100% sales valuation accuracy
91% sales fee satisfaction
Apr 02,2024
Apr 02,2024
4
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this helpful
I would like to share with you the appalling service received from Alan Francis (AF)! I contacted them wanting to sell my rental property and ended up renting it through them until it was sold.
I originally dealt with the amazing Josh Kennedy who simply disappeared and never returned, although I would do the same if I was working with such a bunch of crooks!!!!
I then had the great misfortune of dealing with the very 'special' Daniel Vincent - Office Manager! who never follows policies, procedures or legal obligations!
Below are the specific complaints that are currently being investigated by the Estate Agents Ombudsman (New complaint form - The Property Ombudsman (tpos.co.uk) and the ICO (Data protection and personal information complaints tool | ICO):
1. AF carried out repairs to my rental property without any notification/authrorisation from myself then simply helped themselves to my money/rental income - £160 & £783.19. I was astounded by the constant lies being told to me by Ben Stock that the amount had been refunded to me on 21/4/23 and despite many e-mail exchanges and complaints, the refund was finally received on 6/7/23!!!!! CROOKS UNTIL THE VERY END!!!!
2: The property was in the process of being sold, however, due to Charlie Duke's lack of proactiveness the sale fell through. The issues surrounding this was apparently to do with MK Council, yet I was never advised of the ongoing issues and Charlie didn't do anything to mitigate the situation, so that it could be put right for the future. Since losing the buyer, I had no idea if the property was back on the market, if they had any potential buyers, if anyone has viewed the property - ABSOLUTELY NO COMMUNICATION WHATSOEVER!!!!! WELL DONE CHARLIE!!!!
3. I ended up having to raise a 3rd complaint about the delightful Daniel Vincent, Office Manager extraordinaire!!!!! who was supposedly dealing with the prior 2 complaints but he simply kept fobbing me off with 'I will respond within 5 working days' and although I did receive some responses from him, none of the complaints have reached a conclusion and now they simply ignore me - BUT I WON'T GO AWAY!!!!! BELIEVE ME!!!!
4. Since submitting my original complaints I have now terminated AF' services and now look after the rental property myself - so much easier than dealing with them, at least I know that everything I do is done with honesty and integrity! UNLIKE THOSE CROOKS!!!!
Throughout this process, AF has acted appallingly - I think they sometimes forgot that I paid for their services!!!!!! They refused to give me my tenants details meaning that without the many hours I spent tracking the tenant down, I would not have received the December 2023 rental payment. Furthermore, the tenant confirmed that he gave authority weeks prior to this, for his contact details to be shared with me. Why is Alan Francis so dishonest??? So untrustworthy??? so damn right rude???? This is now bordering on fraudulent behaviour, but my lawyer will take care of this once all the necessary legal steps have been completed. TRUST ME!!!!
Furthermore, they have been extremely difficult in giving me information that I am rightfully legally entitled to now that I am managing the property myself. Foremost, they are refusing to still send me a copy of the Fully Managed Service Agreement, signed by us both nor did I receive one for the failed sale of the property - I truly believe that this company has a big problem in following not only their own internal policies but also adhering to all legal requirements - A signed (by both sides) Fully Managed Service Agreement is a legal requirement but this was never issued to me, which is why Daniel Vincent, Office Manager Extraordinaire cannot send me a copy! This matter has now been handed over to the ICO for full investigation!
Please, please, please stay away from this company. Look for a company that has integrity, is honest and offers even half decent customer service - UNLIKE THIS BUNCH OF CLOWNS!!!!
I originally dealt with the amazing Josh Kennedy who simply disappeared and never returned, although I would do the same if I was working with such a bunch of crooks!!!!
I then had the great misfortune of dealing with the very 'special' Daniel Vincent - Office Manager! who never follows policies, procedures or legal obligations!
Below are the specific complaints that are currently being investigated by the Estate Agents Ombudsman (New complaint form - The Property Ombudsman (tpos.co.uk) and the ICO (Data protection and personal information complaints tool | ICO):
1. AF carried out repairs to my rental property without any notification/authrorisation from myself then simply helped themselves to my money/rental income - £160 & £783.19. I was astounded by the constant lies being told to me by Ben Stock that the amount had been refunded to me on 21/4/23 and despite many e-mail exchanges and complaints, the refund was finally received on 6/7/23!!!!! CROOKS UNTIL THE VERY END!!!!
