100% sales valuation accuracy
100% sales fee satisfaction
93% lettings valuation accuracy
50% lettings fee satisfaction
Jun 14,2012
Jun 14,2012
8
people found
this helpful
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 move into 2 month in advance before our moving out time and paid holding money to Atlantis Property Services. Since submitting all the required paperwork, our lettings negotiator assured us we can rest in peace knowing the property is secured for us and he would get in touch with us closer to the date to finalise everything. Since that moment we haven't heard from him, until 1 week before the moving in date we got worried and got in touch with the agency ourselves. We did not have a draft of the contract, not even terms and conditions, nothing. After a few phone calls agency finally managed to send the contract with wrong moving in date, and wrong terms and conditions that we thought we agreed upon at the time of viewing the property. When we raised the problem regarding the moving in date, we were told that nothing can be done to change it, as the landlord is currently abroad and the agency cannot accept the new contract sent via fax or email. With the wrong date, we could've been left a few days homeless before being able to move into the new property. Then we went through the terms and conditions. At the time of viewing we agreed that it would be amended and we would be allowed to keep pets and commercial vehicles at the property. However, when we raised these points with the agency before signing the contract (mind you - 1 week before the moving in date!!!), we were told that these cannot be accepted as the landlord does not agree. At this point we realised what a shambolic and incompetent the agency was!!! We were so disappointed with the way this whole matter was handled and with all these lies we were told, that we decided to pull out of the contract and claim our losses through court, if we had to. Also, we were presented with 2 A4 size pages of charges to be paid to the agency, if we went ahead and rented through them, which we found bizarre and a complete rip off. For example, if you wish to change energy provider during the tenancy, you have to pay the agency approximately £10.00 + VAT to be able to do it! What for? This is insane!!! Luckily to us, a few days later, since we raised all the issues (including charges), agency phoned us and told that landlord has actually decided to pull out of the contract with us. Hence, we got a part of our holding money back (minus enormous fees for credit check). Although we went through all this major stress and no home to move in to, we were extremely relieved to be dropped by Atlantis Agency in the end.
The bottom line is - Atlantis Agency is unreliable, incompetent and money sucking leeches, who don't care about tenants as long as their pockets are filled up with tenant's money. The list of charges (and hidden charges) will bleed you dry of your finances and you will wish you've never started tenancy through them.
The bottom line is - Atlantis Agency is unreliable, incompetent and money sucking leeches, who don't care about tenants as long as their pockets are filled up with tenant's money. The list of charges (and hidden charges) will bleed you dry of your finances and you will wish you've never started tenancy through them.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
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
20th Mar 2024
reviewed by 'Sam'
7th Mar 2024
reviewed by 'Tenant'
31st Dec 2023
reviewed by 'Sykes Capital'
18th Dec 2023
reviewed by 'Michael HIND'
6th Jan 2023
reviewed by 'Rg17xd'
Opening Hours
Address
Sykes Captital
23/24 Market Place
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 2DE
0118 956 8888
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | 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
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
Advertise on
Members of
Rankings
Overall
Overall
Latest Properties
No Properties
Dec 06,2024
Dec 06,2024
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Worst individual ever! Worst of the worst
Worst of the worst!...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Mar 07,2024
Mar 07,2024
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
The worst individuals ever, Charlie and Annabelle Sykes are liars and they thieve the money from the renters.
I have nothing else to say. I’m clearly not the only one. They will get what they deserve one day....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 15, 2024
View all comments
(1)
they took over £1k of my deposit and also trying to bill me another £1.3k for damages if i ignore the damages what are the consequences? i don't want bad credit as mine is flawless ...
Dec 31,2023
Dec 31,2023
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Firstly, do yourselves a favour and avoid this company at all costs.
I recently had the displeasure of renting from Sykes Capital, and my experience has been nothing short of a nightmare. This so-called business, run by two clueless individuals who seem to have no ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 15, 2024
View all comments
(1)
they took over £1k in deposit and asking for another £1k plus in damages. if we don't pay what will they do? i dont want to go to court or let it affect my credit ...
Dec 18,2023
Dec 18,2023
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Terrible people,
Expecially Charlie,
He is rude, arguing and making comments on the phone. Annabelle originally shouted at me down the phone for lack of communication on their side.
Have had mould in the flat since we moved in, even with photo evidence they still ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 15, 2024
View all comments
(1)
they took over £1k in deposit and asking for another £1k plus in damages. if we don't pay what will they do? i dont want to go to court or let it affect my credit ...
