0% lettings valuation accuracy
0% lettings fee satisfaction
Apr 25,2012
Apr 25,2012
9
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Do not use this absolutely sham of a business.
I moved into my property at the end of 2009 and right from the word go, it was a shambles. First of all, we were told we HAD to move in by October 31st. I had concerns as I am not paid until the last day of the month and thus wanted to have a contract starting on the 1st of the month so that I could be sure my rent would be paid to my landlord in time - for a standing order to come out of the account, the money must be there the day before. They assured me that paying the rent on the 1st of the month instead of the last day of the month would be no problem (this was only a day difference, but it made all the diference to me). Unfortunately, they had not agreed this with the landlord, who was understandably annoyed.
When it came to moving in day, when I went to collect the keys, they refused to hand them over due to them not receiving the sum of money I had transferred to them the day before using an instant CHAPS payment. The frustrating thing about this was the fact that I had phoned them after making the payment to confirm that it had been received and I was told that it was. Yet, when I went to collect the keys, they were adament they hadn't, despite telling me otherwise the day before. This was only resolved after I made it clear that I was going no where and lo and behold, they "found" the payment after keeping me waiting an hour with no apology.
Due to circumstances, my housemate had to move out and we found a suitable replacement. They both went down to Acorn to explain the situation and asked if it was possible for my new housemate to be added to the agreement in place of the old. They were told yes. My new housemate then paid over £100 in fees to Acorn for checks which were never taken up. He was never added to the agreement and the old housemate was never removed. They also neglected to tell the landlord who again, was understandably, not happy although she was happy to have him living there as we had continued to pay the rent. Acorn then told the landlord that they knew nothing about it, despite my new housemate having a receipt from them and despite them emailing me with my new housemate's name referenced. They then wanted more money off him for the checks as according to them, we hadn't kept them informed, despite having proof to the contrary.
There was also an occasion when I changed my phone number and went into the office to leave the information along with a request for them to call me when the person I wanted to speak to came back. I was contacted three months later.
Following this problems and also problems with our landlord, we decided to move out in March 2012. We paid up under March 31st and agreed to vacate on 24th March at the landlord's request, although Acorn put unnecessary pressure on us to do this. We were happy to do so, but were not happy at them continuing to badger us, after agreeing with the landlord.
When it came to showing new tenants around, we agreed to be as accomadating as possible, but requested that they give us 24 hours notice of coming round due to my housemate working night shifts. We were informed that there would be a viewing at 2.30pm one Saturday afternoon, followed by another one at 3.00pm. We agreed to this, but then had 5 different agents coming round from 2.00pm-5.00pm, which we had not agreed. Had we known, this would have been fine, but we didn't.
We have now moved out of the property and the check out showed the property to be given back in an improved condition and absolutely pristine. However, our deposit still has not been returned and Acorn have not been forthcoming with the reasons why not. Additionally, they sent a letter containing our check out report to myself and my OLD housemate to the house after we had vacated it and given them a new address.
Absolutely shambolic.
I moved into my property at the end of 2009 and right from the word go, it was a shambles. First of all, we were told we HAD to move in by October 31st. I had concerns as I am not paid until the last day of the month and thus wanted to have a contract starting on the 1st of the month so that I could be sure my rent would be paid to my landlord in time - for a standing order to come out of the account, the money must be there the day before. They assured me that paying the rent on the 1st of the month instead of the last day of the month would be no problem (this was only a day difference, but it made all the diference to me). Unfortunately, they had not agreed this with the landlord, who was understandably annoyed.
When it came to moving in day, when I went to collect the keys, they refused to hand them over due to them not receiving the sum of money I had transferred to them the day before using an instant CHAPS payment. The frustrating thing about this was the fact that I had phoned them after making the payment to confirm that it had been received and I was told that it was. Yet, when I went to collect the keys, they were adament they hadn't, despite telling me otherwise the day before. This was only resolved after I made it clear that I was going no where and lo and behold, they "found" the payment after keeping me waiting an hour with no apology.
