“I called to enquire about wether one of their......”
1 Star Review
Dec 07,2023
By:
'Becca'
Dec 07,2023
Branch: Hove, 45 Church Road
Services: Lettings (Prospective customer)
Rent PCM: £1750
Would you recommend?: No
Postcode: BN3
Branch: Hove, 45 Church Road
Lettings (Prospective customer)
Rent PCM: £1750
Postcode: BN3
2
people found
this helpful
I called to enquire about wether one of their property's was dog friendly or not, the woman over the phone told me she didn't know and would ask the landlord. I thought that might be it since we won't need to look at the property if it isn't, but she said before we go any further she needed to know more about me. I said of course.
She asked what myself and my partner do and I began to explain that I am a freelance graphic designer and I started my business 6 months ago (I have 7 years industry experience predating this). I know this can be off putting to landlords so I was trying to explain that although I cannot file a tax return yet I can provide 6 months of bank statements that prove I can afford the rent as well as a large amount in savings. She interrupted me in a condescending tone and told me "Well you can't prove that can you?? that's what I'm getting at...". She asked if I had a UK based guarantor and I said that's no problem.
Then she moved onto my partner, who is in wealth management and earns around £50k PAYE. She is French and has lived and rented in this country for six years. The questions began, "Do you have a right to live here?" "Do you have a British bank account?", My partner reassured the answers were yes on both accounts and she also can provide several references from previous landlords and agencies we've rented with. She questioned who we currently rent with and asked if they were even an 'established agency', we told her we've rented with Marsh & Parsons for the last two years and have never had an issue. She seemed shocked, who would have thought?! An agency renting to two people who make honest livings and can pay the rent!?!!
My partner then said she also rented in Amsterdam for three years and can provide a reference from them too if needed, she interrupted and said "well Amsterdam isn't the UK so it's not really relevant is it? The problem is you aren't in our jurisdiction" Jurisdiction of what? She has a right to live and work here?
We were doing all we could to reassure her and we understand there are questions that need to be asked, and certain proof that should be provided to secure a rental, of course, but I have never been spoken to in such a rude and condescending way by an agent. And guess what? She never called us back.
We were more than happy to cooperate and come to an understanding, we have paid higher deposits, several months in advance if needed. But it felt like she just didn't like the sound of us, didn't want to rent to us and was set out to prove we wouldn't be suitable. Not everyone has the same circumstances but there was no room from her side to understand us at all. Why spend 20 minutes belittling us when you could have just found a diplomatic way of telling us no? She also could have called back and told us it isn't dog friendly and we'd be out of her hair, but she didn't even have the decency to.
Safe to say I won't bother enquiring about any other property's through Property Plus.
2
people found
this helpful
Was this helpful?
Yes