92% sales valuation accuracy
92% sales fee satisfaction
May 10,2019
May 10,2019
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I am half way through my tenancy in a property that I rented through Jan Forster Estates. I can honestly say that my experience from start to finish has been so so disappointing. The only reason I have not broken my contract with Jan Forster is because the property that I rented is actually very nice, and I love the area I live in. Saying that once my tenancy is over, I wouldn't even consider staying here if it meant I had to deal with Jan Forster again.
When I initially viewed the flat, it was pretty much exactly what I was looking for. The rent was a bit our of my price range, but It was worth it. Or so I thought..
The flat at the time of viewing was in the process of being emptied and therefore was extremely dirty. There were also a lot of visible repairs that needed to be taken care of before another tenant could come in to live there. I was assured that all of these would be taken care of and that the property would be cleaned ready for me moving in. This was a lie. The day that I got my keys was also the day that I planned on moving in, however the state of the flat was unbelievable!! Somehow it had gotten worse since the last time I had viewed it. It was unlivable. The place was filthy, and the repairs had not been done.
There was at least 4 weeks in between the property being emptied and me getting my keys. There was no excuses for the state of the flat when I got my keys, everything should have been taken care of no questions asked.
It took me two weeks to even get anyone to be bothered enough to help me get the property cleaned. This meant that I paid half a months rent for a property that I couldn't even live in, not that any of the staff cared about that. Luckily the repairs were taken care of shortly after, but it meant that I had to take some off work to be in the flat, when they could have just been done before I moved in.
The online platform Jan Forster has available for tenants to make a claim and request repairs would be such a great idea if anyone actually checked up on it and responded to the cases! Eventually I gave up using it and emailed the office directly, only to be told that I had no choice but to use the online website. All communication after that was outright ignored. I have not heard from anyone since, and the cases I raised online have still not been addressed.
The final straw for me was realizing that after all of this Jan Forster hadn't even set up my monthly direct debit! I only knew this because 3 days after my first rental payment was due I realized my rent had not been taken. I tried and tried to contact someone about this, but apparently upkeep of the properties they represent is not the only thing they aren't bothered about. I set up my own standing order and have since been paying my rent with no issues. This was never acknowledged and the only communication I ever got about this was a phone call from a member of staff telling me that If I paid my rent late again my name would be red-flagged. A bit rich considering no one from the agency even noticed my rent didn't come out in the first place...
I will neither be using Jan Forster again, or recommending them to anyone I know. In fact I will actively be discouraging people to go anywhere near them! A truly terrible experience, which as a newcomer to the area has really disappointed me.
The only reason I am writing this is at this stage is because since moving into the area I have learned of so many other people having similar experiences with this agency, and people ought to know about it. All I hope for now is no more contact with them until my tenancy is over!!
When I initially viewed the flat, it was pretty much exactly what I was looking for. The rent was a bit our of my price range, but It was worth it. Or so I thought..
The flat at the time of viewing was in the process of being emptied and therefore was extremely dirty. There were also a lot of visible repairs that needed to be taken care of before another tenant could come in to live there. I was assured that all of these would be taken care of and that the property would be cleaned ready for me moving in. This was a lie. The day that I got my keys was also the day that I planned on moving in, however the state of the flat was unbelievable!! Somehow it had gotten worse since the last time I had viewed it. It was unlivable. The place was filthy, and the repairs had not been done.
There was at least 4 weeks in between the property being emptied and me getting my keys. There was no excuses for the state of the flat when I got my keys, everything should have been taken care of no questions asked.
It took me two weeks to even get anyone to be bothered enough to help me get the property cleaned. This meant that I paid half a months rent for a property that I couldn't even live in, not that any of the staff cared about that. Luckily the repairs were taken care of shortly after, but it meant that I had to take some off work to be in the flat, when they could have just been done before I moved in.
The online platform Jan Forster has available for tenants to make a claim and request repairs would be such a great idea if anyone actually checked up on it and responded to the cases! Eventually I gave up using it and emailed the office directly, only to be told that I had no choice but to use the online website. All communication after that was outright ignored. I have not heard from anyone since, and the cases I raised online have still not been addressed.
The final straw for me was realizing that after all of this Jan Forster hadn't even set up my monthly direct debit! I only knew this because 3 days after my first rental payment was due I realized my rent had not been taken. I tried and tried to contact someone about this, but apparently upkeep of the properties they represent is not the only thing they aren't bothered about. I set up my own standing order and have since been paying my rent with no issues. This was never acknowledged and the only communication I ever got about this was a phone call from a member of staff telling me that If I paid my rent late again my name would be red-flagged. A bit rich considering no one from the agency even noticed my rent didn't come out in the first place...
I will neither be using Jan Forster again, or recommending them to anyone I know. In fact I will actively be discouraging people to go anywhere near them! A truly terrible experience, which as a newcomer to the area has really disappointed me.
