71% sales valuation accuracy
83% sales fee satisfaction
100% lettings valuation accuracy
73% lettings fee satisfaction
May 07,2020
May 07,2020
3
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Tenant? Choose to rent through this agent!
Landlord? Steer clear!
FYI we are not property tycoons – it was simply a case of we have a property each – coupling up in one and renting out the other to save paying two mortgages! Live and learn; you could argue it was our own inexperience which caused hassle. But, you have to remember as a landlord you pay the “experts” to manage the property after all.
Anyway - contract with single male … reportedly a client for years in various properties and a “good” tenant. Sounds like a reliable bet…
Various check-ins; one found a woman with twins due also living there. We challenged this – they must be confused, there was no woman let along one pregnant with twins at start of contract… but, it seems there was! Apparently landlord's cost to put this right. Recurrent complaints from neighbours to the flat management company. These included – noise, disturbance (one involving emergency services and reportedly linked to the tenant) as well as smoking in the property (both over the counter cigarettes and otherwise). Agent reassured on all fronts.
Eventually; end of contract rolled round. Absolutely NOT renewing with this tenant – scarred for life. Simply want out and for flat to be left in the state it was at beginning of contract 12 months earlier.
On inspection… it STINKS of smoke. But the agency disputes this because they can't smell smoke! It needs cleaning and in particular the kitchen / bathroom are filthy. Erm, so in the contract it says they have to have a professional clean when they leave? Please can you enforce this? But, apparently – well it wasn't that clean when they moved in. Well, we had it professionally cleaned. They dispute this! We send invoice of professional clean as evidence … Not that this is at all relevant – the contract doesn't stipulate a professional clean at the outset AND when they leave. BUT it was the case anyway. There's also screws in windowsill / architrave / a TV aerial snatched out of the connector in the wall.
Naturally, we go through the contract and ask for deposit funds to be held back to cover the clean and damages. Agent disputes this; telling us the tenant won't agree. We push and push. Eventually, agent tells us as the tenant disputes some of this and if we will not accept – it will have to be referred to adjudicator which will take 8-12 weeks. Go ahead! They can't dispute the damage – it's there (although smoke smell can't easily be proved … when I cleaned the windows in the second bedroom - their smoking room it was thick yellow tar, even the cobwebs were furred up!). They can't dispute the lack of professional clean because it's not like they'll be able to submit an invoice that they paid for one – it doesn't exist!
We confirm to go ahead and submit for adjudication on 30 January. They tell us we can't send evidence with their file for review. Low and behold, after chasing the agent on 2 March, they tell us adjudicator decision is to award the landlord the funds for damages and cleaning because the tenant did not submit any evidence to support their case… obviously.
We have since had the place redecorated throughout and new carpet laid because the stench of smoke did not disappear even after a clean
So, a lot of worry and stress, time and money spent. Do not recommend.
Landlord? Steer clear!
FYI we are not property tycoons – it was simply a case of we have a property each – coupling up in one and renting out the other to save paying two mortgages! Live and learn; you could argue it was our own inexperience which caused hassle. But, you have to remember as a landlord you pay the “experts” to manage the property after all.
Anyway - contract with single male … reportedly a client for years in various properties and a “good” tenant. Sounds like a reliable bet…
Various check-ins; one found a woman with twins due also living there. We challenged this – they must be confused, there was no woman let along one pregnant with twins at start of contract… but, it seems there was! Apparently landlord's cost to put this right. Recurrent complaints from neighbours to the flat management company. These included – noise, disturbance (one involving emergency services and reportedly linked to the tenant) as well as smoking in the property (both over the counter cigarettes and otherwise). Agent reassured on all fronts.
Eventually; end of contract rolled round. Absolutely NOT renewing with this tenant – scarred for life. Simply want out and for flat to be left in the state it was at beginning of contract 12 months earlier.
On inspection… it STINKS of smoke. But the agency disputes this because they can't smell smoke! It needs cleaning and in particular the kitchen / bathroom are filthy. Erm, so in the contract it says they have to have a professional clean when they leave? Please can you enforce this? But, apparently – well it wasn't that clean when they moved in. Well, we had it professionally cleaned. They dispute this! We send invoice of professional clean as evidence … Not that this is at all relevant – the contract doesn't stipulate a professional clean at the outset AND when they leave. BUT it was the case anyway. There's also screws in windowsill / architrave / a TV aerial snatched out of the connector in the wall.
