ABERDEEN AGENCY
9 months ago
Me and a friend used northwood to rent a property for about a year and a half. while our renting experience was fine, in true renting style, northwood charged us for “damages” for pins that were half in walls falling out and ignored our calls and emails for months. Refused to provide us with the invoices for the contractors they claimed had to attend the property. **EDIT POST REPLY** how can we be told to phone the office to discuss the issue when every time i phone (multiple times a week) i get told no one is available or that someone will get back to me and don’t? we have been provided 0 evidence to back up the charges and when i’ve asked for them to be provided i have been IGNORED???
2 years ago
Terrible organization and customer service. 7 months after I moved in and I am still waiting for them to sign the inventory and for a re-reimbursement due to the flat been unclean when I arrived.
During my last inspection the owner of the property turned up (which I wasn't informed would happen) and I got chatting: "So have you had a chance to sign the inventory I made for you and Northwood 6 months ago?" "..No, they haven't told me anything about that." "..Oh, well have they told you about the broken extraction fan I reported 4 months ago?" "..No."
I recently got in contact with them to discuss my rent and get it lowered, due to house prices lowering in the area and the poor service I am receiving. 3 weeks later, 5 minutes before they close (the absolute maximum time they are allowed by their policy to respond) I get an email: "I received a message you would like to extend your lease for a fixed term?". It took them all that time to respond to me and they got it completely wrong. Absolute joke.
Edit-09/03/2021
Does anyone else find it weird that all of the 5 star reviews are from accounts that have only ever reviewed Northwood? Also, that all of the 5 star reviews specifically name Juliet or Nicola, are they the only people that work there? Almost as if such accounts were fake and created to boost the star rating.
Local Guide·20 reviews·8 photos
a year ago
Critical: Professionalism, Responsiveness
Pretty poor agent, the representative we met at our viewing was clearly not interested- no greeting as we knocked at the door, no tour or explanation of sockets/storage/location, etc....she was more interested in her phone! One of the worst I've came across.
Then a lengthy written application has to be completed, to then not to be updated on whether you are successful or not. I had to keep calling this company, 1/10 for professionalism - a school leaver would have done this job miles better.
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism, Responsiveness
I have recently used Northwood as a letting agent having no real experience of them prior to this. However, there was a couple of issues during the tenancy e.g. not telling us that a trades men was coming out and tried opening our door while we were inside and when I phoned regarding this I got told they ‘just forgot’. This is only minor compared to the other issues I have experienced. Having terminated my tenancy with a few issues with the land lord to be sorted, I thought this would be resolved quickly and my deposit would be returned quickly minus a small fee. But having tried serval times to contact Rory in the Aberdeen branch, it now appears my calls are being ignored and the phone has been hung up on me while trying to contact them. I recommend that you use someone else’s phone as once the caller Id comes up with your number it seems to assist in vetting the calls they will answer. As it stands I have been trying to organise my deposit, which should be a simple task for nearly a month now with promised emails not being sent and various other communication promised but not delivered. It is only my opinion but given the treatment by Northwood to myself and having read other reviews online I feel you may be better served using a different letting agency that may be more customer focus.
2 years ago
Critical: Responsiveness
Never got back to me when I needed help/advice. I kept the flat in excellent condition and applied for the rent back via safe deposit. Heard nothing back for 6 weeks not even q call to let me know how the check out went, until they asked me to pay 100 for cleaning g costs, 6 weeks later!! Place was left in good condition and if they felt it wasnt why not contact me at check out and give me the opportunity to rectify. Beware.
3 years ago
My experience as a tenant moving out of a property with Northwood Aberdeen has been very negative. The agency forgot to close the gas account they set up for me originally (bizarrely they did close the electricity account in time) and ended up charging me a crazy 'cleaning fee' for the exchange of a light bulb and the cleaning of a surface that was merely discoloured. No pictures were ever provided to show me that they magically managed to clear the discolouration but a handsome bill for whatever was provided.
6 years ago
Poor service received from beginning to end of tenancy - very clear that landlords are valued higher than tenants at Northwood. Moved into a dirty flat, with multiple issues that took literally months to resolve, despite constant chasing- issues including furniture that didn't conform to fire regulations being stored in my spare room for weeks, before being located to my shed without my consent, broken shower, broken buzzer, broken blinds, heating breaking down twice, greasy and dirty furnishings throughout.
The flat was handed back at end of, 6 month tenancy, about ten times cleaner than when I moved in, with new toilet seat (did I mention the original was broken, and being held on with sellotape?), New coat hooks (old ones crumbling out of wall), new net curtains with pole and a kitchen free from the inch of grease from when I moved in.
Despite this I was charged £54 for a cleaning, with a cheeky £30 admin fee added on for my troubles. I requested a copy of the invoice for the cleaning 17 days ago, and have not yet received it, despite emails, visiting northwood, and phoning twice to speak to management, who did not return my call.
Very disappointed at the lack of support given to tenants by this company, and I will not be recommending to anyone.
Watch out for unlawful charges and insincerity.
4 years ago
Northwood cost me thousands of pounds in lost income, unpaid council tax bills, unpaid electricity and repairs when they failed to realise my tenant had moved out for over 6 months, leaving the flat vacant and without insurance. After I highlighted their error to them, their initial response was 'I don't know how they got away' then they showed very little interest in their mistake and even failed to show up for a meeting to discuss the problem. My phone calls and messages were never returned. Poor organisation, poor management and disinterested. Stay away.
4 years ago
Shocking and unprofessional service. Stay away from this agency as a landlord you only pay money on a monthly basis and nothing is getting done by the agency. If tenants damage anything in the property they are very unprofessional in handling the matter. Cleaning service they use absolute disaster - no cleaning is ever done your property will be damaged and drown in dirt from the tenants and noting will be done until you go and clean it yourself. Doesn't matter whether you speak to Matt, Scott or any one else, they lie about what has and hasn't been done (basically nothing is getting ever done) - absolute disaster for the landlords - stay away !!! if something goes wrong you as a landlord responsible for chasing them and they don't answer the phone and don't phone you back, very unprofessional. Stay away from them!!
Local Guide·38 reviews·4 photos
4 years ago
absolute shambles of a company. Instructed them to advertise property when tenants gave notice, they didn't advertise anything. When it was finally advertised properly Northwood did a very poor job and ignored communication. Property sat empty for months before i changed management companies and then was rented out in 2 weeks. I would avoid at all costs and find a more professional management company.
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
I wish there was an option to give 0 stars as that's what this "letting agency" deserves.
I would AVOID this company at ALL COSTS.