2: The property was in the process of being sold, however, due to Charlie Duke's lack of proactiveness the sale fell through. The issues surrounding this was apparently to do with MK Council, yet I was never advised of the ongoing issues and Charlie didn't do anything to mitigate the situation, so that it could be put right for the future. Since losing the buyer, I had no idea if the property was back on the market, if they had any potential buyers, if anyone has viewed the property - ABSOLUTELY NO COMMUNICATION WHATSOEVER!!!!! WELL DONE CHARLIE!!!!
3. I ended up having to raise a 3rd complaint about the delightful Daniel Vincent, Office Manager extraordinaire!!!!! who was supposedly dealing with the prior 2 complaints but he simply kept fobbing me off with 'I will respond within 5 working days' and although I did receive some responses from him, none of the complaints have reached a conclusion and now they simply ignore me - BUT I WON'T GO AWAY!!!!! BELIEVE ME!!!!
4. Since submitting my original complaints I have now terminated AF' services and now look after the rental property myself - so much easier than dealing with them, at least I know that everything I do is done with honesty and integrity! UNLIKE THOSE CROOKS!!!!
Throughout this process, AF has acted appallingly - I think they sometimes forgot that I paid for their services!!!!!! They refused to give me my tenants details meaning that without the many hours I spent tracking the tenant down, I would not have received the December 2023 rental payment. Furthermore, the tenant confirmed that he gave authority weeks prior to this, for his contact details to be shared with me. Why is Alan Francis so dishonest??? So untrustworthy??? so damn right rude???? This is now bordering on fraudulent behaviour, but my lawyer will take care of this once all the necessary legal steps have been completed. TRUST ME!!!!
Furthermore, they have been extremely difficult in giving me information that I am rightfully legally entitled to now that I am managing the property myself. Foremost, they are refusing to still send me a copy of the Fully Managed Service Agreement, signed by us both nor did I receive one for the failed sale of the property - I truly believe that this company has a big problem in following not only their own internal policies but also adhering to all legal requirements - A signed (by both sides) Fully Managed Service Agreement is a legal requirement but this was never issued to me, which is why Daniel Vincent, Office Manager Extraordinaire cannot send me a copy! This matter has now been handed over to the ICO for full investigation!
Please, please, please stay away from this company. Look for a company that has integrity, is honest and offers even half decent customer service - UNLIKE THIS BUNCH OF CLOWNS!!!!
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Jun 05, 2024
Seems this is a common practice by these guys, they do seem utterly useless on the best of days. I have also been dealing with delays after delays with no communication. Calling in to speak to the agent you get the first line of defence and more BS stories. They are there to take your money, once AF has it, they vanish. I really hope they get what's coming to them and their doors close for good. May 02, 2024
This is like reading my own situation with them. Bunch of liars, especially Daniel Vincent who never replied to my emails, and all of the rest of the clowns working there fobbing me off and telling me they will call me soon and they never did. The worst experience with the large woman with black hair making assumptions that im not telling the truth. Bunch of jokers!!!!
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Latest Reviews
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Opening Hours
Address
Alan Francis
Sovereign Court, 213 – 213B Witan Gate
Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire
MK9 2HP
01908 675747
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 100% | 91% | £184,100 | £515,000 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 3 | 22 | 16 | 9 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
Areas covered
- Milton Keynes
- Towcester
- Buckingham
- MK9
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
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Rankings
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Latest Properties
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Jan 19,2024
Jan 19,2024
0
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Very polite and understanding,assisted with every details and vital information.Thank you Alan....
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Jan 04,2024
Jan 04,2024
0
people found
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We never hear from our property manager Vincent and Charlene Douglas, who is not a property manager and has nothing to do with our property, has been rude, sarcastic and incredibly unprofessional. Do not bother with Alan Francis. Go elsewhere. Our tennants have also had ...
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Sep 27,2023
Sep 27,2023
0
people found
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I very bad experienced customer experience. Letting team change the Rent price suddent after completed the referene process. Letting team agent no further notice when Annual leave and holding the letting progress. No other staff follow up and No reply of our request eMail. Very ...
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Aug 03,2023
Aug 03,2023
0
people found
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I have never experienced such a bad customer experience. It took entire one month to them to say a NO.
They took entire amount for rent / deposit and finally responded that property is not avaiable to let. Continuous follow up given me this answer 'I ...
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Nov 16,2021
Nov 16,2021
0
people found
this helpful
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If you need a tenant, Alan Francis will find it very quickly and will do all other related work unusually fast.
