93% lettings valuation accuracy
95% lettings fee satisfaction
May 21,2016
May 21,2016
2
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Curiosity brought me back to Sarah Kenny website. What a pleasant surprise it is to see that the flat (REDRD124) for which I applied nearly a month ago is still on market. Now, I can't help but wonder whether the agents are interested in letting the property at all or for whatever shady considerations they are just buying time; since time, as the saying goes, is money.
There are only two positive things to be said about the agency: one is the floor plans, which is a very useful extra, and the other being the well-organised viewing procedure.
Everything else, in my experience, was a complete disaster.
And so, I applied for the property the next day making an offer no sensible landlord would refuse (i.e., to pay half a year of rent plus the deposit upfront, not to mention the excessive tenant fee, more of the latter in a bit). The agents made me wait ONE WEEK before giving a dismissive answer. Unconvincing as it sounds, the excuse I kept hearing went along the lines of sorry, we haven't heard back from the landlord yet.
Now to the heart of the matter: the EXCESSIVE TENANCY FEE.
I'm not saying Sarah Kenny is the only agent in England that plays dirty, but for a business that has been around for 25 years such tactics seem particularly indecent. But then, what sort of expectations should anyone have from a Tory-oriented Sunday Times winner.
I come from Scotland where it's illegal for a letting agency to charge a tenant any fees ('premiums') except for a deposit/holding fee. And this, I claim, is for a very good reason.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 all letting agents in England and Wales are required to display a full list of fees and charges. And indeed, one can find clear pricing lists on the website.
Let me briefly demonstrate now how our acclaimed agent charges tenants for... well, apparently for nothing:
1. Undertaking references (tenant pays) vs. Obtaining references (landlord pays)
2. Drawing up the documentation of your lease (tenant) vs. Drawing up the tenancy agreement (landlord) ['lease' and ‘tenancy agreement' are synonymous, folks]
3. Registering the deposit (tenant) vs. Registration of tenants deposits (landlord)
4. Undertaking the check in, including a full inventory & meter readings (tenant) vs. [1] Transfer of utilities and council tax [2] Meeting tenants at check in to go through inventory (landlord)
5. Registering you with all relevant utilities companies (tenant) vs. Transfer of utilities and council tax (landlord)
In short, the tenants are required to pay for the 'services' that the landlord has already paid for. Doubling the profit, isn't it nice?
They [the letting agents] also must not charge you for: anything they also charge the landlord for. (http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/private_renting/costs_of_renting/letting_agent_fees_and_charges)
I invite the directors of the company, Mr. Allen and Mrs. McKelvey, to have the courtesy and come up with some sort of justification by replying to this post. I believe there are other people eager for an explanation. After all, 50% of the monthly rent routinely stolen from the clients' pockets is no laughing matter.
There are only two positive things to be said about the agency: one is the floor plans, which is a very useful extra, and the other being the well-organised viewing procedure.
Everything else, in my experience, was a complete disaster.
And so, I applied for the property the next day making an offer no sensible landlord would refuse (i.e., to pay half a year of rent plus the deposit upfront, not to mention the excessive tenant fee, more of the latter in a bit). The agents made me wait ONE WEEK before giving a dismissive answer. Unconvincing as it sounds, the excuse I kept hearing went along the lines of sorry, we haven't heard back from the landlord yet.
Now to the heart of the matter: the EXCESSIVE TENANCY FEE.
I'm not saying Sarah Kenny is the only agent in England that plays dirty, but for a business that has been around for 25 years such tactics seem particularly indecent. But then, what sort of expectations should anyone have from a Tory-oriented Sunday Times winner.
I come from Scotland where it's illegal for a letting agency to charge a tenant any fees ('premiums') except for a deposit/holding fee. And this, I claim, is for a very good reason.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 all letting agents in England and Wales are required to display a full list of fees and charges. And indeed, one can find clear pricing lists on the website.