A chocolate teapot is more reliable than this company..it's funny they say they are happy to help with any problem but when you do need help and it doesn't benefit them it's as if they have done a Houdini, I had to deal with multiple issues myself as emails were ignored for months and when I did get a response it was nothing to do with the problem.. Honestly don't waste your money/time or energy with them.
The LEAST professional letting agency I have EVER dealt with...my advise is, When there is an issue or just questions. Write everything needed in an email and sent them it..then phone them from different numbers that aren't on the application form as they have a habit of being "unavailable" or just not answering the calls but as soon as someone else phones from a different number for you they answer straight away. Just continue to phone them until you get the answers/actions you need. DON'T let them fob you off and say they will phone you back as they wont. LET YOUR HIDDEN KAREN PERSONA OUT. When moving out make sure you document cleaning the flat with photos and videos for evidence so they don't try and charge you with the cleaning fee.
When it came to getting my deposit back..they hadn't even registered my name under the property with Safe Deposits Scotland so I had to phone them back and it was like pulling teeth with them..When they finally got round to it they gave SDS the incorrect the information as they misspelt my email address...SO GLAD I don't have to deal with them now..How the hell they got such a high rating I will never know.. definitely got some bots making fake reviews! AVOID AVOID AVOID
4 years ago
Me and my partner moved into a house in kingswells, Aberdeen which looked like a nice home upon viewing, however the place was falling apart, there was a severe lack of hot water and the central was very temperamental and when we complained to Northwood i was asked to ‘fiddle about with the boiler’ myself. The landlord had sellotaped the bottom bracket of the fridge on after he broke it and when we asked for a replacement we were given something that resembled a mini bar. The recycling bin was full of grass upon our arrival which meant we had to pay for someone to remove it. We moved out of the house before our lease was up as the living standards were appauling. I still havent recieved my deposit back although the landlord has made a full renovation on the house and northwood wont reply to my emails. Worst experience of renting a property ive ever had!!
Local Guide·285 reviews·186 photos
5 years ago
Absolutely disgraceful and unethical agent.
Disabled family member was told she could not accept an application to reserve a property without first meeting the agent. After waiting a week for a viewing, the agent reserved the property for another tenant who had an earlier viewing the same day, without even accepting my family member's application.
The agent didn't even have the courtesy to call and cancel the viewing, leaving my family member - who cannot WALK - completely up the creek.
I'm absolutely horrified at the disgusting behaviour of this agent, and I would recommend you avoid them at all costs.
The behaviour displayed by this agent is in contravention of the Letting Agent Code of Practice Regulations, and we will be pursuing this appropriately:
"In deciding how you will conduct viewings on the landlord’s behalf, you should
make sure you do not unlawfully discriminate against a person protected by the
Equality Act 2010"
9 years ago
Recommend if you would like to be robbed. We were waiting for your deposit 3 months, they took 100 pounds of us just for cleaning dust from radiators (the check up was a week after I handed the keys back so I am assuming he dust appear in this time). Additionally they didn't pay their administration fee at the deposit company they made us to pay another 30 pounds for them.
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism
Alli was great with our initial interactions and helped us find a property. We've been passed onto someone else now who is unhelpful, rude and comes across as patronizing. When communicating, most of the time a simple 'sorry' would be enough to make the situation better (like in most service industries) but the general response is arsey excuses.
Also I see that the general response on here to a negative review is to say "we don't have a complaint on file for this"..... which is a perfect example of the failure to take accountability for the shortfalls in service. Excuses right to the end.
7 years ago
After already being with Northwood for 6 months we decided to lease a larger property in Aberdeen. Our previous experience of the Aberdeen Northwood was one of a mix with some mistakes having been made with our email addresses and arriving home to find contractors in the flat un-arranged.
Our new lease property was described to us as 2 bedroom with parking in a very very busy and popular street in Aberdeen, when we enquired via phonecall we were told by Scott there was plenty of private parking available at the rear of the property and again on our viewing with Denise we were shown the vast amount of private parking secured by a barrier. Again as we were signing for the property yesterday we were again told (by mhairi) of the private parking at the rear which we stated was the main factor of the unfurnished flat that made us lease it. The street the flat is located on is one of the most notorious streets in Aberdeen for having very very little Parking and this also spreads to the immediate streets around it.
15 minutes after getting the keys and forms signed we arrived at the property to find we had no access to the private parking at the rear, called Northwood who then tell us the flat infact does not come with parking!! We attended the office and were told that they would 'look into the matter' which may take ten working days and that we were unable to cancel the lease as we had now signed a 'legal contract and were liable for the full six month lease'.
Today we are then told that they agree that we were given false information about the property which again they agree sadly was our main reason to lease it however we are tied in for six months and there is nothing they can do. Regardless of the fact that they have a contract which was signed on the pretence of false information and lies which they are trying to put down as human error. The token offer of providing us with Aberdeen city council parking permits was made however this does not enable us to park both our vehicles where there is no parking spaces available. It is currently 19.21 and one of our cars is parked two whole streets away and the other on double yellow lines more than 600 metres away from the entrance to the flat. Neither vehicles can be seen from the flat. Had we wanted an unfurnished property without secured private parking in Aberdeen we would have leased one and saved at the very least over £100 per month.
The fact of the matter is that as soon as we submit this as a complaint to the property ombudsman and legal representatives the fact that the details of the property given to us were false invalids the conplete legality of the contract. Northwoods manager of Aberdeen Matt Pullinger however appears to be under the impression that an agent who leases properties by lying to possible tenants can quickly wash their hands of the issue once they have a signature on paper. This clearly means that either does not have the understanding of the law or has not been given the required training suitable for the role he is employed in.
The fact that they have admitted to giving us false information about a flat on numerous occasions to ensure it is let and still are trying to force us into the contract is simply abysmal and just downright dishonest. Is this the type of company you would want to let your property to or lease one from? Ofcourse not.
This is a 100% factual review.
7 years ago
One star is one too many!!!
I viewed a flat on thursday with 2 other people that were interested in that flat and I was told that it going to take up to 1day until i will have an answer. In the meantime they were cheeky enough to ask me if i could pay 6 months rent in advance (!) and they probably did that just to ditch me , thinking i would never have the money to pay.
Even though i agreed to pay the money they gave the flat to someone else and decided it would be very nice of them NOT to let me know , although i waited for 5 days for their answer, having prepared the money for 6 months rent . A simple negative answer would have been better.
I gave a notice to my current landlord and i cannot afford to waiste 5 days waiting for them to give the flat to someone else. Thank you Northwood! Thanks for nothing!