The only reason I am writing this is at this stage is because since moving into the area I have learned of so many other people having similar experiences with this agency, and people ought to know about it. All I hope for now is no more contact with them until my tenancy is over!!
Comment on agent fees
What are these agency fees actually for? Cleaning the property, handling repairs, general up keep..? Well obviously not because I have experienced none of this. They half heartedly cleaned and repaired the property after I kicked up a fuss. Other than that It would appear that I spent hundreds of pounds on getting them to print out a shit quality version of my contract.
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
16th Nov 2023
reviewed by 'WhatYouDeserve'
27th Feb 2020
reviewed by 'D'
28th Jan 2020
reviewed by 'Caroline'
10th May 2019
reviewed by 'Disappointed'
30th Mar 2018
reviewed by 'Diana1987'
26th May 2017
reviewed by 'Mr'
Opening Hours
Address
Jan Forster Estates
201 High Street
Gosforth,Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne & Wear
NE3 1HE
0191 284 4050
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 92% | 92% | £96,000 | £372,000 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 13 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Areas covered
- NE3 1
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- NE3 3
- Gosforth
- NE3 4
- Jesmond
- NE1
- NE2
- NE4
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
Advertise on
Members of
Rankings
Overall
Overall
Estate agents
Latest Properties
Nov 16,2023
Nov 16,2023
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Left a household of 6 (including a baby) to live in damp and moldy conditions. 4 of the rooms unusable due to their condition. Children's toys damaged by the mold. Issued an eviction notice for 2 weeks before Christmas after Tennant submitted a complaint.
AVOID this company like ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 27,2020
Feb 27,2020
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Poor estate agents. Myself and my partner Viewed lots of houses with them,found one we wanted, put an offer in. Guy who was dealing with us didnt even call back to tell us our offer had been accepted, we had to call him.
Not ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jan 28,2020
Jan 28,2020
6
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Would not recommend. I arranged a viewing for a rental property and I arrived 5 minutes early. At the allotted time I phoned the number on the board to ask where the agent was. I was advised they would be on their way. After 10 minutes I ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
May 10,2019
May 10,2019
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I am half way through my tenancy in a property that I rented through Jan Forster Estates. I can honestly say that my experience from start to finish has been so so disappointing. The only reason I have not broken my contract with Jan Forster ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
What are these agency fees actually for? Cleaning the property, handling repairs, general up keep..? Well obviously not because I have experienced none of this. They half heartedly cleaned and repaired the property after I kicked up a fuss. Other than that It would appear that I spent hundreds of pounds on getting them to print out a shit quality version of my contract.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Mar 30,2018
Mar 30,2018
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
We had a very bad experience *, we wanted to rent a property and we paid £600 agency fees only, the form that had to be completed was ridiculous, they want so much information more then when you apply for a mortgage on the house, they also ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Bad, very bad £600 fees
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
May 26,2017
May 26,2017
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Kurt and Emma have helped me through what has been a very difficult sale. Nothing has been too much trouble for them and they have gone above and beyond what could possibly expected from an estate agent.
I called in after visiting a number of ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
worth every penny.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jan 11,2017
Jan 11,2017
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Emma's service to us was above and beyond the call of professional duty. Nothing was too much trouble for her in arranging numerous visits for us to the property we eventually bought. She was throughout courteous and efficient, balanced effortlessly the interests of all those ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Not applicable
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Sep 06,2016
Sep 06,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
JAN FORSTERS = BEST DECISION WE MADE!!!
We were struggling to choose between Agents when selling our family home for a big move back down to Essex - we went with our gut instinct, Jan Forsters, as they were not only a local business but seemed ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Exceptional Value
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Aug 17,2016
Aug 17,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Paul has been great through the process. He has stayed behind at the office and showed us the property several times after closing hours as I have not been able to get time off work. He is quick to respond to all emails and has ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
The agent fees were expected and reasonable.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jul 14,2016
Jul 14,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Both members of staff were very helpful. Matthew was great when we went to view the property and pick up the keys. Whereas Hannah was very helpful and quick to reply for any questions we needed answered with great response....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jul 04,2016
Jul 04,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Estate agents tend to get a bit of a bad rep but actually we couldn't fault the staff who helped us with both the sale of our house and purchase of our new one.
We were quite unlucky with potential buyers for our house, with ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Fees were reasonable
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 16,2016
Jun 16,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Fantastic service from Matthew and Paul from the go on my rental property search. Matthew was in constant contact with me and helped me obtain a great property which I am thrilled with.
Nothing was too much hassle. Would definitely deal with them again....
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
no issues
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 15,2016
Jun 15,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Excellent service from Matt. Very swift response and extremely helpful from the business as a whole, too. I look forward to dealing with him in the future....