Due to circumstances, my housemate had to move out and we found a suitable replacement. They both went down to Acorn to explain the situation and asked if it was possible for my new housemate to be added to the agreement in place of the old. They were told yes. My new housemate then paid over £100 in fees to Acorn for checks which were never taken up. He was never added to the agreement and the old housemate was never removed. They also neglected to tell the landlord who again, was understandably, not happy although she was happy to have him living there as we had continued to pay the rent. Acorn then told the landlord that they knew nothing about it, despite my new housemate having a receipt from them and despite them emailing me with my new housemate's name referenced. They then wanted more money off him for the checks as according to them, we hadn't kept them informed, despite having proof to the contrary.
There was also an occasion when I changed my phone number and went into the office to leave the information along with a request for them to call me when the person I wanted to speak to came back. I was contacted three months later.
Following this problems and also problems with our landlord, we decided to move out in March 2012. We paid up under March 31st and agreed to vacate on 24th March at the landlord's request, although Acorn put unnecessary pressure on us to do this. We were happy to do so, but were not happy at them continuing to badger us, after agreeing with the landlord.
When it came to showing new tenants around, we agreed to be as accomadating as possible, but requested that they give us 24 hours notice of coming round due to my housemate working night shifts. We were informed that there would be a viewing at 2.30pm one Saturday afternoon, followed by another one at 3.00pm. We agreed to this, but then had 5 different agents coming round from 2.00pm-5.00pm, which we had not agreed. Had we known, this would have been fine, but we didn't.
We have now moved out of the property and the check out showed the property to be given back in an improved condition and absolutely pristine. However, our deposit still has not been returned and Acorn have not been forthcoming with the reasons why not. Additionally, they sent a letter containing our check out report to myself and my OLD housemate to the house after we had vacated it and given them a new address.
Absolutely shambolic.
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Latest Reviews
28th Jan 2020
reviewed by 'Akilah'
24th Jan 2015
reviewed by 'Theresa'
15th Feb 2013
reviewed by 'Roger'
21st Nov 2012
reviewed by 'Alan'
15th Nov 2012
reviewed by 'Chislehurst'
13th Nov 2012
reviewed by 'Brian'
Opening Hours
Address
Acorn Group Estate Agents
223-225 High Street
London
Greater London
SE13
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettings | 0% | 0% | £775 | £1,000 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Areas covered
Services offered
- Sales
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- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
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Jan 28,2020
Jan 28,2020
1
people found
this helpful
this helpful
They gave me a bad reference just to keep me in my property.
Used to FAKE reason of late rent payments (one that can be justified by them, the other two cannot even be counted - this can be proofed).
Sought legal advice and as ...
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Jan 24,2015
Jan 24,2015
7
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have had nothing but a shoddy service since my property manager left Acorn. I wasn't advised she had left simply told she was on sick leave - months later I guessed by the service I was receiving she had in fact left acorn. The ...
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Jan 26, 2015
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(1)
Dear Theresa,
Further to the above, please would you contact me to discuss the comments and review you have given. I would like the opportunity to investigate your complaint and look into the issues you have raised.
Kind regards
Nicola McGrath
Customer Service Manager
[email protected] ...
Feb 15,2013
Feb 15,2013
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
My agent was Kathleen Milne at Acorn who was always professional, courteous and responsive to enquiries and above all dealt promptly with any queries that I had, which is a rare commodity these days. My checkout from the property was seamless and my deposit was ...
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Nov 21,2012
Nov 21,2012
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have found Kathleen to be professional, attentive and helpful in her work and have been able to rely upon her to assist with the regular tasks (such as property maintenance, finding and appointing contractors to complete agreed work, finding and vetting new tenants, regulatory ...