4 years ago
The worst agency I have ever rented from. They don’t care about the customer just about the money. Never rent from there if something in the house breaks you will wait weeks or months to fix it and the contractors will make damage to your property. We will never rent from them again. Can’t wait to move out.
5 years ago
Very disappointing experience, i just dont see how what you have left me and my partner in is acceptable, the flat is cold damp and mouldy. Things breaking such the shower, windows, door ive seen the temperature drop into danger of hypothermia and they want us to ventilated the property but we only have the in the living room but in the living room there is a crumbling wall the wallpaper above the bedroom window is crumbling of but still nothing been done, the customers service is worst i can never seen to get through to the maintenance team horrible customer service thank god am out this property in little over a month!!!, the tiles in the kitchen is coming from the wall due to damp i dont how the landlord got away with this flat is not fit for living in, and they told us that they have never had an issue with the cold in the flat well thermometers dont lie its so cold to the point our hands are so numb we've also have family and friends to say its cold i would highly recommend dont go with this company they take a very long time to answer and very very poor service.
7 years ago
Just came back from city centre where had booked flat viewing at 4.30 pm.
At 4.20 received a call to cancel my viewing as proporty has been taken.
Just wonder where was the guy who supose to show us the flat that time, probobly in office next to that happy girl who called me.
Totally ignored by Norwood agency as it was few years back. In Aberdeen situation changed on property market but nothing change for them.
100% Unprofessional!
6 years ago
Laughable. Extremely disorganised, quite dodgy and VERY rude! Communication is awful. Added fake charges to our deposit. Viewings for the flat were before the previous tenants had even moved out which was very awkward! A ridiculously bad experience.
3 years ago
We had appointment on 3.30 waiting at property for long time at and another family as well. We called six time to the agency no one picked finally some return called at 3.57 to make another appointment for viewing. We have just wasted our time .
4 years ago
Pity I couldn't leave less stars. As they didn't give any information when they called my partner today to confirm that we was attending the viewing nor did they tell us that it was a group viewing for the property 😡😡😡😡😡
4 years ago
Very poor level of customer service and extremely poor knowledge around processes regarding secure deposits. No understanding of new legislation which protects tenants.
Local Guide·6 reviews·69 photos
a year ago
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
They weren't helpful at all when I was renting the property so I moved out, now they are not responding to my emails, when I ask about my deposit.
3
5 years ago
Customer service was atrious, constanly reported problems yet they were rarely dealt with.
3 years ago
Terrible service, do not approach them. If you use them, you will regret.
5 years ago
Really disapointed with their service and attitude. Overall would not recomend!
Local Guide·6 reviews·9 photos
3 years ago
Very poor communication skills, leave a lot to be desired
2 months ago
Regretfully disappointed
I rented a property for close to 2 years. I am likely guilty at being too relaxed as a tenant having owned property for over 20 years and was accommodating to the fact the landlords response times were poor for anything needed, or simply just ignored.
Star rating I was torn with as the staff are nice when you speak to them and when I dealt with Rory before he left he was lovely!! potentially happy to review rating if anyone bothers to get back to me from my email enquiries still unanswered.
On departure I’ve had to query a few issues. None of which have been addressed or satisfactorily resolved. I get a reply after my contact returns from holiday asking what my query is…..I’ve asked on numerous occasions and am not going to repeat myself anymore…….
My main issue was returning a property in better condition than I received it. During my time in tenancy I experienced a flood, subsequently it was addressed by tradesmen the property would unlikely not have been approved via buildings for the extension due to the electrical box location. As it happens during the flood I received rather a large electric shock then gave up my weekends for it to be moved!! No one has acknowledged any of my comments in relation to this.
I was charged for damages (for a shelf becoming loose that had been fitted without raw plugs, a bed slat missing on a bed left by previous tenant (and landlords bed had been left unused in loft space) along with £54 to wipe a mirror streak.
As it was all left to the final day on the SDS site I honestly couldn’t be bothered to go through resolution and wait 2 more months for replies and being blown off so I gave up and accepted as I suspect too many people do.
At least the neighbors were amazing and I’ve long term people to stay in touch with as I was as sad to leave them as they were me 😆.
10 months ago
Nice properties but sadly when asking questions they’re never answered properly e.g is this pet friendly? To be return to make a booking…
I was also emailed this morning about availability to view again but an hour later at 9am to say there was already an application received prior. If this is the case, why was I notified at 8am that no one was interested and therefore I should consider viewing?
For a working professional this is very difficult to determine if this is disorganization or games… it’s a big deter from rental prospects.
Great pictures on the properties though.
a year ago
They will ask you for a months rent + £100 and then coincidentally charge £108 for cleaning even when you have had it professionally cleaned and left it in nicer condition than when you moved in (we even offered to repaint two rooms to freshen them up). Thank goodness we requested an invoice from our cleaner so when we fought it and they requested proof we had it. GET AN INVOICE when you move out so you aren't scammed out of £100.
Took almost three months to get our deposit back and they did everything last minute, they only responded because my partner escalated it with SDS.
Communication overall was pretty poor throughout our tenancy as our person of contact seemed to always be on annual leave... You also don't get their email or number and instead have to go to a general email and wait ages to hear back. They won't reply unless it is going to affect them directly so make sure to chase them up.
I was also extremely disappointed at how they dealt with viewings, we were still paying full rent and they would book silly amounts of viewings expecting us to drop everything for them and be out the house (in a world where so many are now work from home).
I didn't mind the bookings as I know that's what they have to do, but a double check to ask would have been nice. I also kindly asked them if they could avoid touching anything during the viewings due to not only covid (we at the time did not get sick pay for covid), but my sensitive and confidential work documents I had too. I left all of the wardrobes open, doors open, lights on, kitchen cupboards open etc and when I came back in there was lights off, cupboards closed etc. But again, unless it benefits them they don't care.
They aren't totally awful and at the beginning they seemed alright, I wouldn't not rent a place I loved because of Northwood but I would certainly be extra cautious with everything you do with them.
a year ago
WARNING!
