75% lettings valuation accuracy
64% lettings fee satisfaction
Dec 13,2018
Dec 13,2018
5
people found
this helpful
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Both the agent and the overseas landlord they represent can't care less about the well-being and SAFETY of their tenants as long as rent is paid. The consequence is, whenever we had any issues with the flat, particularly to do with (fire) safety, it took us the longest to get B&R to send someone and resolve (if at all) the issue. For example, we had an entrance door stuck due to the mechanical fault, which prevented us from getting in/out our flat with tolerable ease, and it took them over two months to send someone who just went away after greasing the door. The problem quickly returned. On another occasion the entire building (where our landlord and his friend represented by B&R owns multiple properties, told by a B&R letting agent) had smoke detector alarm issue. It took them another couple of months to send each other emails around (cc'ing us in the mess) urging the other party to look into the issue. Ridiculous.
Fed up with this, we resolved to move. After we moved/checked out, they said 'in accordance with clause 2.53 we require sight of your utility accounts, showing payment up to the termination of your tenancy with actual, not estimated readings'. Months after we moved in, we were chased by debt collectors for the bill unpaid by the previous tenant and their response?
'I'm sorry but we cannot intervene here as you are the account holder and you must contact supplier directly.'
Their procedure only works for deducting from the deposit of the previous tenants, not for protecting the current tenants.
Last but not least, it took them 6 weeks to release their schedule of deduction from our deposit. The contract clause they so love to throw at your face states
4.7. At the end of the tenancy, the Landlord's Agent must tell the Tenant within 28 working days of the end of the tenancy if they propose to make any deductions from the deposit
According to this clause, it is clear to any reasonable person that they have breached this clause when they remained silent for nearly 6 weeks from the end of tenancy and therefore cannot make any deduction other than those already agreed during the period. However, the agent came back to my complaint that
We are well aware of the stipulated time frames in place and in accordance with such you were notified by my colleague xxx on (earlier date).
That said notification was
Please be advised that although we have not received the finalised quantification of costs from the landlord yet, there will be a deduction for the check out invoice, cleaning and there may also be other deductions.
Deduction for cleaning was nonsense because we used specifically the cleaning firm recommended by themselves and produced a receipt. I don't call 'there may also be other deductions' a proposal of making any deduction in any honest way. Again the agent couldn't care less. If I were to express my intention to pay the rent each month, and actually pay it in 6 weeks, this cannot be also a breach of the contract according to their logic.
I really would like to urge anybody who considers renting from B&R or the landlords they represent, to THINK AGAIN. Those shoddily constructed new-ish builds bought up by investors from overseas will only bring you no end of misery, not to mention that you'll have the additional headache from all the perilous wordings in their contract.
I am awaiting the instruction about the in-house complaint procedure from the agent I've been in communication with.
Fed up with this, we resolved to move. After we moved/checked out, they said 'in accordance with clause 2.53 we require sight of your utility accounts, showing payment up to the termination of your tenancy with actual, not estimated readings'. Months after we moved in, we were chased by debt collectors for the bill unpaid by the previous tenant and their response?
'I'm sorry but we cannot intervene here as you are the account holder and you must contact supplier directly.'
Their procedure only works for deducting from the deposit of the previous tenants, not for protecting the current tenants.
Last but not least, it took them 6 weeks to release their schedule of deduction from our deposit. The contract clause they so love to throw at your face states
4.7. At the end of the tenancy, the Landlord's Agent must tell the Tenant within 28 working days of the end of the tenancy if they propose to make any deductions from the deposit
According to this clause, it is clear to any reasonable person that they have breached this clause when they remained silent for nearly 6 weeks from the end of tenancy and therefore cannot make any deduction other than those already agreed during the period. However, the agent came back to my complaint that
We are well aware of the stipulated time frames in place and in accordance with such you were notified by my colleague xxx on (earlier date).
That said notification was
Please be advised that although we have not received the finalised quantification of costs from the landlord yet, there will be a deduction for the check out invoice, cleaning and there may also be other deductions.
Deduction for cleaning was nonsense because we used specifically the cleaning firm recommended by themselves and produced a receipt. I don't call 'there may also be other deductions' a proposal of making any deduction in any honest way. Again the agent couldn't care less. If I were to express my intention to pay the rent each month, and actually pay it in 6 weeks, this cannot be also a breach of the contract according to their logic.
I really would like to urge anybody who considers renting from B&R or the landlords they represent, to THINK AGAIN. Those shoddily constructed new-ish builds bought up by investors from overseas will only bring you no end of misery, not to mention that you'll have the additional headache from all the perilous wordings in their contract.
I am awaiting the instruction about the in-house complaint procedure from the agent I've been in communication with.
