68% sales valuation accuracy
71% sales fee satisfaction
91% lettings valuation accuracy
66% lettings fee satisfaction
Sep 10,2013
Sep 10,2013
7
people found
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Second-worst letting agent I've ever dealt with. My wife and I are already sick of dealing with them, and we've only been here a month. Emailing them is worthless - you won't get a meaningful reply - though obviously they insist you do it so they have a written copy of your correspondence.
They asked for endless documentation before renting, vastly more than any other landlord I've ever known, and when they wanted more, they didn't bother to tell us. When we contacted them, we received four different accounts of what they wanted from three different members of staff, with one changing her mind depending on what day it was.
We have not been told the name of our landlord or the details of where our Tenancy Deposit is stored, despite having asked for these in writing.
We were rented a property with dangerous maintenance issues such as a hole in the floor, which we hadn't noticed because the previous tenant had placed an item of furniture over it. When we informed them of this they arranged a maintenance agent to visit without making any attempt to contact us, and insisted that had we not been in the house, we would have been charged £65 for his call-out.
The property was filthy, having not been cleaned at all, and it took several days of calling and emailing to have a cleaner arranged (the cleaners themselves, by the way, were very competent and professional).
The first month in the property, the weather was warm, so we didn't notice that the heating didn't work. Now it's getting colder, we've tried to turn on the heaters and newly-installed radiators, for which we're paying £180pa on top of the previous tenant's rent, but they don't work. In fact, the radiators aren't even plumbed in, since what we were told was a boiler is, in fact, an electric immersion heater. Having emailed the company, we have only been fobbed off in return.
I'm not looking forward to moving out of the property. SherlockHomes4U did provide a very comprehensive inventory upon entry, which was good, but I will be taking many, many photographs. I have no reason to trust the company's integrity at this point.
They asked for endless documentation before renting, vastly more than any other landlord I've ever known, and when they wanted more, they didn't bother to tell us. When we contacted them, we received four different accounts of what they wanted from three different members of staff, with one changing her mind depending on what day it was.
We have not been told the name of our landlord or the details of where our Tenancy Deposit is stored, despite having asked for these in writing.
We were rented a property with dangerous maintenance issues such as a hole in the floor, which we hadn't noticed because the previous tenant had placed an item of furniture over it. When we informed them of this they arranged a maintenance agent to visit without making any attempt to contact us, and insisted that had we not been in the house, we would have been charged £65 for his call-out.
The property was filthy, having not been cleaned at all, and it took several days of calling and emailing to have a cleaner arranged (the cleaners themselves, by the way, were very competent and professional).
The first month in the property, the weather was warm, so we didn't notice that the heating didn't work. Now it's getting colder, we've tried to turn on the heaters and newly-installed radiators, for which we're paying £180pa on top of the previous tenant's rent, but they don't work. In fact, the radiators aren't even plumbed in, since what we were told was a boiler is, in fact, an electric immersion heater. Having emailed the company, we have only been fobbed off in return.
I'm not looking forward to moving out of the property. SherlockHomes4U did provide a very comprehensive inventory upon entry, which was good, but I will be taking many, many photographs. I have no reason to trust the company's integrity at this point.
What agent could do to change your mind?
At this point, there is nothing they could do to change my mind. Once a company has proven itself untrustworthy - a company, not simply a single agent - what reason does a customer have to trust them again? And the number of people we have dealt with at SherlockHomes4U who have demonstrated a complete absence of both professionalism and even basic competence suggests that apathy regarding tenants' concerns is endemic.Attached Filesnbsp;
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Latest Reviews
12th Sep 2020
reviewed by 'Luke'
10th Mar 2020
reviewed by 'Michael'
21st Jan 2020
reviewed by 'Kay'
16th Nov 2019
reviewed by 'Jake'
28th Sep 2019
reviewed by 'Jamie'
3rd Sep 2019
reviewed by 'Akilu'
Opening Hours
Address
Sherlock Homes Estate Agents
58 Beech Road
Chorlton-cum-Hardy,Manchester
Greater Manchester
M21 9EG
01618818228
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 68% | 71% | £300,000 | £300,000 |
| Lettings | 91% | 66% | £400 | £1,300 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 0 | 24 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Areas covered
- M21
- M15
- M16
- Altrincham
- M20
- South Manchester
- M19
- M32
- M45
- M33
- M28
- M14
- SK8
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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Sep 12,2020
Sep 12,2020
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
AVOID SHERLOCK SHAMBLES!