Despite a great few years with them, upon leaving, they are attempting to take money from our deposit for issues that not only did we not cause, that are not in the exit itinerary but is believed to be caused by their own workmen while property in their possession. Tying to hold previous tenants liable for damage they cause despite exit video evidence to the contrary
ASHFORD AGENCY
heather fuller
4 reviews
2 years ago
Seriously. I can not believe how utterly shocked I am right now to notice the property my husband and I are buying though this estate agency has today been re marketed without even telling us this was happening. We agreed a purchase price on the property in November 20, everything our end has been done through solicitors and mortgage valuation all done, we have been waiting very patiently ( I believe ) as sadly the owner of said property passed away late 2020 and we needed to wait for probate. ( not that the estate agency even let us know the owner had sadly passed away. We found out from our solicitor late January after we called to see if we could find out any possible dates for competition ). We hadn’t had any contact from Northwood for 3 months until last week when they called to say the executors now wanted more money as house prices have gone up but will give us first refusal and to have the bank holiday weekend to think about it as they wasn’t going to do anything about it until next week. I’ve had no call from Northwood at all to ask if we was happy to go ahead with the higher price ( I understand property has gone up but it’s not exactly our fault this has taken almost 6 months, we was ready in January ) as I understand probate hasn’t been granted yet anyway and no guarantee it will be anytime soon.I very much doubt anyone is going to reimburse us for the money we will lose for getting the purchase to the point we have ( ready to go ) with the solicitor. Im shocked at how unprofessional this estate agency is.
Nicky Marchbank
7 reviews
4 years ago
It’s a shame that I have to give them one star.
I used them as a landlord and could not have had a worse experience.
I came back to missing white goods, missing tools, screws and picture hooks in the walls, damaged kitchen work surface, shed full of the tenants possessions and even a bin (with no bottom) of dog feces in the garden.
They did an incomplete inventory which I was never sent a copy of until the tenancy finished and I requested it because of the issues- fixtures and fittings as basic as light switches and taps have been missed off and every wall even those just painted by a professional decorator described as minor cosmetic damage.
There was no checkout report done. I arranged to move back in three days after the tenancy ended however Northwood extended this by two days and claimed that from midday on the day the tenants left did not give them time to do a checkout report and never flagged this as an issue to me until I complained about all the issues I had and requested a copy of the checkout report.
I also had to twice ask for rent. In the April they did not pay it in and I had to ask for the payment, then for the two extra days that the tenants stayed after their last payment- this payment I had to chase twice for.
To top it off my complaint is met with examples of when they have done their job as if it excuses not doing the rest.
I am taking this to the property ombudsman as they are not only in breach of the contract they had with me but also the guidelines they are supposed to operate within.
If anyone would like to see evidence of this I have kept all the emails etc
maria ahmed
2 reviews
4 years ago
My mum viewed a property which was under northwood, she was able to pay the deposit as well as willing to move within a week however the woman who was dealing with the renting was unprofessional and rude . She provided little to no information about the process and to top that off was really patronising. Although we were the first ones to view/ fill in the forms for the property, without informing us she accepted the deposit from another customer and told us last minute when we were nearly ready to move! Absolutely horrible service would not recommend.
Bruce Humphreys
Local Guide · 24 reviews
3 years ago
Applied to rent a property from this company, a little slow to respond, understandable during the lockdown, then a couple of emails bounced between myself and a member of staff called Patience, the last email I received asked me if I would like to view the property of which I replied and agreed and asked how we would do this during the social distancing, of which it's two weeks later and I have had no response, now I would not rent from this company even if they offered me a house because if they can't be efficient in replying and booking a simple viewing then what are they going to be like if something's went wrong whilst in the property, so thank you for showing your true colours before I committed, oh and the property is still showing available now 👍😁
shifa kasmani
2 reviews
3 years ago
Pathetic experience with northwood...
I regret buying a house in Ashford through them..
The house was left in a pathetic state... still finding things around with worms .. the house was not even cleaned before handing over the property.. things were broken... It took me lot of money and time to make things better..
Please avoid this agent..
tina lewis
2 reviews
5 years ago
Made a mess of the house while showing people around. Poor customer service skills and rude. Unprofessional. Would not recommend.
BANBURY AGENCY
a month ago
Utterly disappointing. After providing all details asked for and filling out some forms was told would be emailed about setting up a viewing nothing happened. sent multiple emails, called them, due a call back, never happened, 10 days without a single email or phone call
Like
Local Guide·75 reviews·2 photos
a year ago
I used to have brilliant serive with northwoods. been with them for best part of 4 to 5 years. However since the change over in team, they have been nothing but unhelpful and appalling.
originally I gave nortwoods 5 starts, they are lucky to get 1 now
3
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Call to book a view for a house which was for sale in Banbury somebody saved my details and confirmed they will call me back to advise this never happened, poor service & not professional, bad communication don't recommend.
1
Local Guide·112 reviews·35 photos
4 years ago
Worst customer service i ever dealt with. More worried about their commissions fees than the customers. NOT TRUSTWORTHY
BARNSTAPLE AGENCY
6 years ago
Northwood’s are lovely people, there’s no denying it, what is slightly baffling from a business point of view is why they would risk their company’s decent reputation and allow a couple of unqualified, morally bankrupt cheats to look after the property themselves and not the agents??? The letting business is a profession based on honesty and trust and having people completely lacking in these important skills is a terrible mistake. The property we rented for the short period of time was absolutely lovely but after 6 months of being constantly harassed, we decided enough was enough and handed in our notice. We almost lost our deposit to these villains (the Landlords not Northwood’s), but because Northwood’s seem quite happy to have people like this on their books, my review and lowest possible score reflects this. Until Northwood’s firm up their policy of allowing unvetted and unqualified people and do the skilled customer liaisons themselves, I don’t expect this will be the last review to mention this
1
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Lack of honesty. Lack of proffessionalism. Lack of morals. Lack of integrity. The most crooked estate agents I have ever dealt with and I hope no one else ever has to suffer the ordeal we have, however, after talking to others renting from them it has come to light that the treatment we have recieved is common place. If you're thinking of renting through Northwood... Don't!
BASINGSTOKE AGENCY
6 months ago
After living in a property for over a year, I noticed the property had a damp issue. I spoke with Northwood who arranged a cleaner to clean the mold. This did not resolve the problem and a friend and I spent months regularly cleaning the mold. Eventually it was discovered that there was a leak in the roof and that roofers were required to fix the roof. Northwood asked me to clean the mold before the roofing survey arrived which suggested to me they were trying to hide the problem from the landlord. I then refused to let anyone enter the property until I had a third party inspect the mold problem of which I have every right to seek that third party assistance, then Northwood issued me a section 21 eviction notice rather than deal with the ongoing mold problem this property has. The mold was caused by a previous tenant wallpapering over the bathroom vent. I will be glad to never live in another Northwood property after this experience.
