking the cash payments because the tenant and I had come to an arrangement that the agent would keep working for me, as a "gratuity" - which is a bare faced lie.
- The agents then claimed that they were within their rights according to the management contract with me that they could keep taking a fee for a minimum of 2 years whilst the tenant was in the property. Convenient. When asked to see a copy of the contract it was not provided, when asked 2 maybe 3 mores times it still was not provided. Only when the Ombudsman was called in did they provide me with a copy, which looks like it has been doctored and fraudulently produced.
- The agents refused to answer any complaint letters and were rude and dismissive of my problems and of issues I had with them over the 18 months-2 years I had the displeasure of dealing with them.
- During the complaints procedure their letters were abrasive, dismissive and they avoided answering any questions, instead blaming my conduct as a silent landlord on the issues at hand. The letters were also mis-spelled, sloppy and rushed out lacking proper information. If this is how they deal with important letters, imagine how they are handling your paperwork and internal procedure.
Year 3.
Now, after evicting the tenants legally (and slowly due to the backlog) I have a wonderful tenant in the property and done all the background checks myself etc etc - its not so hard and I have been managing the property on my own with no issues.
I have complained to the Ombudsman about the conduct of the Agents, sighting case law in which an Agent has allowed a tenant to stay in the property, working against the wishes of the landlord, and in doing so assumes responsibility for any financial loss. So it is my hope that the Ombudsman gets Smart Move to compensate me for a second years fees, the loss of a stolen fridge, a broken washer dryer and for loss of furniture which was left dumped in communal areas (honestly it happened, I'm not making this up). Who knows if it will bear any compensation, but at least the Ombudsman will have these guys on their radar.
So, its safe to say - that if you want a head ache like mine, then go to Smart Move and speak directly to Jessy Lamba....if you want a professional, try a reputable brand.
Avoid Avoid Avoid AvoidAvoid Avoid Avoid AvoidAvoid Avoid Avoid AvoidAvoid Avoid Avoid Avoid
What agent could do to change your mind?
The agent - Jessy Lamba, could have dealt with me in a professional and courteous manner throughout the working relationship. He could have sourced decent tenants and not lied about the current market value. He could have not colluded with the tenants to gain a second years commission.Attached Filesnbsp;
Comment on agent fees
The agent lied to me stating that the only price he could get was ‚£1000 per month. This was because the Enfield Housing benefit cap is ‚£1000 pcm and I don't think he realistically advertised or sought working tenants as per my request. They took the annual fees over the first 3 months of the tenancy for year 1. Then in year 2 the agent took 100% of the fees over the first and second month They did not earn any of their fees, they did not conduct proper background checks and did not deal with any neighbour complaints, i had to deal with them myself.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 10, 2016
Yes, Are right. I had bed experience with them they are biggest lair.
Agent Response / Add a Comment
You can use this form to reply to the above review or a displayed comment on the above review.
Browse popular links for estate agents, letting agents and properties nearby
Latest Reviews
7th Mar 2020
reviewed by 'Junior'
16th Feb 2020
reviewed by 'James'
30th Jan 2020
reviewed by 'Amber'
3rd Sep 2019
reviewed by 'Hanna'
16th Jun 2017
reviewed by 'Cece'
30th Aug 2016
reviewed by 'Mr'
Opening Hours
Address
Smart Move
16b The Concourse, Edmonton Green
Edmonton,London
Greater London
N9 0TZ
0208 3455444
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 100% | 100% | £225,000 | £405,000 |
| Lettings | 64% | 64% | £595 | £1,800 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Areas covered
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
Advertise on
Members of
Rankings
Overall
Overall
Latest Properties
No Properties
Mar 07,2020
Mar 07,2020
65
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I had let my flat to smart move and I regret every moment. Jessy and his brother s are disgusting peoe, do not trust this company! AVOID...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 16,2020
Feb 16,2020
54
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I would strongly advise people to avoid using smartove!
We have been living in our current property now for nearly a year with our two children and since being in the property we have had numerous problems occur.
The house is riddled with thick green ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jan 30,2020
Jan 30,2020
66
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Looks as if all the 5 star ratings were written by Smart Move themselves (Jessy). The whole family are criminals.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7894885/Vogue-cover-girl-Hanaa-Ben-Abdesslems-new-husband-thug-convicted-vicious-assault.html...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Nov 16, 2020
View all comments
(1)
Hi there, I'm going through the exact issues as you have, I'd like you to contact me, if you could contact me on my email which is winniekytang at gmail dot com. Thanks ...
Sep 03,2019
Sep 03,2019
68
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Terrible is an overstatement!! This Smart Move agent needs to be shut down.
Read other bad reviews , literally the same thing happened to me word for word.
I am sure this has happened to many many more people.
DO NOT! I REPEAT! DO NOT USE ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Nov 16, 2020
View all comments
(1)
Hi Hanna, I'm going through the same pain as you are with this agent. I'd like to chat to you further, if you could contact me on this email winniekytang at gmail dot com ...