Wish we had read reviews of this company beforehand.
These people are not fit to run an estate agents. They are liars, thieves and charlatans. I truly hope people do not use this company and hope to hear about this companies closure ...
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Mar 10,2020
Mar 10,2020
1
people found
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this helpful
I was with Sherlock Holmes for just short of a year but I have to say it was some of the worst customer service I have ever received. At the beginning I had no problems and the flat I was shown in January 2019 was perfect ...
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Mar 18, 2020
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(1)
Dear Michael. The agent does not profit nor gain from a tenants deposit. The balance goes to your landlord and it is your landlord who determines what is deducted from a tenants deposit. Equally your landlord insisted that you were kept to the terms of your tenancy. We note that this is disappointing but again as agent we have no say in such matters. As for repairs you state were delayed, unless essential or emergency repairs, the agent cannot proceed without the landlords authorisation.
...
Jan 21,2020
Jan 21,2020
6
people found
this helpful
this helpful
My experience with Sherlock Homes is a catalogue of lies, silence and aggression for two terrible years. From the lies their agent told about the property - "yeah, that's a boiler; yeah, those are functional radiators" - to them refusing to protect my deposit - ...
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Nov 16,2019
Nov 16,2019
0
people found
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DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THESE PEOPLE!
Firstly, read all the reviews here and on other sites. Then google * Sherlock Homes' and see that the proprietor has poor reputation. Note that the only positive reviews are for the sales department. Do not deal with the ...
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Nov 19, 2019
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(1)
Dear Mr Goodman
We are disappointed to read your comments given that we explained at the outset that we were liaising with your landlord and awaiting his instruction. We reply as follows:
Your personal attack and aggressive emails appear to be of a bullying nature with unfounded remarks. Unfortunately due to your repeated abusive and crude, vulgar, choice of language over the telephone, in the office in front of staff, customers and shockingly in front of children too, along with excessi ...
Sep 28,2019
Sep 28,2019
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Complete incompetents on a level never seen before. I had a viewing arranged for 11am, received an e-mail on the morning at 9am reminding me of the appointment. Got to the property on time, waited in the car park for twenty minutes, no sign of ...
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Sep 03,2019
Sep 03,2019
0
people found
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I actually picked 1star but I still feel guilty because what this organisation deserves is less than that. They are the peak of unprofessionalism and systemic fraud. I moved out of one of their properties almost 6 months ago and still no deposit. I have been ...
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Apr 08,2019
Apr 08,2019
0
people found
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To say that their level of service to tennants is disgusting would be an understatement! I moved out 3 months ago and still, no deposit. Their staff doesn't seem to know what they're doing and I'm always being told that someone will call me back
Steer ...
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Comment on agent fees
Terrible
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Nov 14,2018
Nov 14,2018
0
people found
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James was really great at sorting everything out for our house move. Would recommend him and his team at Sherlock homes....
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Comment on agent fees
James was really great at sorting everything out for our house move. Would recommend!
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Oct 08,2018
Oct 08,2018
0
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Worked hard to get us into the property we wanted when we wanted. Stayed late to give us the keys on the agreed day. Very friendly and approachable....
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Comment on agent fees
Standard
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Oct 14, 2018
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We had such a great experience with James!! He was quick to respond and always kept us updated. He made the experience beyond smooth and always went out of his way to explain things. Because of him I will definitely be returning in the future! ...
Oct 02,2018
Oct 02,2018
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Brilliant service, prompt and professional. Built good rapport and went over and above by staying late to get things signed so we could get the keys early. Fully recommend sherlock homes after this experience....