2 years ago
Critical: Quality, Responsiveness
I used to find it unfair that letting agents got a bad reputation. How swiftly things change. I'm sure Northwood are fantastic for landlords but I strongly recommend any prospective tenant's use serious caution when looking to rent through Northwood. In ten years of renting, never have I lived in such a poorly managed house with such ingrained issues. Of course, being the tenant's, these were our fault and thus we must pay... We have now been charged over 90% of our deposit so we will be disputing it
3 years ago
I used to find it unfair that letting agents got a bad reputation. How swiftly things change. I'm sure Northwood are fantastic for landlords but I strongly recommend any prospective tenant's use serious caution when looking to rent through Northwood. In seven years of renting, never have I lived in such a poorly managed house with such ingrained issues. Of course, being the tenant's, these were our fault and thus we must pay... UPDATE: After disputing the deposit repayment, we were awarded over 60% of the money originally withheld from us.
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
They are only helpful when it looks good for them. I asked them to fix my broken door after I was burgled and they done nothing about it until I became completely homeless they then changed the locks and stuck an abandonment notice on my property.. as they were aware of homelessness I wasn't able to put my belongings anywhere. They gave me two weeks to find somewhere for my belongings to go. I've just recently moved into a new property and asked them to send my post (bank card and bank letters) they agreed so i sent them my new address.. howevere after I sent my address they then ignored me... Having no reply I pressumed they hadn't done anything about it and just ignored me again👀 I emailed them today and I was told it's not promised to get my post (understandable) but instead of informing me about this before sending my post they sent it out anyway... And only spoke to me when I emailed them myself the SECOND time.. I didn't have a fire alarm fitted for almost 2 years after asking numerous of times about it in the property... having children its a leagal requirement (with or without kids it's a leagal requirement) I had windows that didn't open. And open socket with wires hanging out in my living room... The list goes on! Nothing was done about any of it since I was living there after numerous of emails were sent... We even said we would go through leagal advice and take action if it wasn't sorted and still got nowhere... Will never rent from them again. Definitely take advantage of the vulnerable that's for sure. Would not recommend to anyone.
4 years ago
Blunt, unreliable and never call back, got called but i was driving (on Bluetooth) so asked to call back me back in 10 minutes, this unfortunately didnt happen. I called them in the evening only to be greated by an individual with what I can only describe as completely fedup and didnt really want to be taking my call, gave my details to get a call back but this again didnt happen. Having called them again the following day i was asked alot of quistions about income ect and at no point did they mention that the property we originally contacted them about was not available for a viewing until six weeks later because they are fully booked.. Obviously its pointless viewing it in six weeks time as it will be no longer available, why not tell me straight away at the beginning of the bloody call. My wife also got an email saying they had tried calling her yet there was no missed call, she gave them my number but still took them two days to call.
If you would like nothing more than having your time wasted, give them a call.
If you like to deal with people who just don't give a damm, give them a call.
Do you enjoy the feeling of pure fustration? guess what folks, Yes, give them a call
To experience all of lifes unhealthy emotions, you can find it right here, just pick up and dial.
BASILDON AGENCY
P Davis
5 reviews
8 months ago
Rented out my property using Northwood for nearly 3 years. The worst estate agent I have dealt with. Brian, the managing director, most incompetent person I have met in my life. Brian doesn't even know how to investigate into a serious matter raised but rather just makes stuff up and puts on an email. The admin staff i had to deal with during 3 years is an absolute joke. Made a formal complaint after issuing section 21 and they didn't even have the decency to address the complaint formally. After tenants left the property, over a period of 3 months had debt collection agency letters coming through. Terrible people and experience.
Tim F
1 review
3 years ago
Stay clear of them! My property was handed back in an awful condition. Broken radiators, broken windows, broken post box, broken doors and all of the furniture had been stolen including the fridge freezer and washing machine. Fine, this can happen but Northwood are unwilling to repair or compensate me for the damage and now not responding to my emails. I'm left with a huge bill to fix my property. Have reported to the property ombudsman and the case is ongoing.
john ruse
1 review
3 years ago
Spent a long time with their online 'chat' person as a prospective landlord. They spent most of the conversation harvesting my details and I never heard from them again. Totally time wasting and unprofessional and that's being generous.
mike robinson
8 months ago
Terrible service! They don’t even answer the phone or ever call back after any messages left
Hamada Elwan
Local Guide · 20 reviews
4 years ago
The most lazy and useless estate agents I've ever came across in my life.
BENTON AGENCY
a year ago
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
On the 4th of January, I saw a 2-bed apartment has been advertised at the long Benton area. I have rung the Bowen Mitchell in the morning to ask if I can view it. The staffs (I am not going to name her, but I will call her the women although her behaviour is very unprofessional) told me she needs to contact the tenant about the viewing hours the tenant is available. In the afternoon on 5th January, I made 2 calls to chase up to see if there is any update. The woman tells me that she will contact me when she gets the answer from the tenant and assure me, I am on the waiting list.
I make another call on the 6th January, asking her if I can get an update today. She told me that she will ring me when she got the keys this time (instead of informing me the tenant availability). I decided stop giving her calls as I was told that she will contact me, but I have found out (on the website and no calls from her) today (11th January) it has been let agreed.
I would expect an honest respond from her instead of her claiming I am at the bottom of the waiting lists when I ring in 30 minutes after the listings is uploaded on the letting’s website. I understand that on the current market the renting business is busy and if I was told that the bedroom is on the lists on other tenants, I will be totally okay with it, but she chooses to tell me she will give me a call and hold me on the side like an idiot.
This is definitely a disappointed experience and unprofessional. I have been dealing with other agency with renting and I never had this problem- they will update me and be HONEST on every situation.
6 years ago
RENTERS BEWARE! My sister used Bowes Mitchell to find a flat in Gosforth and has been left almost a thousand pounds out of pocket. She paid Bowes Mitchell her deposit, which was then passed on to the landlord. She was told by Bowes Mitchell that it was put into a secure 'Tenancy Deposit Scheme' (the scheme, a legal requirement, created to protect tenants from unscrupulous agents and landlords). After moving out, and the property had passed all appropriate checks, my sister requested her deposit back only to discover that the money is no-where to be found. As it turns out the landlord has kept the money and it was never paid into a deposit scheme. Bowes Mitchell have washed their hands of the matter as they weren't paid to manage the property, but it seems incredulous that they do not check the landlords they recommend, do in fact conduct their rentals within the appropriate legal framework. All telephone conversations with Bowes Mitchell were unproductive and on more than one occasion we found the staff not only unhelpful but condescending and unpleasant. They left us feeling totally deserted and with no idea of whom to turn. Almost six months later and still the deposit is nowhere to be seen.
This so called reputable high street company have done nothing to help other than to point the blame at the landlord who after all was their client in the first place.
