“In 2011 (apologies, I have only just discovered this website), my ......”
1 Star Review
Oct 07,2013
By:
'Chris'
Oct 07,2013
Branch: Reading, 23/24 Market Place
Services: Lettings (as a Tenant)
Would you recommend?: No
Postcode: RG1
Branch: Reading, 23/24 Market Place
Lettings (as a Tenant)
Postcode: RG1
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In 2011 (apologies, I have only just discovered this website), my partner and I were looking to rent our first property together. We found a very nice flat situated centrally in Reading.
We booked in a viewing with an Atlantis agent (Matthew L'estrange) who was very keen to help us and answer any questions during the viewing. We had a number of concerns as own a cat and were aware some landlords aren't keen on pets. Matthew confirmed that the previous tenant had a cat and it would be fine. We also enquired about the removal of some of the furniture, the property came with some furnishings and as we had a few of our own we asked for the landlord to remove the large double bed.
Move day came and passed and a few days later we received an email from Atlantis confirming that we were able to remove the bed, as agreed by the landlord. Another week or two passed and the landlord contacted us to ask to pay us a visit to introduce himself, the property was let by Atlantis but still managed by the landlord.
Upon his arrival he instantly made it clear that he had not agreed to either a cat or the removal of furniture. This then lead to a number of weeks of painful communications between myself, Atlantis and the landlord with allegations made towards me and my partner, Atlantis clearly informed our landlord that we had done these things without any prior consent, thankfully we had kept all written communications and contractual documents, in which all of these things were detailed.
It took between four to five months after moving in to undo the damage that Atlantis had caused by their poor communication and lies. It is now clear that the selling agent was unclear about what he was being asked and just keen to get the sale, paying no real attention to our requests.
It wasn't until I started communications with one of the more senior members of staff (James Hathaway) that things started to show any sign of improvement. Unfortunately, no apology was ever made on behalf of Atlantis even though we registered a formal complaint and had several telephone conversations with them.
We have subsequently rented through another agent and this experience made us realise how disappointing the service that Atlantis provided.
What agent could do to change your mind?
As you will be able to determine from the detail I have given about my experience with this agent, the improvements could be made by not lying to the customers and a clear and concise method of communication to both tennants and landlords.
Pay more care and attention to the customer and apologise when things do go wrong.
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