Jan 06,2023
Jan 06,2023
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Looking at these comments I can also say the same about this company as my son has just left a property rented through them - it was left as perfect as when he took it - then after gets a cleaning bill for £200 it was ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 15, 2024
View all comments
(2)
they took over £1k of my deposit and also trying to bill me another £1.3k for damages if i ignore the damages what are the consequences? i don't want bad credit as mine is flawless ...
Oct 07,2021
Oct 07,2021
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
The worst agency you can find! They rent flats that have big problems with damp. Later, they blame everything on the tenant and look for as many reasons as possible to take the entire deposit and even find an opportunity to add extra costs. Very ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 15, 2024
View all comments
(2)
they took over £1k of my deposit and also trying to bill me another £1.3k for damages if i ignore the damages what are the consequences? i don't want bad credit as mine is flawless ...
Aug 28,2021
Aug 28,2021
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
My view is that the firm adopts scammer's techniques to withdraw as much money as possible from the tenants. It's very likely, that all the 5 stars reviews above have been paid for by the Company, or left by these people directly, in order to try ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 15, 2024
View all comments
(1)
they took over £1k of my deposit and also trying to bill me another £1.3k for damages if i ignore the damages what are the consequences? do they actually take u to small claims court? i don't want bad credit as mine is flawless ...
Aug 18,2021
Aug 18,2021
11
people found
this helpful
this helpful
My view is that the firm adopts scammer's techniques to withdraw as much money as possible from the tenants. It's very likely, that all the 5 stars reviews above have been paid for by the Company, or left by these people directly, in order to try ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 15, 2024
View all comments
(3)
they took over £1k of my deposit and also trying to bill me another £1.3k for damages if i ignore the damages what are the consequences? are they gonna take u to small claims court? i don't want bad credit as mine is flawless ...
Aug 05,2020
Aug 05,2020
5
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have previously sent out a letter of complaint about all of the issues that me and my partner have experienced because of the agency, but I haven't received a response. I have had too many disputes with the agency. I cannot live in these ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 03,2019
Oct 03,2019
1
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Avoid at all costs unless you want to loose your money! Worst customer service worst reputation. The only thing they are good at is taking you money. I should have read the comments before renting with them...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Aug 12,2019
Aug 12,2019
6
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I would give 0 stars if I could. They ripped us off for so much money and treated us with no respect. They charged a check out fee AND a finalisation fee (both £250) and couldn't explain to us what the difference was, how the £250 was calculated, ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 15, 2024
View all comments
(2)
they took over £1k of my deposit and also trying to bill me another £1.3k for damages if i ignore the damages what are the consequences? would they take u to small claims court? i don't want bad credit as mine is flawless ...
“got threatened by owner of atlantis for apparently making to many maintenance complaints and telling them i was getting health inspector to property...”
Aug 08,2018
Aug 08,2018
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I rented from Atlantis from January 2012 till November 2012. Upon paying all deposits and agency fees i signed my tenancy at there market place offices and got told that the owner would sign his part then an agent would bring me my copy to the property ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Extortionate
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Aug 06, 2019
View all comments
(1)
While my experience was not quite as bad as Rob's, we had a pretty horrible time while renting through these lowlife scam merchants.
We were without the main bathroom and the balcony and the front door for nearly five months, and would have been more if we had not got Environmental Health involved. I withheld a portion of the rent for this period as I was not going to pay for something I had not received. When the repairs were eventually complete(minus the front door which was NEVER repaired in ...
Apr 24,2018
Apr 24,2018
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have had a horrible experience with Atlantis, they have been rude, obnoxious and greedy. I have lost most of my deposit despite leaving the flat I rented in good condition and on time having paid my rent promptly each month. Please don't use these ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Bad
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 21, 2020
View all comments
(1)
Terrible people, gangsters methods, now calls Sykes Capital. BE AWARE! ...
Nov 08,2016
Nov 08,2016
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
very poor service lack of respect and rip offs, I used these people to find a rental property and was charged extortionate fees and they were awful in dealings, very ignorant and arrogant. Hopefully will not have to deal with them anymore...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
very high
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Aug 11,2015
Aug 11,2015
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
After inquiring about commercial property for my business I was lead a merry song and dance by Miles via both his inability to answer questions relating to the property as well as his talent for providing completely erroneous information when left to his own devices.
...
read full review
read full review
What agent could do to change your mind?