3
4 years ago
Terrible customer service. Requested to view a publicly listed property over two weeks ago, no contact until we chased it up several days ago. Appointment made to finally view said property today only to be contacted 5 hours before saying the house had been bought. Not the first time we have been completely neglected by this letting agency before we've even looked round a property. If the attentiveness is this poor before even viewing a property I dread to think how they function with actual tenants.
1
5 years ago
If I could give it 0 stars I would. Inpetant and rude.
Tour around the flat was rushed and inpersonal, she couldn't answer any of our questions. Lasted all of 2 minutes and it was clear she didn't want to be there. She also kept the fees and what was required of us silent until we went to sign for it.
Put a holding fee down on a flat with the Manager. She told us the flat was ours. We bought furniture and were meant to be moving in in the next month. We get an unapologetic EMAIL (not even the Courtesy of a call) a week later to say it had been rented to someone else. It's worth mentioning the estate agent knew the day after we signed the flat and kept it to herself, couldn't be bothered to let a know before we wasted money ordering furniture for a flat we actually didn't have.
When we phoned up angry, the estate agent had a horrible attitude, and made it out to not be even remotely her fault. She couldn't explain herself or her behaviour, and just continued to make sarcastic remarks such as "I've already explained it to the other girl. Do I need to explain it to you as well?"
They offered no help on finding another flat. There was no proper apology. Disgraceful. Perhaps the worst estate agents I've encountered. Dont bother.
5
Local Guide·18 reviews·4 photos
5 years ago
Incompetent, slow, unreliable.
Been Tenants with Bowes Mitchell for nearly 3 years, we are luckily moving out but thats also presented its own problems.
From when we moved in they have always been slow in contacting our landlord, to the point where we were without a working shower for 4 months and when we chose to contact our landlord directly he told us that he wasn't aware of the issue and he got it fixed within 48 hours.
We have issues with the front door, they refuse to acknowledge or provide us with updated details for our landlord.
They seem more concerned with carrying out 6 month checks and worrying about whether the front garden grass is trimmed or not! Bearing in mind that the front garden is more weeds than grass, horribly uneven and they refuse to accept that and blame us for not keeping on top of the garden!
Then we come to the most recent issue, they don't seem to want to do viewings for during their office hours and would much prefer making us as tenants carry out the viewings. Which would be fine if they informed us of any changes in veiwing appointments! But suprise suprise they don't tell us and then blame us for not receiving a voicemail! I gave them my email address instead, was promised I would get an email about viewing appointments, and yet again they haven't bothered emailing.
Be glad to be rid of them!
a year ago
Critical: Quality
Had a property up with these people , after a few weeks with no viewings asked the question why ? To be told they hadn't listed it ( forgot ) to make matters worse they had lost the keys and fob to get into the building.Stay clear
6 years ago
I wish i could give zero star to them...this was my worst experience and total regret that we went to them....very rude and uncooperative staff....
2
Local Guide·31 reviews·2 photos
6 years ago
Double booked me without asking in advance. Cheap selling tactics only put me off
2
4 years ago
Hmm not particularly impressed. Emailed two weeks ago to make appointment for viewing a property and someone rang me back with some dates. I said I would check to see what was available to fit around my shifts. I rang them back two days later apologising for the delay but I had to get my shifts changed around and swap some hours to fit it in.
I gave them my availability and was told someone would ring me.
No one did so I rang them back. I was told they had copied my number down incorrectly. Strange, they had contacted me previously.
Any Way I arranged a viewing for the following week.
I rang back today (my appointment day) to see if I was to just turn up at the property or would I meet and estate agent as I hadn’t heard anything more from them.
To be told the property has been sold as negotiations had been going on all day and my viewing was cancelled although no one had informed me.
Not very good customer service.
Felt sorry for the girl on the phone who had to tell me. Obviously it wasn’t her fault but the person who ‘forgot’ to ring me and let me know ....... again..
I have changed shifts and swapped work around to fit this in so I’m rather disappointed.
Not the best way to win customers over.
6 years ago
I tried to arrange a viewing of a property over the telephone with a member of staff and they were unhelpful and bordering on rude in their attitude. I was unable to book a viewing on the day I had off work and they gave me no solutions or advice re working around my 9 to 5 work schedule. How they expect to sell houses when they are turning away potential buyers so easily, I don't know.
BEVERLEY AND HULL AGENCY
5 years ago
I use Northwood as my letting agents. Over the past year and a half, I have had to chase them on more than one occasion to get my rent from them, in their eyes this is fully acceptable (they give themselves a maximum of 14 days to get your rent to you before you can charge them any interest!!!!). The workmen they use for repairs must use gold plated tools as it costs a fortune!! One job I was quoted £60 for them to just go and look at the issue, I arranged my own workman to do the job and it cost me £15 in total!!! Think long and hard about using Northwood, I wish I hadn’t, but I’m stuck in a contract with them until August!!
4 years ago
Absolutely one of the worst agencies i have had the unfortunate experience of working with. The house i rented from them was handed over in a filthy state. The agents are unhelpful and are not interested in helping the tenant or the landlords and have no interest in the owners property.
5 years ago
Very bad!!!!!! I was on my way to visit a house and they called me to say that the appointment was canceled 5 minuts before.....
5 years ago
Absolutely useless
BIRMINGHAM AGENCY
5 months ago
The service is not good. As soon as you walk in there was music blasting out from a speaker. The staff are not friendly with you and treat you as an inconvenience.
Problems within the property were not dealt with immediately and left for months before being resolved only because you say you will make a complaint to the ombudsman.
They will always be in denial about their mistakes and will not take any responsibility. Even when found to be in the wrong they just shrug it off.
5 months ago
The property was dirty when moving in. I asked for it to be cleaned and they said it was not possible. I left the property cleaner when moving out but they insisted in charging a cleaning fee. They really are unprofessional and won't give the time of day to help you. Avoid at all costs.
a year ago
Absolutely terrible service!!! I would give it 0 star if google would let me. I sincerely recommend you to avoid this letting agency at all costs.
- They do NOT take your complaints or concerns seriously. 2 months after I moved in, I have noted damp patches on the wall. I immediately reported it to their online maintainence platform fixflo, received NO reply AFTER AT LEAST 6 WEEKS and found that they literally DID NOTHING BUT TOOK MY COMPLAINT DOWN. I then called and sent emails to them numerous times. They eventually came and did a visit but STILL NOTHING WAS DONE. Mould patches started to appear in the bathroom and bedroom walls. It is only until the flat below complained about a leak that they finally came and 'fixed the leak'. Just this process took FOUR MONTHS but still nothing was done even until the end of my 1-year tenancy to fix the moulds.