Let me briefly demonstrate now how our acclaimed agent charges tenants for... well, apparently for nothing:
1. Undertaking references (tenant pays) vs. Obtaining references (landlord pays)
2. Drawing up the documentation of your lease (tenant) vs. Drawing up the tenancy agreement (landlord) ['lease' and ‘tenancy agreement' are synonymous, folks]
3. Registering the deposit (tenant) vs. Registration of tenants deposits (landlord)
4. Undertaking the check in, including a full inventory & meter readings (tenant) vs. [1] Transfer of utilities and council tax [2] Meeting tenants at check in to go through inventory (landlord)
5. Registering you with all relevant utilities companies (tenant) vs. Transfer of utilities and council tax (landlord)
In short, the tenants are required to pay for the 'services' that the landlord has already paid for. Doubling the profit, isn't it nice?
They [the letting agents] also must not charge you for: anything they also charge the landlord for. (http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/private_renting/costs_of_renting/letting_agent_fees_and_charges)
I invite the directors of the company, Mr. Allen and Mrs. McKelvey, to have the courtesy and come up with some sort of justification by replying to this post. I believe there are other people eager for an explanation. After all, 50% of the monthly rent routinely stolen from the clients' pockets is no laughing matter.
What agent could do to change your mind?
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Sarah Kenny Residential Lettings
30 Regent Street
Bristol
North Somerset
BS8 4HU
0117 946 7171
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettings | 93% | 95% | £550 | £4,000 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 108 | 0 | 340 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 |
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Dec 13,2023
Dec 13,2023
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Stress free and easy process, massive thanks to Connor and Ceana who helped us with any queries and concerns - now we can enjoy the comfort of our lovely flat !...
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Dec 19,2023
Dec 19,2023
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Friendly service and was kept informed throughout the whole process. Viewing was done very well and agent showed us around explaining all the details. Kept in contact through emails. They also kept me updated throughout the referencing process where some delays occurred however these were ...
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Dec 11,2023
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We recently started a tenancy with Sarah Kenny as the agent. Connor who showed us round two properties before we decided on one to rent was very friendly, professional and gave his honest opinions. All communications we've had with anyone at Sarah Kenny have also ...
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Oct 16,2023
Oct 16,2023
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I have lost count of the number of years that Sarah Kenny have provided letting agency services to me but I can honestly say I have never once regretted my choice. The service provided has been professional, efficient and friendly. In short - excellent right ...
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Oct 06,2023
Oct 06,2023
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Had a very good experience renting my flat in Clifton. First time I have rented in nearly 40 years. The Sarah Kenny team guided this apprehensive novice with aplomb. Also great follow up and assistance since. Highly recommended....
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Dec 02,2024
Dec 02,2024
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Well organized, clear on the communications and helpful in general during all the process....
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Sep 23,2024
Sep 23,2024
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Couldn't recommend everyone at Sarah Kenny Residential Lettings highly enough - Peter, Hayley, Connor and Rebecca to name but a few have been excellent!...
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Sep 05,2024
Sep 05,2024
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Connor was extremely helpful and diligent. From first visit of the property to collecting the keys; the process was smooth and structured....
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Sep 04,2024
Sep 04,2024
1
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Incredibly helpful, communicative, and approachable agent. Went above and beyond!...
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Sep 03,2024
Sep 03,2024
0
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I chose Sarah Kenny for a premium service. I have found them to be very professional in best representing my interests, selecting a suitable tenant, dealing diplomatically and efficiently both with any maintenance issues arising and negotiating renewal terms, whilst keeping me informed throughout. I ...
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Aug 29,2024
Aug 29,2024
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Sarah Kenny have been absolutely brilliant through the whole tenancy process. Laura Stewart went a one and beyond as an agent and was also approachable, accessible and would endeavour to sort any issues in a prompt time frame. We are very lucky to have had ...
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Aug 28,2024
Aug 28,2024
1
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Really easy process, Conor made everything feel really smooth and was a great help whenever I had any questions!...
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Aug 27,2024
Aug 27,2024
0
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I have been using Sarah Kenny for around 6 years to manage my apartment in Bristol. As I reside outside of the UK it is vitally important that I use people that I can trust and rely upon to manage the day to day requirements generated ...