Being vaguely competent would have been a start. Treating me with a modicum of respect would have been an advantage.Attached Filesnbsp;
Comment on agent fees
The non-refundable reference deposit is a joke. If anything, people need to get a reference on these sharks before even considering doing business with them
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jul 08,2015
Jul 08,2015
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
On first impressions Atlantis seems a professional and trustworthy estate agent, but unfortunately that is far from the truth.
- They invoiced us for fees that weren't in the contract (I know other Atlantis tenants that also got these charges such as ambiguous "market rate ...
read full review
read full review
What agent could do to change your mind?
As outlined in the review there were many instances of unethical / disrespectful behavior which seems to be ingrained into the culture of this organisation. If the owner of this small agent is not responsible for this bad culture he should seek a wholesale review of how they comply with managing lettings and seek to improve internal systems so that they can make the necessary profits without breaking the basic standards expected by tenants in Reading.Attached Filesnbsp;
Comment on agent fees
As mentioned in the review the agent attempted to charge fees which were not in the contract and also they did not assist us at all as tenants siding solely with the landlord at all times, therefore not acting as an independent third party agent.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jan 14, 2016
View all comments
(2)
"Unethical / disrespectful behavior which seems to be ingrained into the culture of this organisation" I agree, the culture at the top is rotten to the core. They have huge staff turnover and nothing will change unless the people at the top all bugger off. ...
Jun 18,2015
Jun 18,2015
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Appalling response from the team. They don't even care how the customer has to suffer due to their lack of incompetence and resolve.
I have been behind the agency for 2 weeks just to have the tenancy agreement signed.
As per their requirement, I have already ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
I was charged GBP 500. For a service where Atlantis property does not care about their customer and their needs, they will work at their own pace and convenience.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jul 14, 2015
View all comments
(2)
Dear Tarun,
I am very sorry to hear that you have not been satisfied with the experience you've received to date. I would be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and would ask that you contact me directly on the below details. I would however request that the published addresses, especially that of the Landlord are removed as this is a breach of data protection.
Kind regards,
Tina Watkin AIRPM Managing
Director Direct dial: 0118 955 7032
Email: [email protected] ...
May 29,2015
May 29,2015
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
(I am tenants representative and have written approval to engage on all aspects of this rental), Provided a flat rental with no heating at all and many other serious disrepair issues. Made a young family homeless. Crass and insulting response to complaint. 6 weeks into rental ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
May 30, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Dear Mr Hunter,
I understand that you have raised a formal complaint with our office, to which we have acknowledged receipt of this in line with the required time frame. A full investigation of the complaint will now be undertaken by the team and a detailed response provided via this medium, which will be done within the specified time frame of our internal complaints process. I would however like to clarify that my involvement with this matter would be as the Managing Director of Atlantis ...
May 15,2015
May 15,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have been a tenant in a property managed by Atlantis for just over a year and a half, and I have to say that throughout that time they have always been professional and prompt in dealing with any issues which have arisen.
Big thanks ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
May 05,2015
May 05,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Quick, responsive and knowledgeable! The level of communication throughout the whole process of letting my property was excellent and I would strongly recommend using Atlantis....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Apr 03,2015
Apr 03,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Atlantis have just secured new tenants for our property in record time. We're grateful to James Old and his team and know that it's worth using them, it may cost more than doing it on our own upfront but the speed and quality of tenants ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Apr 01,2015
Apr 01,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Very straightforward, open and honest team who were able to meet all my needs when moving properties from another prominent Reading letting agent. I've been very impressed and long may it continue....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Apr 02, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Dear Phillip,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review on this site. It's great to hear that you're pleased with the service you've had from us following the poor experience you had with your previous agent.
If I can ever be of assistance please feel free to contact me on the below details.
Kind regards,
Tina Watkin AIRPM
Managing Director
Direct dial: 0118 955 7032
Email: [email protected] ...
Mar 19,2015
Mar 19,2015
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I used Atlantis Property for renting an apartment. In the beginning they all seemed nice and very cooperative. The landlord clearly mentioned that he used Atlantis only for finding the tenant. The property was managed by landlord. Once the 12 months of contract was over the ...
read full review
read full review
What agent could do to change your mind?