- Lack of communication between departments and non-efficient. I had to call every few days to chase for my deposit to be returned. Every time they told me 'they will speak to their colleagues and said it should be with me by the end of the day' but in the end it took THREE WEEKS.
I have now moved out and am using a different agency. I must say the service they are providing me is on a whole other level !!!
7
a year ago
Very bad service and lots of issues happened throughout the process. Extremely unpleasant experience.
1) Tenancy started at 16th Oct but have not got the kry till 5pm. When contacting them, keep saying about i cannot move in until they got the inventory list, but it is ur problem and should get it ready before i moved in.
2) Take ages to get the fridge and freezer and other things fixed
3）Have not heard anything about deposit repayment after one and half month since i moved out.
An agent definitely should avoid!!!!!!
6 years ago
“Northwood Birmingham has managed my apartment at Latitude since we bought it in 2008. The firm is extremely professional in their approach to their work, in particular, the quality of tenants and overall maintenance of the apartment. I find them proactive and over the period under review, we have not had a void period, and we are constantly updated on any material developments. It is simply a delight to work with this firm and I would be more than happy to recommend them.”
2
a year ago
I have booked viewing on Monday, and they arranged viewing on 11.00 Wednesday. But when I drive to here from Coventry, they told me the apartment has been agreed. But nobody informed me the viewing has been canceled! Rubbish agency
Local Guide·26 reviews·7 photos
3 years ago
Avoid this letting agent unless you want to be charged excessively upon move out!
After over 10 years of dealing with letting agencies Northwood Birmingham has by far been the worst. Prior to moving in there was no major issues, however after moving out our apartment was spotless. Despite this we were charged over £250 for an extremely small area of dust (about 15x15cm)on a ceiling which was inaccessible to us. Upon complaint of this we were told this is the standard amount the cleaning company charges. We were also charged £30 for mattress protectors which were never provided in the first instance.
The staff member at the branch hung up the phone to me during discussion of the charges which is far below the standard expected from a public facing role.
4
3 years ago
Very disappointed with their service. When i moved to the apartment they told me that it was professionally clean,however the apartment was very dirty. Moreover, when i check out, the apartment was delivered in perfect condition , everything was clean up and even i painted the walls. However, they charge me 235 pounds for clean and rubbish removal. UNBELIEVABLE
3
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness
Absolutely hopeless. I emailed them telling them I was interested in a property as a cash purchaser and they told me my solicitor would stop me buying it because it hasn't passed the EWS test. If you ask them to sell your property they will actually try not to sell it!
Update: their response indicates they didn't read my review, which is exactly what the phone call was like. If your property isn't selling with Northwood, don't be surprised.
3 years ago
I don't know why there is no comments about their behaviour in contracts. In order to see the contract about the property I'm going to rent, I need to pay half a year rent and 5 weeks deposits. When I said I can pay immediately after signing the contract, staff here just say it is their rule (which override the law) to let us pay first. I'm so surprise d no reviews mentioned about that.
3
9 months ago
They are not honest and be very careful if you are dealing with them do not sign any contract unless they give you a confirmation for whatever you requested.
Time wasters.
Not recommended at all.
Stay away.
5 years ago
Poor service. Reported faults including a broken radiator and mould which weren’t noted on the inventory when moving in, told someone would come to fix them and no one ever came. I was also given a broken fob, glued together, which broke completely. When I returned the fob to get a replacement, a member of Northwood staff just SELLOTAPED MY BROKEN FOB TO A KEY RING! Also the rent increased by £30 a month and the administration fees were extortionate. Won’t be using Northwood again.
4
7 months ago
Very bad experience!!!
My rent deposit was repeatedly delayed by them for no apparent reason.
6 years ago
Rubbish. Never come to rented house even if you report that there is issues in house. Nobody will take care of your contract from here after you paid. Ridiculous. The worst ever in the world. Still don't know when can I get deposit back. No answer. Wow amazing.
7
3 years ago
Critical: Quality, Value
Worst letting agent I've ever dealt with. What they say and what they'll do are two separate things. Would charge you fifty quid to say hello if they could get away with it.
1
7 years ago
Unprofessional, they have no support for clients although they sell a "fully managed" package.
If your letting avoid like the plague!!!
4 years ago
❌❌BIG liars!!!!! ❌❌Especially ❌Aarran Ryatt ❌
So so disappointed with their services.👎👎 Never work with them again!!!!!!! 👎👎
Local Guide·412 reviews·304 photos
6 years ago
Big liars
Local Guide·33 reviews·1 photo
5 years ago
Absolutely ignorance, rubbish and BIG liars👎👎👎👎
Local Guide·45 reviews·13 photos
2 years ago
Extremely unprofessional and a disappointment
BOLTON AGENCY
muneeb fayz
12 reviews
3 days ago
NEW
The worst possible agent you can rent from. They made a claim of 1250 on my deposit of 750 claiming for damages like damaged hob and end of tenancy cleaning and many more which was all fake and even for things i had corrspondence with them on email. Thankfully i had all the evidence to prove they are just greedy and opportunistic and the result of deposit came in my favour for 95% of deposit. Never ever rent with them. Specially the ageny rebecca kellet who just wants to put tenants in misery.
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Amanda Wallace
Local Guide · 55 reviews
a month ago
Poor customer service yet to view a house despite filling in their approval forms. Waste of time never hear anything back. In the 3 times I've applied the only response I've had from you is because I've left poor feedback.
1
Tahir Rajput
Local Guide · 37 reviews
5 months ago
Very un professional, I was mediating for my cousin, recently moved to this country. I am still in shock at their services and ethics.