They are a dynamic, highly professional group of kind enthusiasts, and it is a pleasure to use their services. Special thanks to Jack, Harvey ...
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Jul 09,2021
Jul 09,2021
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have never experienced such a bad customer experience like this.
We are not from the UK and they don't even try to listen and understand you.
Their management is awful, and a completely lack of communication.
We had to leave the property before end ...
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May 04,2021
May 04,2021
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
If I could give 0 stars I would! We have been renting with Alan Francis for about 4 months now and they are beyond useless, even their Manager is as awful at customer service as his agents. Before we moved in we were assured that all radiators ...
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Dec 31,2020
Dec 31,2020
11
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Worst lettings agent I've used in Milton Keynes. I used their full management service to let my property, for almost 4 years. While the relationship and service was good to begin with, this past 2 years has been awful. To list a few of the issues;
· They're ...
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Nov 05,2020
Nov 05,2020
6
people found
this helpful
this helpful
i am looking for a property in Milton Keynes and i have viewed couple of properties with Alan Francis i didn't like the properties after a month or so break i started viewing properties again i have called Alan Francis they just booked viewing and ...
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Sep 21,2020
Sep 21,2020
1
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have let my property out through Alan Francis for 17 years. It's amazing the letting has been a continued without interruption. The colleagues fro Alan Francis are always helpful, from finding new tenants, to fixing problems and communicating issues from time to time. I am ...
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Aug 06,2020
Aug 06,2020
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I was looking for a property to rent and had to chase Alan Francis for a month with no success. There is never a consultant available. All times I had to speak with receptionists that take my name and contact, and then no one returns ...
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Aug 11, 2020
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(1)
We sincerely apologise for any delay in getting back to you. We understand our Lettings Manager called you to discuss your concerns and to offer our help. Our customers are our number one priority and we strive to provide a first class service however we are currently experiencing an unprecedented number of enquiries and are doing our very best to get back to everyone as soon as we can. If we can be of any assistance going forward, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01908 675747 and ask ...
Mar 10,2020
Mar 10,2020
5
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I am gonna copy what I said on Facebook:
The most useless agency to rent a house.
First we called to book a viewing for the next day, as we didn't receive any confirmation we called them again and they did not have any registration ...
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Feb 11,2020
Feb 11,2020
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
The worst company ever !!!!!
Stealing money !!!!!
The worst customer service !
They just sitting in the office and don’t give a shit about anything !
Didn’t check inventory before have done check out !!!...
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Mar 14,2019
Mar 14,2019
0
people found
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Myself and my family were looking to rent a house around Milton Keynes and surroundings. I called one saturday morning and spoke to an amazing guy named Alex. He immediately recommended a property they had availble and scheduled for a viewing. When we met him ...
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Comment on agent fees
Good
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Mar 19, 2019
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Thank you for the 5 star review on the service provided by the lettings team, in particular the support provided by Alex, and Lauren when dealing with any maintenance issues. Your comments and recommendation to friends & family are much appreciated. We wish you all the best. With kind regards. ...
Mar 03,2019
Mar 03,2019
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Shambolic letting agency. No one met me on moving in day. I had to go to office to collect keys. Loads of glitches that were known about before I moved in and now others upon moving in..have still not been fixed. Managing agents like ...
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Comment on agent fees
Obviously no value for money... understatement of the year
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Aug 17,2018
Aug 17,2018
0
people found
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Our house was for sale for several months without success so we changed est agents to Alan Francis and this turned out to be our lucky day. They sent Josh who within a week had sold our house and for the original asking price, truly ...
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Comment on agent fees
Reasonable
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Aug 13,2018
Aug 13,2018
0
people found
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Craig sold my property in Tattenhoe recently & I must say there were a few bumps along the way with my buyers being a little demanding to say the least however Craig managed them extremely well & kept the sale together. I must say he has the ...
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Aug 21, 2018
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Thank you for the 5 star review Vanessa. We are delighted with your comments on the service received when selling your property, in particular the personal support provided by Craig. Your recommendation is much appreciated and we wish you all the very best. Kind regards. ...
Aug 06,2018
Aug 06,2018
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Awful service!! After my friend spent the night on the streets as the flat door wouldn't unlock they sent someone day after to change the lock (to mention that I have contacted them several times when we moved in the flat and we've been promised ...