The agent needs to be clear right at the beginning re the charges which tenant might need to pay during and at he end of tenancy. Also, they should communicate with the tenant in timely and transparent manner to avoid any misunderstanding.Attached Filesnbsp;
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Mar 19, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Dear Mohit,
I'm sorry you've not been entirely satisfied with your rental experience and have taken to this website to air concerns. Just to confirm a couple of the points you've made, firstly all fees associated with a tenancy are clearly outlined in the Tenancy Agreement you signed prior to moving in. Secondly, we are required by law to hold the deductions from the deposit that were disputed. This isn't a case of anything being ‘taken', but simply held until the TDS make judgement. I ...
Mar 13,2015
Mar 13,2015
1
people found
this helpful
this helpful
My point of contact at Atlantis is Jon Pauley, I've always found him to be professional, courteous and diligent. I can recommend the company on this basis....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Mar 23, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Dear Sev,
Many thanks for leaving this review, I'll pass this on to Jon now who I'm sure will really appreciate the recognition.
Kind regards,
Tina Watkin AIRPM
Managing Director
Direct dial: 0118 955 7032
Email: [email protected] ...
Mar 13,2015
Mar 13,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Rented a flat with atlantis 18 months ago and I'm still here now. The fees aren't cheap (nowhere in reading is cheap) but the service is good. I can call in to their office in town to speak to my property manager so help has never ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Mar 13, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Dear Kris,
Many thanks for leaving us your comments. I'm glad you're pleased with the service you've received so far and please do contact me if ever I can assist with anything.
Kind regards,
Tina Watkin AIRPM
Managing Director
Direct dial: 0118 955 7032
Email: [email protected] ...
Feb 03,2015
Feb 03,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
My properties have been with Atlantis since 2007 and I wouldn't dream of changing managing agents. Andrew Strong has been my main contact but I've had dealings with most departments, James Old is also very good. I recommend them for Landlords....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 16, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Dear Sir/Madam,
Many thanks for leaving your comments. It is very much appreciated and I will pass this onto Andrew and James now. Please do contact me if ever I can be of assistance, my details are below.
Tina Watkin AIRPM
Managing Director
Direct dial: 0118 955 7032
Email: [email protected] ...
Feb 03,2015
Feb 03,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
After receiving valuations from 4 different agents I selected Jack from Atlantis to sell my apartment. The decision proved to be correct as the apartment sold within 2 weeks and I was very happy with the service after that point. I chose Atlantis because they manage the ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 05, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Dear Nicholas,
It's great to hear that your apartment has been sold successfully. I'll pass your comments on to Jack and the team. If we can help with anything in future please do get in touch, my contact details are below if I can ever be of assistance.
Kind regards,
Tina Watkin AIRPM
Managing Director
Direct dial: 0118 955 7032
Email: [email protected] ...
Jan 29,2015
Jan 29,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Atlantis have been an excellent agent for me. Having had previous agents who didn't keep an eye on my properties and provided unreliable tenants or were of little use in resolving problems, I have been delighted with the way that Atlantis deals with my business. ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 02, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Dear M H Hall,
I'm delighted that we've restored your faith after your problems with previous agents. Many thanks for taking the time to write this review and please do feel free to contact me if you need to at any time.
Kind regards,
Tina Watkin AIRPM
Managing Director
Direct dial: 0118 955 7032
Email: [email protected] ...
Jan 29,2015
Jan 29,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I am based in London and had been looking to buy a property in Reading for an investment for a few months. Jack and James were the first people I spoke to and their knowledge of the area and potential yields was very good. I've ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 02, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Dear Sir/Madam,
Many thanks for taking the time to leave us this very kind review. I will pass your comments on to James and Jack immediately and wish you all the best with your investment. My details are below should you ever wish to contact me personally.
Kind regards,
Tina Watkin AIRPM
Managing Director
Direct dial: 0118 955 7032
Email: [email protected] ...
Jan 28,2015
Jan 28,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Marketing online very good. Inventory very detailed. Selection process seemed thorough and the Tenants appear respectful professional people. Will use again in future on my other properties....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 02, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Dear David,
I'm delighted that your first property with us has been rented successfully and we look forward to working with you again in the future. Many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. My details are below should you wish to speak to me directly at any time.
Kind regards,
Tina Watkin AIRPM
Managing Director
Direct dial: 0118 955 7032
Email: [email protected] ...
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
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.
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 confirming that at the outset all our charges are clearly laid out to tenants, who confirm their understanding and agreement to them by way of a signed declaration.
Kind regards,
Andy Malone
Director
Direct dial: 0118 955 7007
e-mail: [email protected]