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Nov 15,2012
Nov 15,2012
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have dealt with a young girl by the name of Gemma Denvir, she has always been very polite, thorough and professional. She is a credit to Acorn and extremely helpful....
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Nov 13,2012
Nov 13,2012
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
We have been using Acorn as a letting Agent for 10 months as a landlord with a single property in the London area. A tenant was found very quickly, and passed all the tests well. So far, touch wood, that tenant has been very satisfactory, and ...
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Nov 13,2012
Nov 13,2012
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I found the service i received from Acorn to range from good to bad.
Part of the reason i went with Acorn was because i was promised a 'guarenteed rent' offer if i joined with them by a certain date, however i later discoved this ...
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Nov 12,2012
Nov 12,2012
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Acorn have been managing my property for 5 years. Since Kathleen Milne took over my property I have found her to be efficient sending all paper work to me when requested. Always responds to emails. Always up dates me when rent has been recieved. This is ...
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Nov 11,2012
Nov 11,2012
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Since signing the property to the management of Acorn a number of years ago, I have been very satisfied with the service provided by Acorn Management Services. The only down point I must add is on a number of occasions having to contact Acorn for ...
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Nov 07,2012
Nov 07,2012
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Acorn are the worst estate agents around. They do not respond to maintenance issues, they did not meet the conditions of our offer when we moved in - it took months for us to get the property to a professionally clean standard. We were told ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Please see the above feedback.Attached Filesnbsp;
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Nov 02,2012
Nov 02,2012
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
My dealings with Acorn span accross 10 years, I can honestly say with conviction that they have always been polite, professional and honest with all communications.
They also tend to move agents around on a regular basis, not sure if this is a good thing as ...
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Nov 01,2012
Nov 01,2012
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Kimberly dealt with all issues regarding my tenants efficiently. When the old tenant left the apartment before expiration of his tenancy she dealt with all the issues promptly. She advised me efficiently with regard to my rent entitlement from this tenant. She was readily available ...
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Oct 29,2012
Oct 29,2012
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I would never recommend Acorn estate agents for letting your property. Absolutelly hopeless, Collected rents were never paid on time, many times 3-4 weeks later after much screaming on the phone the rents were sent to my bank.
After 2 years of tenant having terminated tenancy ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Do the services for which they were retained.Attached Filesnbsp;
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Jul 05,2012
Jul 05,2012
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Since taking over the management of our companies properties, Kathleen Milne has handled all transactions in a detailed and professional manner. She will always call me back as soon as she can and more importantly understands the way our company works and our specific requirements.
...
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May 02,2012
May 02,2012
10
people found
this helpful
this helpful
IF YOU READ THIS - THINK TWICE BEFORE LETTING FROM ACORN!
Even if you love the Property, Its probably just not worth it.
The staff are Lazy, Rude and ignore your requests over and over and over and over.....
I find myself constantly chasing these ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
they could Actually be an agent and assist with any Problems in the property! they are dreadful! NO HELP WHATSOEVER!! Getting them to do anything takes ages... YOU CAN TELL THEY LIE ALL DAY FOR A LIVING. Contradicting themselves 24/7.Attached Filesnbsp;
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Apr 25,2012
Apr 25,2012
9
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Do not use this absolutely sham of a business.
I moved into my property at the end of 2009 and right from the word go, it was a shambles. First of all, we were told we HAD to move in by October 31st. I had concerns ...
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Apr 24,2012
Apr 24,2012
11
people found
this helpful
this helpful
The staff through to the contractors do not have faith in the product they are meant to be representing. No good can come from this. I have seen the working conditions of the staff in head office and they are horrific. The staff are overworked, ...
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Feb 06,2012
Feb 06,2012
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Never, ever entrust your property to these bunch of rogues! They do nothing but ignore requests. My property has been left in complete disrepair because of poor property management and I have had to pay out ££££ to get the property back in a "liveable" condition.
...
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Best Letting Agent in SE13 