Naturally, we go through the contract and ask for deposit funds to be held back to cover the clean and damages. Agent disputes this; telling us the tenant won't agree. We push and push. Eventually, agent tells us as the tenant disputes some of this and if we will not accept – it will have to be referred to adjudicator which will take 8-12 weeks. Go ahead! They can't dispute the damage – it's there (although smoke smell can't easily be proved … when I cleaned the windows in the second bedroom - their smoking room it was thick yellow tar, even the cobwebs were furred up!). They can't dispute the lack of professional clean because it's not like they'll be able to submit an invoice that they paid for one – it doesn't exist!
We confirm to go ahead and submit for adjudication on 30 January. They tell us we can't send evidence with their file for review. Low and behold, after chasing the agent on 2 March, they tell us adjudicator decision is to award the landlord the funds for damages and cleaning because the tenant did not submit any evidence to support their case… obviously.
We have since had the place redecorated throughout and new carpet laid because the stench of smoke did not disappear even after a clean
So, a lot of worry and stress, time and money spent. Do not recommend.
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Latest Reviews
1st Oct 2021
reviewed by 'Kinesis'
22nd Jul 2021
reviewed by 'Laura-Jayne'
7th May 2020
reviewed by 'Miss'
17th Mar 2020
reviewed by 'Guy'
11th Mar 2020
reviewed by 'Ian'
Opening Hours
Address
Doorknobs
Post Office Square, 2 Vale Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 1BP
01892 512101
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 71% | 83% | £0 | £0 |
| Lettings | 100% | 73% | £275 | £1,350 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 2 | 6 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Areas covered
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
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Oct 01,2021
Oct 01,2021
1
people found
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The worst company/agency I have ever dealt with and the rudest/deceitful agents. FOR ANY TENNANT OR LANDLORD CONSIDERING THIS AGENCY PLEASE AVOID AT ALL COSTS.
I originally left a glowing review as I was asked to leave one by one of the agents ...
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Sep 08,2021
Sep 08,2021
0
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Stay clear of these rude crooks! Unprofessional, unresponsive, rude, nitpicking and just really bad human beings out to steal your money. Never been treated like this by an agent in my whole life! They use vague language on purpose so that they can keep your ...
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Jul 22,2021
Jul 22,2021
0
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Super helpful and easy to deal with.
Lucy has been great as a point of contact, also putting us first and checking in on us. very pleased with the experience so far!...
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May 07,2020
May 07,2020
3
people found
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Tenant? Choose to rent through this agent!
Landlord? Steer clear!
FYI we are not property tycoons – it was simply a case of we have a property each – coupling up in one and renting out the other to save paying two mortgages! Live and learn; you ...
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Mar 17,2020
Mar 17,2020
0
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I'm a landlord and Doorknobs have been managing my property for over 6 years now. I live abroad and so I rely on them heavily to assist me in all aspects of the tenancies - I have nothing but praise for all members of their team. ...
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Mar 11,2020
Mar 11,2020
0
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I have been letting a number of properties via Doorknobs for nearly seven years and have always found them to provide an extremely efficient and friendly service....
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Mar 11,2020
Mar 11,2020
0
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We have been tenants with Doorknobs for over 2 years now in the Sevenoaks area.
We couldn't be happier with their services.
The whole process of finding us a perfect place, arranging viewings, signing contracts, handover of keys, etc.
Since we have moved in we had ...
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Mar 11,2020
Mar 11,2020
0
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I have used Doorknobs as my letting and managing agents for over eight years. I have several properties in and around Tunbridge Wells. I have always found them to be professional and easy to communicate with. My properties have always been occupied with very little ...
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Mar 10,2020
Mar 10,2020
0
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Doorknobs have provided a very friendly and professional service for the last 10 years. They respond quickly and helpfully to queries....
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Mar 10,2020
Mar 10,2020
1
people found
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Amazing company, super professional and supportive when things go wrong in the property. They work with an array of efficient professionals. Totally recommend!...
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Mar 10,2020
Mar 10,2020
0
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Doorknobs have managed my property for 6 years. They are extremely efficient, helpful and professional. Regular inspections and feedback given, timely rent payments and maintenance is addressed quickly and dealt with. I couldn’t recommend them enough....
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Mar 09,2020
Mar 09,2020
1
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I find their positive reviews suspect. Firstly the language is largely similar and immediately complementary.
As a landlord prior to dealing with them myself i wouldn't reward a letter with a review upon services rendered unless a sufficient amount of time had passed between letting ...
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Mar 04,2020
Mar 04,2020
0
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Doorknobs have been my managing agent in Tunbridge Wells for over 10 years - they have always been very good at sorting out any issues with Tenants whenever a crisis has happened. Long may it continue...