Jun 16,2017
Jun 16,2017
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
They are Friendly and reliable easy to talk to and understanding your situation,helpful and caring the do there jobs to the fullest.. I'm happy with everything I got from them. Thanks ðŸ™ðŸ¾...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Good
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Mar 20, 2018
View all comments
(1)
Awful service. Keep away if you want to keep your sanity. They will charge landlords extreme charges with no evidence, the tenants are not taken care of. Truly cowboy establishment and require to be investigated.
POOR and a score of minus 5. ...
Aug 30,2016
Aug 30,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I would like to thank all the staff at smart move for a very professional service. They has assisted me in purchasing several rental properties over the last 15 years, the portfolio has been managed and run to an excellent standard. I would happily recommend this ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Reasonable
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 10,2016
Feb 10,2016
56
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I let my flat to Smart Move, Edmonton Green last 3 years. They never replay my phone call or email. they are biggest liars I have never ever seen in my life.. Most of the staff are liars. Ever three month they charge me for some ...
read full review
read full review
What agent could do to change your mind?
VERY BED.Attached Filesnbsp;
Comment on agent fees
VERY BED.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Nov 16, 2020
View all comments
(2)
I'm going through the same issues as you are, if you read this can you contact me through this email please:winniekytang at gmail dot com. ...
Mar 10,2015
Mar 10,2015
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I chose Smart Move because of word of mouth from local neighbours and colleagues at work. The agents were extremely efficient, not only are they local for me, they were flexible with my appointment times. As I work I had no time to ensure the ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 29,2014
Oct 29,2014
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I recently bought my house off smart move and i must say i am pleased with the level of service and information i received through them i currently live in the house i bought off them but i will be looking to invest in a ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 24,2014
Oct 24,2014
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I phoned up smart move not knowing what to expect as there are so many agents in the area but i had heard some positive feedback from a few friends of mine so i decided to give them a go, from the initial telephone call ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 23,2014
Oct 23,2014
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I bought my first property from smart move, the sales manager and team of staff were very welcoming they helped me greatly with my buying procedure as I was not 100% on what to do. I have continued to use the agency since then and i ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 22,2014
Oct 22,2014
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have used multiple estate agents in the past and none of them have had the same impact as smart move, they have been great in assisting me with my properties and this has led me to drop other agents and confide in smart move ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 20,2014
Oct 20,2014
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
best estate agents in the area! i have recommended a few friends to smart move as they have treated me with the utmost respect over a period of 10 years, long may the partnership continue....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 08,2014
Oct 08,2014
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I recently used Smart Move Estate Agents for the first time to buy a 3 bedroom property, the service was very good, the manager knew what he was doing and helped out a lot. I will rent the property with them soon as well. Thanks you ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 08,2014
Oct 08,2014
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have worked with Smart Move Estate Agents on a few of my properties in the Edmonton area, I was extremely pleased with the service I received from their staff and manager (Jessy), who is straightforward and polite to say the least. My last property ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Aug 25,2014
Aug 25,2014
65
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I wanted to bring to all Landlords attention, that Smart Move Estate Agent has got a criminal record.
Approached Smart Move in May 2010 to manage my property.
Smart Move Estate Argent unfair withheld all of the deposit money and refused to co-operate with me and ...
read full review
read full review
What agent could do to change your mind?
They should have accept my terminating, that I have gave them two months notice.Attached Filesnbsp;
Comment on agent fees
They robe me one month rent money.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
May 06, 2022
View all comments
(1)
I'm extremely glad it's my mum's last day having to deal with SMART MOVE in EDMONTON GREEN. Unfortunately, I have to give them a 1 star rather than the ZERO STAR they deserve for poor customer service.Sometime in mid September 2021 , after witnessing the challenges my mum was facing with her tenant and SMART MOVE , I made what I believe was an honest review only to be threatened to remove the post failing which the Manager from the latter threatened to withhold my mum's rental income .
Their ...
Jul 24,2014
Jul 24,2014
68
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Approached Smart Move in Feb 2012 to manage my new build flat. The Manager there claimed he could get £1100 per month and all seemed positive. Its worth mentioning I am not a property mogul. This is my home, which I cant afford to live in.
After ...
read full review
read full review
What agent could do to change your mind?
The agent - Jessy Lamba, could have dealt with me in a professional and courteous manner throughout the working relationship. He could have sourced decent tenants and not lied about the current market value. He could have not colluded with the tenants to gain a second years commission.Attached Filesnbsp;
Comment on agent fees
The agent lied to me stating that the only price he could get was ‚£1000 per month. This was because the Enfield Housing benefit cap is ‚£1000 pcm and I don't think he realistically advertised or sought working tenants as per my request. They took the annual fees over the first 3 months of the tenancy for year 1. Then in year 2 the agent took 100% of the fees over the first and second month They did not earn any of their fees, they did not conduct proper background checks and did not deal with any neighbour complaints, i had to deal with them myself.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 10, 2016
View all comments
(1)
Yes, Are right. I had bed experience with them they are biggest lair. ...
Apr 21,2014
Apr 21,2014
46
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I've been with them for a few years now. Initially it was fine, while they fees were quite high, approximately 12%, when other letting agents can be found for 6, I still went with them because the amount I'd be getting a month were higher in comparison ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
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
No procedure available.