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Jun 04,2018
Jun 04,2018
0
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I have used Alan Francis twice and both times the service has been fantastic. I have just finished my 5 year tenancy and I can't recommend them highly enough.
Thanks again for everything
Sean Sarah Lewis & Emma...
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Comment on agent fees
Good
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Aug 28,2017
Aug 28,2017
5
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I live next door to a rental and Alan Francis ignore my request to top a tree invading my property on going 7 years now. I have pictues on this as a sapling and it noe is so large it has taken the light out od ...
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Comment on agent fees
N/a
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Aug 18,2017
Aug 18,2017
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I arrived in the UK without any experience about renting apartment policy. I checked several agencies to find my first home here in Milton Keynes. From the different review in google and other websites, I contact Alan Francies. Abygale who was professional, understanding and helpful ...
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Comment on agent fees
Convenient and Reasonable
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Aug 04,2017
Aug 04,2017
0
people found
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It really has been a pleasure to interact with Lauren. It started with a Council Tax bill for over £2,000 following my property being between tenants for just over a monrth. Lauren took over my call to one of her colleagues. She explained what had probably ...
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Comment on agent fees
Fees are reasonable given the overall quality offering. Certainly employees like Lauren add value.
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Aug 02,2017
Aug 02,2017
0
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Josh was fantastic helping with my house purchase. Professional, friendly and always willing to go out of his way to help. Great job!...
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Aug 02, 2017
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Hi Peter, thanks for writing a review on your experience of purchasing a property through us. It's great for Josh, and the team, to receive such positive feedback and we wish you all the best in your new home. Kind regards. ...
Jul 31,2017
Jul 31,2017
0
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Daniel and his colleagues have been helpful, prompt and professional. Everything from the initial meeting to handling the tenants' arrival has been smooth and I have nothing but praise for Alan Francis and the service they offer....
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Aug 01, 2017
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A great review on the service provided by Daniel and the lettings team as a whole. Thank you for your comments and the 5 star rating. Kind regards. ...
Jul 28,2017
Jul 28,2017
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I dealt with Josh in a recent purchase of a flat in Milton Keynes. I found him to be very professional and on the throughout the process. He was willing to go the extra mile to make sure I was suitably inform and guided.
Would ...
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Jul 31, 2017
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Thank you for writing a review and for rating the professional service received from Josh & the sales team as 5 stars. We are pleased that you had a positive experience and we hope to work with you again in the future. Kind regards. ...
Jul 27,2017
Jul 27,2017
0
people found
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As a landlord I would thoroughly recommend Alan Francis. Professional service that goes above and beyond. I've mainly worked with Dan and have no complaints at all. He and his colleges always work hard to find solutions to any problems I have in a timely ...
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Jul 31, 2017
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Thank you for the 5 star review Tom. We are pleased to hear that you have been happy with the professional service received from Dan and the lettings team as a whole. Your comments are much appreciated. Kind regards. ...
Jul 26,2017
Jul 26,2017
0
people found
this helpful
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We would recommend Alan Francis to anyone, very friendly staff and very professional. We dealt mainly with Josh but also dealt with Craig and Robert, could not have asked for better service. Thank you for all your help....
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Comment on agent fees
The fees were good, not a problem.
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Jul 26, 2017
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Hi Julie, thank you for taking the time to write a review on the friendly and professional service provided by the sales team. We appreciate your comments and recommendation. Kind regards. ...
Jul 19,2017
Jul 19,2017
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Alan Francis have worked with me as a Landlord guiding me through difficult processes
Working together they have been able to provide me with the processes and assistance to give me .
Brilliant service all round and excellent customer service
Well done and thank you
Debrah...
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Comment on agent fees
Very good
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Apr 28,2017
Apr 28,2017
0
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Aby has been so helpful to my partner and myself with finding a house ,we have been looking for 6 months and working with her in 2 weeks we are moving into our home , great company to go through , would definitely recommend her ....
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May 09, 2017
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Thank you for writing a 5 star review on your experience of renting through Alan Francis, and in particular the support received from Aby. Your recommendation is appreciated and we wish you all the best in your new home. ...
Apr 23,2017
Apr 23,2017
3
people found
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this helpful
Preferably stay away from this agency if you really need to find a place to live. They don't care at all about the customers the just want their money giving their minimum they can. Also nonprofessionals at all, they're are not informed about basics things ...
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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
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Last updated at 1:55 PM 09/05/2018 by Jeremy Cull