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16th Feb 2021
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9th Jan 2020
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29th Nov 2019
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13th Dec 2018
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7th Nov 2017
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Address
Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings
51-53 Heath Street
Hampstead,London
Greater London
NW3 6UG
020 3468 2019
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettings | 75% | 64% | £400 | £3,750 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
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Mar 08,2024
Mar 08,2024
1
people found
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Avoid at all costs. Dreadful experience as tenant throughout 3 year period- slow to repair heating and in fact didn't repair. Slow to communicate on issues including mice in premises. Useless to the point that it must have been deliberate....
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Feb 16,2021
Feb 16,2021
1
people found
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B&R don't manage your property You Have To Manage B&R
Please think twice before you hire B&R services neither fully managed or partly managed. There is no communication between any of B&R departments. There is no effective management in case anything ...
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Jan 09,2020
Jan 09,2020
0
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We were renting a flat 4 years and i must admit we had no significant issues with them. Checked out on the 13/12/2019 and they wont get back to us regarding the return of the deposit. We payed all the bills, inventory was fine and they just ...
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Nov 29,2019
Nov 29,2019
2
people found
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this helpful
The worst company had the misfortune to ever deal with.
Could not care less about there tenants wellbeing. Left without heating and hot water numerous times over the tenancy. Now into day 11 without heating.
Truly awful agents and avoid at all costs...
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Dec 13,2018
Dec 13,2018
5
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Both the agent and the overseas landlord they represent can't care less about the well-being and SAFETY of their tenants as long as rent is paid. The consequence is, whenever we had any issues with the flat, particularly to do with (fire) safety, it took ...
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Dec 07, 2023
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(1)
How sad I only saw your message here. Today I’ve been charged £265 for cleaning as well. When I asked whether it’s not legal to charge a tenant after they move, they said “I know law better than anyone else”, and my question “is making no sense at all”.
Plus, they said some ridiculously items (like 80 pounds for a vase) are missing but in the end of the day it’s in the store room. But they didn’t take a picture of what’s the store room inside and I also was so stupid to not ...
Nov 07,2017
Nov 07,2017
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I had the pleasure of having the services of Mark. He was extremely professional in his workings with me and was relentless in finding me a home that fit my requirements. He was also a great communicator! All in all I was very impressed with ...
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Comment on agent fees
Seems fine
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Feb 07, 2018
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Thanks Jeffrey, Mark and the Hampstead lettings team were pleased to see your positive review. Its a pleasure to help and we hope your tenancy is progressing well. Kind regards, Marc von Grundherr, Director ...
Sep 18,2017
Sep 18,2017
0
people found
this helpful
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Mark is a professional, efficient and accommodating person. He combines this with being very friendly and willing to help. He was on top of everything for me and kept me updated at all times....
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Comment on agent fees
Fine
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Sep 18, 2017
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Hi Daniel, thanks for taking time to post feedback about the service you received from Mark at our Hampstead lettings branch, we'll ensure your comments are passed on to him. Glad to hear your expectations were met with efficiency and appropriate knowledge. Many thanks, Marc von Grundherr, Director ...
Sep 13,2017
Sep 13,2017
0
people found
this helpful
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I'm happy to give a review as I have a few properties which I have been letting through the Hampstead branch of Benham Reeves for a number of years. While there are staff changes it is clear they have very good training as the service ...
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Sep 18, 2017
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Thank you very much for this lovely review of our Hampstead lettings and property management team and the service you are receiving for your Hampstead rental property, its really good to hear that as a long-term client, we are consistently delivering the service you expect. It's very encouraging for our staff to see such reviews, thanks again. Marc von Grundherr, Director ...
Sep 12,2017
Sep 12,2017
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
We were really happy with the service we received from Mark in particular. He kept us up to date and informed with all matters. The whole process was simple and efficient from move in day to check out. We have rented several times in London ...
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Comment on agent fees
Reasonable – in fact a positive bargain compared to others
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Sep 22, 2017
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Hi Perry, thank you for sharing your service experience here and for rating our service as efficient and our fees as reasonable. It is much appreciated by Mark at Hampstead and the management team. Kind regards, Marc von Grundherr, Director ...
Sep 12,2017
Sep 12,2017
0
people found
this helpful
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My friend introduced Benhams in Hampstead and he was absolutely correct. Mark was very knowledgeable about the market and helped me price the house right. Benhams have impressed me from start to finish with the way they assist and their service. Great to know my ...
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N/A
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Feb 29,2016
Feb 29,2016
0
people found
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Shaheen was excellent. Honest, helpful and clear. Not remotely pushy, he is the perfect supporter.
Shaheen is also the funniest guy around. In 15 years of looking he's the best estate agent i've come across.
Highly recommended....
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Comment on agent fees
‚£160 + ‚£20 for their credit checks. I do not appreciate having to pay others for my credit check - do financial companies force you to pay for your own credit check... no. Still, the service from Shaheen was excellent.
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Mar 23,2015
Mar 23,2015
0
people found
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Dear Sirs,
Our experience with Benham and Reeves was more than satisfying, until inventory check out report was received. Beside the fact, that there were plenty of arguable deductions, we are still trying to get a part of the security deposit back after more than 6 ...