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Comment on agent fees
Similar to market value
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Oct 02,2018
Oct 02,2018
0
people found
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James was really friendly and very sympathetic to our stressful situation, we had less than two weeks to find somewhere to live and both James and Tony made the experience as stress free as possible. James answered all of our questions and gave a much ...
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Comment on agent fees
expensive
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Sep 21,2018
Sep 21,2018
0
people found
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Being new this I was relived and equally thrilled to have someone like Tony dealing with my property. From day one he knew how to improve things and gave me so much advice that helped. Friendly, professional and clearly very good at what he does. ...
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Comment on agent fees
All very reasonable for the high level of service and professionalism provided
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Oct 02, 2018
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(1)
Hi Oli,
Thank you for taking the time to leave this great review!
All the best.
Regards,
Tony ...
Sep 05,2018
Sep 05,2018
0
people found
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Dealt with James on a recent property rent. Found him to be polite, knowledgeable and quick to communicate with us....
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Comment on agent fees
Fees a little steep, but similar to others Agents.
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Aug 31,2018
Aug 31,2018
0
people found
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I've had a really positive experience with the agency. Everyone I have spoken with has been really nice, even from the first phone call. I was a little nervous anxious about the whole process of finding a flat since the market moves really quickly. James ...
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Comment on agent fees
I think the fees were expensive. I don't believe agents should pass the cost of arranging tenancy onto tenants at all...
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Aug 28,2018
Aug 28,2018
0
people found
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Tony was excellent in assisting my move which was quite a complex situation however he was always helpful and willing to assist and made the move very easy. Thanks very much for this great service....
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Aug 29, 2018
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(1)
Hi Miss Hodson, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
Regards,
Sherlock Homes ...
May 30,2018
May 30,2018
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I can't recommend these guys highly enough. They were superb to deal with. Great communication throughout. Went above and beyond with little things like giving the keys to tradesmen etc. and they found me fabulous tenants.
All the staff at the office are considerate and ...
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Comment on agent fees
The same rates as most agents, but more for your money
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May 31, 2018
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Dear Laura, Thank you for you comments, its always good to get good reviews for our hard work.
Regards,
Sherlock Homes ...
May 24,2018
May 24,2018
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I was using a rival Estate Agents to find new tenants but after waiting for viewings to materialise, thought I'd try Sherlock Homes instead. I'm glad I did :)
I found Tony to be polite and professional, he arrived at the property and immediately knew how ...
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Comment on agent fees
Are standard
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May 25, 2018
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(1)
Dear Landlord,
Many thank for taking the time to leave this review. This shows the importance in good marketing! We looking forward to any repeat business.
Regards,
Tony ...
Apr 18,2018
Apr 18,2018
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I found Tony and the team extremely helpful. They kept me up to date through out the process with telephone calls and email...
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Apr 16,2018
Apr 16,2018
0
people found
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Excellent service and many thanks to Tony and his team for the support and quick response in letting my property....
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Comment on agent fees
Good
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Apr 18, 2018
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(1)
Thank you Mrs Bolton, happy to help as always. ...
Feb 27,2018
Feb 27,2018
0
people found
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Fairly better than other staff.
Helpful in responding to my queries, but was unable to respond to all the queries for example where in the property the communal TV system is located....
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Comment on agent fees
Bad (too much)
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Feb 07,2018
Feb 07,2018
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Antonio e'Silva is a Highly manipulative and dishonest individual. You can see this yourself by the fact that he has applied all his fake reviews from a previous firm in London to the firm of Sherlock Homes in Manchester, where within 7 Days of taking the ...
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Comment on agent fees
no comment
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Feb 13, 2018
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(1)
Dear sir,
Firstly, this is a national review site - naturally if I change company or location it will change on this site.
Secondly, as stated before, your rent had increased twice in the last 12 years, once in August 2016 and now for the second time in Feb 2018, I can see why you'd be disappointed as you have been used to lower rents for so long. The decision to increase your rent did not come from me, rather your landlord, I invite you into my office to see proof if you so wish.