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Mar 03,2020
Mar 03,2020
0
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I have been a tenant through Doorknobs in the same property for over five years and have found them to be exceptional. They do regular checks to ensure the property is kept well and to see if there's anything I need doing. Maintenance and repairs ...
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Mar 03,2020
Mar 03,2020
0
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Excellent service from when we called to view to when we moved in. Flexible and helpful with viewings and made sure everything was sorted with the refurbishment before we moved in.
Thankyou...
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Mar 03,2020
Mar 03,2020
0
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We have had nothing but positive experiences since letting through Doorknobs a couple of years ago. The leasing process was very simple. We have received quick and efficient responses at any point that we have had need their assistance with the property. They have seen ...
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Feb 13,2020
Feb 13,2020
6
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WARNING WARNING WARNING
DO NOT USE THEM...
They are SCUM, Jack Thrower in particular.. total low life PERSON..
6months after leaving a rental from them I am still pissed off.. ok lets begin, at first the rental initially went well, once problems began with the ...
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Jan 07,2020
Jan 07,2020
3
people found
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I rented a nice 3 bedroom flat from Doorknobs a few years ago, it was a fairly nice experience up until the contract was signed and I was moved in, at which point they turned into some of smarmiest estate agents I've ever had the displeasure ...
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Nov 15,2019
Nov 15,2019
1
people found
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Rude ignorant it could not be possible to be less helpful oddly enough the actual property owner is great I would think they would be better served securing the services of a more reputable agent they are out there...
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Jun 11,2019
Jun 11,2019
2
people found
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Where do I start? I am currently a tenant, I have been for some years. I'm very unhappy with the standards they work by at doorknobs and I would suggest you check other letting agents in town before begging any enquiries with them. Obviously if ...
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Comment on agent fees
not the issue
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Jan 16,2018
Jan 16,2018
1
people found
this helpful
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Doorknobs have been managing a property for me for the past year. Not only did they find a lovely pair of tenants to rent the flat, they have always been speedy, communicative and make it all so much easier for me. Couldn't recommend them more ...
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Nov 20,2017
Nov 20,2017
1
people found
this helpful
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Disgusting agency. They treat*ed me like dirt and are only interested in pleasing landlords. My landlord kept letting himself into my flat without notice and they didn't care. They also sent people round to view my flat without giving me notice and forgetting to ...
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Aug 04,2017
Aug 04,2017
0
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I rented a property through these guys 4 years ago, paid my deposit, moved in but never got my DPS letter stating my deposit was protected. When i contacted them they said they had given my deposit to the landlord and it was his problem. Well ...
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Comment on agent fees
Resonable
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Apr 08,2017
Apr 08,2017
1
people found
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As the buyer going through doorknobs I had the most unprofessional experience with staff members and the service I received. Doorknobs lost the keys to my property which I later found out the builders had and not given back. The manager at Doorknobs knew nothing ...
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Apr 01,2017
Apr 01,2017
0
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I have been absolutely disgusted with the service from Doorknobs, Tunbridge Wells. The flat was rented out to me without following fire safety - the smoke alarm system was faulty (as verified by the fire service) and all the extinguishers and fire blankets had expired 5 ...
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Comment on agent fees
The rent was average for Tunbridge Wells...the deposit deductions totalled approximately £300 (the total amount is still to be confirmed to me).
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Dec 01,2016
Dec 01,2016
1
people found
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Problems arose at the end of tenancy with large deposit deductions being made for very subjective views on cleanliness which were extremely harsh. Their professional cleaning clause is vague and unenforceable. Seems that they bank on people taking their word for it and not going ...
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Nov 12,2016
Nov 12,2016
1
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Unprofessional and rude with little care for tenants. I regret renting with doorknobs and am glad that my tenancy has now ended....
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Apr 23,2013
Apr 23,2013
0
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I received excellent and helpful advice from Katie. The whole process was fully explained to me from beginning to end and i received an efficient and friendly service. I was treated with the utmost courtesy and respect. I would have no hesitation in recommending Doorknobs ...
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Mar 13,2013
Mar 13,2013
0
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I have dealt with many agents since arriving in the UK 8 years ago, as a buyer, landlord and tenant too. In this instance I was a tenant and although everybody has different experiences according to their circumstances, I can safely say that my experience of ...
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Dec 06,2012
Dec 06,2012
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Doorknobs, in my opinion, are the kind of organisation that give lettings agencies a bad name. They are very unfriendly, very unhelpful and make promises which they fail to keep.
Have a search around Google and you'll soon get a vibe of others experiences. I ...
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Oct 21, 2013
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We are sorry that you had an unfortunate experience with us. We do try to be helpful and you can find many excellent reviews in Google that praise our service. ...
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