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Jun 01, 2015
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Thank you for your prompt actions implemented to resolve our problem! We are happy with everything now. ...
Jan 19,2015
Jan 19,2015
0
people found
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this helpful
Great agency. Speedy and very attentive. Accommodated all of my needs. Specifically Richa and Jay. I am very happy i worked with them to find the right property....
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Jan 26, 2015
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Thanks for your review Anthony, we are glad we helped you find a Hampstead rental property quickly and that you received good service. We hope you enjoy your tenancy. Kind regards, Marc von Grundherr, Director ...
Aug 21,2014
Aug 21,2014
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I am writing as an ex-potential tenant. This issue has happened not long ago but I cannot forget nor forgive myself for going to B&R Hampstead branch in search for a flat to rent. I actually signed the contract and paid the deposit of ‚£900 ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
There was no way this agent could help. My money was taken and kept.Attached Filesnbsp;
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Aug 28, 2014
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Simply claiming this review to be malicious is the best thing you can do at this point. I have anticipated so.
Like all genuine 1 star reviews with credible horrible experiences in detail, we would never leave a name and number. What sense would it make? It only leaves room for you to potentially harass me. For a potential tenant to share his experience 2 years later and to come back to respond to you, it goes to show the extent and effect of B&R's horrible service. After you have unrightfull ...
Jun 11,2013
Jun 11,2013
11
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I am very pleased with the assistance I received Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings in Hampstead. The agency staff are at all times pleasant, professional and attentive to both landlord and tenants. I am particularly in praise of their swift acknowledgement of and replies to e-mails ...
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Jun 06,2013
Jun 06,2013
11
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Excellent, hands on service provided by Jenni she dealt with every issue promptly, each phone call was returned within the hour, communication was smooth and friendly, even the documentation was processed efficiently and painless; it was very nice to know that she made every effort ...
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Jun 01,2013
Jun 01,2013
12
people found
this helpful
this helpful
The first person we dealt with was Debbie ¢â‚¬â€œ she was very helpful and approachable and made viewing properties an enjoyable experience. She did not follow us around in the properties but let us explore on our own and decide, without feeling pressured. The contracting process ...
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May 27,2013
May 27,2013
14
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Debbie was extreamly friendly,helpful and most importantly patient during the viewing and decision stage.
She brought a breath of fresh air to the experience making it fun yet purposful. I can not recommend her highly enough as a negotiator. Jenni knew the landlord better ...
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May 27,2013
May 27,2013
15
people found
this helpful
this helpful
They consistently have been able to rent my flat in Hampstead. No empty periods and a hassle free management service ( which provides great peace of mind when I am abroad)...
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May 27,2013
May 27,2013
15
people found
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this helpful
My wife and I have been clients of Benham & Reeves in Hampstead for over 35 years. During that time, we have always experienced excellent service ¢â‚¬â€œit is a testament to them how long your staff stay given that we have been dealing with Jenni for about ...
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May 27,2013
May 27,2013
16
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I am very pleased with the assistance I have received from everyone at Benham's in Hampstead. They are at all times pleasant, professional and attentive to me as landlord but also to my tenants....
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May 24,2013
May 24,2013
16
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have been renting for the last 5 years and the last 2 agents were awful - they were difficult to get hold of and then it took ages to get my deposit back at the end. Since finding my flat through Jenni at Benham and Reeves ...
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May 23,2013
May 23,2013
22
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Urgently requiring a property to rent I tried various vendors until Benham and Reeves were recommended to me. I found the staff courteous and eager to please; even taking various changes of my mind and requirements easily in their stride....
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May 23,2013
May 23,2013
21
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Friendly staff and excellent approach to find a rental home for me. Thanks to Nick. You did really good job for me. Thumbs up for you....
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May 13,2013
May 13,2013
24
people found
this helpful
this helpful
All the staff at the Hampstead branch of B&R have been extremely professional and helpful over the years that I have been a client of theirs. Nothing is too much trouble and they always go out of their way to go that extra mile ...
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Nov 07,2012
Nov 07,2012
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
The worst estate agent I've ever been to so far in London. Words cannot describe how appalling the service is, rude, dishonorable, deceiving, awful. Just awful...
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Apr 29, 2013
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Dear James
I am Lettings Director at Benham & Reeves Lettings and am very disappointed to read your review. Our 60 year heritage has been built on exceeding expectations and maintaining good relationships with tenants and landlords alike which is why 67% of our business comes via personal recommendation. I would like to investigate your points personally to explore ways of improving our service and would be grateful if you could contact me by email at [email protected] Thank you Marc von Grundh ...
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Plus, they said some ridiculously items (like 80 pounds for a vase) are missing but in the end of the day it’s in the store room. But they didn’t take a picture of what’s the store room inside and I also was so stupid to not taken any pics. This is super sad I don’t know what to do indeed