I ...
Nov 17,2017
Nov 17,2017
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Really thrilled with how quickly and painlessly a maintenance request was completed by Helen who explained clearly what the plan of action was to resolve the issue, both myself and the other tenant were very reassured and happy with the service....
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Comment on agent fees
Fees were pretty standard within the market
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Sep 18,2017
Sep 18,2017
1
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Hamza was very nice when we went for the flat viewing then he was very professional and very responsive during the whole letting process! We really did appreciate his help!...
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Sep 06,2017
Sep 06,2017
1
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Avoid, use only if no alternative available. The Repairs department is fine; they react promptly and well. The only annoying thing is that they require a detailed explanation for any broken switch while the switch in question is the cheapest model and designed to break ...
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Comment on agent fees
They charge maximum for evreything
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Sep 21, 2017
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Dear VickiD
We are sorry to hear that you feel disgruntled with the administration charge. Sherlock Homes are transparent with the charges which are included on the website, in the office and on correspondence sent to tenants. We write to tenants acknowledging their notice to quit their tenancy, confirm the amount of rent due to the end of the tenancy and highlighting the importance of cancelling the standing order mandate. We confirm within this correspondence that on failure to cancel the ...
Jun 20,2017
Jun 20,2017
0
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Rachael Hitchings - Lettings Manager at Sherlock Holmes was super efficient. She did everything she said she would do and more.
I would recommend her to others...
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Comment on agent fees
Reasonable
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Jul 12, 2017
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Dear James, thank you very much for your kind feedback. We are always glad to hear that you are happy with the service you received and especially happy to hear that you feel we have gone above and beyond expectations, Warmest regards from the team at Sherlock Homes ...
Jun 04,2017
Jun 04,2017
1
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I found Sherlock Homes professional and easy to deal with. Hamza in particular was really quick to respond and very helpful. The tenant fees were a little steep but they were very upfront and honest and confirmed the total before I had to pay anything, ...
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Comment on agent fees
A bit steep but nothing hidden
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May 11,2017
May 11,2017
1
people found
this helpful
this helpful
I have rented through Sherlock Homes for a number of years and always found their service to be very good. When ever I have needed to report a problem within my property their response time has always been prompt and I have been kept up ...
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Comment on agent fees
Agents fees were reasonable and in line with what other agencies charged.
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Apr 26,2017
Apr 26,2017
0
people found
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I have always had excellent service from Sherlock Homes they are improving year on year . I am glad that I chose to use them several years ago...
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Mar 21,2017
Mar 21,2017
0
people found
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I like the way that I always being keep inform about what is happening and when things will be done....
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Comment on agent fees
I have no comment
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Mar 11,2017
Mar 11,2017
0
people found
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Sherlock Homes is a terrible letting agency. While our landlord let her property through them, they held our rent checks numerous times without giving the landlord the rent. They failed to communicate numerous visits in an adequate amount of time. When the landlord terminated her ...
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Mar 30, 2017
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(1)
Thank you for your comments within your review. It is unfortunate that given the matter was dealt with swiftly once you brought it to our attention, you chose to write a review of this nature. The contents of the review are not totally fair and do not reflect the important factors or indeed a true picture. The Deposit was protected at all times. Unfortunately, as you are aware this Deposit transfer to the Landlord was missed and was merely an oversight, which we believe was due to not holding in ...
Tony
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Helen
(8)
Hamza
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Paul
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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
No procedure set.
Last updated at 11:08 AM 24/07/2017 by David Buckley
Best Letting Agent in M21 
Furthermore: We now have written evidence that our Deposit wasn't placed into a Tenancy Deposit Scheme (as they had previously claimed, repeatedly and in writing) until six weeks after the start of the tenancy. If you are stupid enough to go to this company, make sure you demand your Tenancy Code (repeatedly, and citing Section 213 of the Housing Act 2004) after moving in so that you can check the status of your deposit at the TDS website, or your Deposit won't get protected at all.