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Aug 27,2024
Aug 27,2024
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Easily the best management agency in Bristol. Professional and efficient, Sarah Kenny Residential lettings has been looking after me for almost 30 years. Peter, Rebecca, Hayley, Liz have been my mainstay. Their expertise in the rental market and management of rental properties know no bounds. Always ...
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Aug 26,2024
Aug 26,2024
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For a number of years my properties have been managed by Sarah Kenny and I have been delighted with the service.
My main contact is Hayley, who has been so helpful and professional, from dealing with tenant issues to suggesting improvements to the properties. I ...
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Aug 26,2024
Aug 26,2024
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Have been using Sarah Kenny for several years and have found them very professional and helpful...
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Aug 26,2024
Aug 26,2024
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Sarah Kenny Residential Lettings have managed several properties for us for over 20 years.
The service they provide to both landlords and tenants is excellent; we have always been well looked after and well informed by all the staff. We are particularly impressed by Hayley and ...
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Aug 26,2024
Aug 26,2024
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Professional, do what they say and found a tenant very quickly...
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Aug 24,2024
Aug 24,2024
0
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We changed our letting agents to SK with our previous tenants in occupation. We had to get a repossession order through the courts to get our property back from incredibly difficult tenants. Hayley and Rebecca formed an amazing team. They researched and gathered information over ...
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Aug 23,2024
Aug 23,2024
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We had great service from Sarah Kenny, always responding quickly to any correspondence,...
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Aug 23,2024
Aug 23,2024
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Sarah Kenny have successfully managed our property for 15+ years, and we have always been very happy with their service. In particular, Rebecca & Hayley continue to be excellent, professional and friendly. Thanks to the whole team....
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Aug 20,2024
Aug 20,2024
0
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My partner and I moved into a Sarah Kenny property a couple of weeks ago and their agents have been brilliant.
I viewed the property with Sasha and she was very informative and friendly - a day later we put the offer through. All correspondence ...
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Aug 20,2024
Aug 20,2024
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Eva is always super responsive and helpful to our queries re the rental property we let from Sarah Kenny. She's got a great professional style but remains really friendly, we're really pleased and would recommend!...
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Aug 20,2024
Aug 20,2024
0
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Sarah Kenny were ideal for finding an apartment as two graduates - the rental market in Bristol is really tough but they made the process so much quicker and easier. Sasha was a wonderful help for us in finding our ideal apartment. Thank you so ...
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Aug 17,2024
Aug 17,2024
0
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Very nice and helpful during the viewing. When he wasn’t sure, he was upfront about it and spent time looking up the information and getting back to us. Overall we felt taken care of and they helped made the process easier....
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Aug 08,2024
Aug 08,2024
0
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Sarah Kenny have been excellent in every way - a highly professional agency. They took all the time that was needed from the very first viewing to resolving a couple of minor property management issues. They are helpful and efficient and nothing was too much ...
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Aug 06,2024
Aug 06,2024
0
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Connor is an excellent agent. He is bright and informative and knows the area. His handover for the rental property was exactly what you need: brisk, clear and to the point....
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Aug 05,2024
Aug 05,2024
0
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Availability and approachability has been fantastic, even our of hours. Connor in particular was extremely professional yet friendly! Thanks a lot for a smooth renting experience. Taking away one star only due to some communication gaps, but overall good experience!...
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Aug 02,2024
Aug 02,2024
0
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Connor and Camilla been a joy to work with. They have been both very kind and helpful. I met Connor in the office and he was incredibly helpful considering I am new to the UK....
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Jul 30,2024
Jul 30,2024
0
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It was our first time renting through Sarah Kenny, and they made the whole process professional, friendly, and efficient. Our letting negotiator, Connor, showed us around the property. He was incredibly friendly, happy to answer any questions, and followed up on any inquiries with the ...
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Laura Higgins
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Hayley
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Rebecca
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Peter
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Sarah
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Sasha
Laura
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Vendor Fees
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No fees set. Last updated at 14/10/2022, 4:08 PM by Rebecca McKelveyComplaints Procedure
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Last updated at 10:57 AM 05/12/2023 by allAgents
Best Letting Agent in BS8 
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