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
I am from Scotland where we don't have to pay them. I hope it goes straight into the Christmas pot for the staff.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jun 10,2016
Jun 10,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have been really impressed with the efficiency and professionalism of Matthew who found me a rental property in the desired location I was looking for within 24 hours. I felt he was proactive in helping me look for what I was wanting. Paul and Russell ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
No comment
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
May 26,2016
May 26,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Polite and courteous, Mathew seems to do all in his power to find the right tenant. While the final decision rests with the landlord, Mathew has been very helpful in helping me make those decisions. I have been a customer of J F Estates for ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
J F Estates seem to have set their fees at a level in line with market conditions
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Apr 04,2016
Apr 04,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Kurt and Marilyn we're brilliant during our process, provided great communication and managed all issues very well. We can't thank them enough....
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
We negotiated our fees to a price acceptable to both parties. This was a very competitive fee.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Feb 27,2016
Feb 27,2016
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Really happy with Jan Forster Estates overall. They kept me updated by text with viewing dates and on feedback received. All the staff I dealt with, Judith and Sarah were very up beat and realistic with me and it was always a pleasure to speak ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Agents fees were fixed which was good in that I knew what to expect but with a percentage I wonder if the agents would have driven to encourage buyers to pay just that little bit more which would have benefitted the agent and myself.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Dec 02,2015
Dec 02,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I would highly recommend Jan Forster Estates; from the initial valuation meeting through to completion the team were friendly, professional and efficient. Lyndsey in particular has been extremely helpful and her understanding and sympathetic approach helped to put my mind at ease on many occassions! ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Nov 27,2015
Nov 27,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Jan Forsters helped me put my house on rent.The team was courteous and helpful with all advice.
Charlotte was quick to respond to all queries and Anna Storey who has helped with the management has liased with the tenants well and made the process ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Nov 13,2015
Nov 13,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have found everyone I have spoken to regarding sale/rental of my property very helpful and knowledgeable.
My main contacts being:
Charlotte
Jen
Andy
Claire.
Thank you all :-)
John...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Nov 11,2015
Nov 11,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
My only complaint is that the new tenants had moved in a week and I had not received the deposit, rent and paperwork....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Nov 09,2015
Nov 09,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Excellent advice, photographs really showed off the property to its full potential.
Viewings took place the day after it was put on the market and the first person who viewed it took on the tenancy....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 17,2015
Oct 17,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have had excellent prompt professional service from all at jan forster estates.Melissa Carmen is my main contact but she has introduced me to her team: I have sold a property and let one v recently through them I am very happy!...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 16,2015
Oct 16,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
The agent responded to emails very quickly with every query I had, as well as keeping me updated on the process of the sale. This was great as I never had to ring for an update!
The agent was always very professional and pleasant on ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
not applicable
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Sep 17,2015
Sep 17,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Our letting staff member advised us nothing once we sent our application forms in for review after our offer was accepted. After 3 weeks of no contact from the estate agents we called and were advised our letting staff member had gone on holiday and there ...
read full review
read full review
What agent could do to change your mind?
kept us up to date, advised us on the holiday schedueled - passed our application onto another staff member, upload our details to UK tenancy checks. Not passed my infomarmation onto a 3rd party company to sort out gas/electric/council tax etcAttached Filesnbsp;
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Oct 16, 2015
View all comments
(1)
Good afternoon and thank you for your feedback. It is always disappointing to receive negative comments and I apologise if our service has not met your expectations. I am unable to find which property and tenancy your comments relate to. If you would kindly e-mail me at [email protected] then I can begin to look into the issues that you have raised with the relevant members of staff and branches. Rest assured that as a 5 star rated agent, we take All Agents feedback seriously a ...
Sep 07,2015
Sep 07,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Everyone I dealt with was very pleasant and professional. Following the final inspection of the property after I'd moved out, I heard the next day about the status of my deposit, which was good as I wasn't left waiting and wondering. I'd also left a ...
read full review
read full review
Comment on agent fees
The fees are absolutely astronomical - 50% + VAT, which came to ‚£405, just to draw up a contract and read a couple of references. I think this is a standard thing with letting agents these days but I do think the size of agency fees these days is utterly disgusting. Whilst my experience of this agent was positive overall, I am looking to rent a flat directly from a landlord for my next property, to avoid being landed with another load of unreasonable fees.
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Aug 06,2015
Aug 06,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
myself and my partner are renting for the first time. Hannah has been very helpful in getting the letting agreement done quickly. I had a problem with my application as my work wouldn't give an email and she did everything possible to get me through ...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Jul 18,2015
Jul 18,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Was always available when questions needed asking. Kept me informed about landlords requests. Tenancy has not been finalised yet but I'm sure Matthew will be very helpful during the process ....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
May 07,2015
May 07,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Good service. Friendly and helpful. I Would recommend using this estate agent to a friend. Definitely would use jan forster in the future...
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Mar 17,2015
Mar 17,2015
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Very Knowledgeable with good advice given.
Plenty of time spent discussing various option regarding rental.
In all highly recommended and professional....
read full review
read full review
Was this helpful?
Yes
Yes
Josh
(40)
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
Contact your local branch for details.
Last updated at 2:16 PM 07/01/2016 by allAgents