Alex Russell
2 reviews
2 years ago
*** AVOID AT ALL COSTS *** - Please see below if you want an objective and unbiased review, it will be worth taking 5 minutes to read this. I moved into a house share which was very reasonably priced and cannot knock the actual facilities within the property. As for Northwood Bolton however just don't even bother - save yourself a world of stress. I don't know what Northwood admittedly are like when it comes to an unshared property and maybe they treat these individuals but if you are moving into a house share I would certainly think twice. These people will withhold your deposit at all costs beyond reason, they hide behind legislation and unreasonable contractual arrangements to protect their position and have absolutely no consideration for common courtesy or customer service. All they want is your money. They do not seem to care about professionalism or your needs, just their own. From the very beginning it was a nightmare. The contract was done wrong, they didn't tell the landlord that I had moved in so the heating and water wasn't set, they started my payment date from the wrong date and then blamed me for it, there was just problem after problem. Before and during the COVID 19 pandemic I requested very reasonably that I (we) simply be notified out of courtesy if any viewings were taking place and if any new tenants were to move in. I also requested the same for any maintenance being carried out. They have a fix flow site to report any issues, for example the front door came off the handle and they did not fix this for almost 3 weeks, yet the very day rent was alleged to have not been paid they were straight on the phone to me despite me having actually have paid the rent anyway. In house shares, they seem to just arrange viewings and move people in, they don't make any effort to let you know out of courtesy and then if you call and complain about it, in a nutshell cutting out any legal jargon their response is pretty much "We can do whatever we want because we're not coming into your room". I would point out that one time however their maintenance people had not properly fitted the doors and they were a fire hazard which delayed a second Tennant moving in by a week. They did not give me any notice to come into my room (despite this actually being in the contract) and they just started lifting the doors and painting them which meant the door had to stay open and I could not leave my property for two or three days despite having annual leave booked. I complained about this and surprise, surprise they were not really interested. In the end because of all the stress, hassle and multiple problems, I moved out of this property and we had many arguments about what was owed to who and who was to blame. They demanded their rent and I wanted my deposit back (They didn't request any reductions to it either). I had no sensible or empathetic discussions with any of their staff members. They were rude, dismissive and just dug their heels in. They actually addressed my complaint letter advising they were DISAPPOINTED that I had complained - what a way to open your response to a complaint! Scolding the complainer for making it in the first place! Everyone knows you start a complaint response APOLOGISING for the issues even if you don't actually agree with the complainer! They just don't have any compassion or courtesy. It wasn't until I spoke to their branch director that I got any degree of a sensible and meaningful discussion. In summary, all these guys care about is lining their pockets, they won't look after you as a tenant and they definitely don't care about you - Save yourself the hassle. I re-iterate they won't acknowledge their own flaws and will probably say they're DISSAPOINTED with my review! However I certainly won't be bothering to read it. I just hope other letting agents don't behave in this way, if I could have rated them minus stars I would have. You definitely won't get your deposit back from these cowboys so good luck to you if you rent with Northwood Bolton - you've been warned!
miker
7 reviews
3 years ago
If i could rate 0 stars then i would of . Its all smiles and good manners when taking money from tenants . Its when northwood have to give the money back the problems start. Bogus charges ,bogus issues and all to keep your money . I hope many people read this so they dont have to go through the same . AVOID . After over 12 months of dispute i can update . Northwood tried to charge me 450 as a deep cleaning fee when i left my property even tho it was clean. Well now the dispute service has awarded me 300 out of the 450 back . I still say there should of been no charge what so ever but at least this shows after a decision being made, northwood clearly try and shaft its customers . So hahahhaaha nice try northwood but you failed yet again . Stay away from these estate cowboys.
Jack Ilavago
Local Guide · 17 reviews
a year ago
Unprofessional company who like to try and go against trading laws . I have bought many many house’s over the years and sold but never have I had a company that send you childish emojis in emails and talk down to potential buyers they haven’t a clue how to get their sellers the best deal . Wouldn’t even consider buying anything they have to offer and wouldn’t recommend any one selling with them . Rude childish unprofessional
Naomi Roberts
9 reviews
4 years ago
I rented for 6 months. They cannot answer simple questions easily and will pass it between the office so that a Chinese whisper effect seems to happen by the time they get back to you. They didn't tell me the additional fees to move a pet onto the property even though I specifically asked these questions when first enquiring (complete professional flea spray service £££ even though it is uncarpeted and unfurnished and my cat has ZERO fleas!). MOVING OUT - I checked out of my property with the agent who said everything was fine. A week afterwards, they try to take £125 from my deposit. Here is a part of my letter to them. On check out day, someone from the office whose sole job it is to check in tenants and then check them out came to inspect the property. Whilst the agent was checking the condition of the property she made a couple of observations. 1)There was rubbish outside the back gate. 2)I’d forgotten to clean the oven grill. For point 1) I said that I was going to remove it as I left the property, which I did immediately. For 2) she called their cleaning company and quoted me £20 for this service and wrote this on her notes. Items which have since been bought to light were not an issue on check out day and I strongly believe that they have no legal case to charge for these issues as I had no chance to check the evidence for myself, take photographs if I should disagree or given any opportunity to correct the problems. A) Bathroom One such issue is that the bathroom apparently needed cleaning. I cleaned it thoroughly, the agent didn’t think it needed cleaning and it is only after I have vacated the property that this is an issue. I have had absolutely no opportunity to take photographs to make a case against them. B) Rubbish removal Another point which should the agent done her job more thoroughly was check the items under the stairs for which they would like to charge me an extortionate removal fee to take a few items to a local tip less than 2 miles away. In fact there was some debris when I moved in, under the stairs which didn’t bother me so it stayed there. As I had no photographic itinerary to compare it to sent to me, I feel very angry that they should put this on me too. Additionally, I forgot about 2 small and inexpensive plastic stools from Ikea. If the agent had taken a second to check this part of the property I would have picked them up and taken them with me. This is her job. I am not going to pay for this if she is inadequate and could have very easily prevented this. C) Garden Lastly, the agent checked the garden and said that there were some weeds. I told her that when I moved in there were a similar amount of weeds and there were carrier bags strewn all over the garden which I have picked up. The garden was in a better state now than when I first moved in. She showed me the photo which had a fairly neat looking garden. I asked when that was taken, she said the day before I moved in. I told her that it was a very old photo as I noticed that the fence in the photo was in a very good condition, newly painted etc, whereas the current fence shows signs of serious deterioration with discolouration, the top of the fence has rotted and become jagged and even the last slat has completely broken. She agreed with me that it must be an old photo and therefore I thought that was the end of it. Conclusion I do not understand why this agency employs a person to deliver a checkout service if they are going to then falsify issues after this appointment. They may as well just ask the tenant to lock the door and put their keys through the letter box. ........ I am still waiting for my deposit back.
Ashlee Toorak
Local Guide · 41 reviews
4 years ago
Terrible service, living with black mold for over a year, property hadnt even been hoovered when I moved in. Was immaculate when I moved out yet was still charged 175 just for light cleaning. They rarely reply to your emails. When I complained about damp, they just replied that it wasnt!!
Table Promotions
1 review
4 years ago
Quite an unprofessional company in terms of their communication, both with tenants and within themselves as a company. It seems as though the staff are quite inexperienced when it comes to providing documentation to tenants throughout their residency in a property. Only to charge the tenant for the lack of documentation when they are leaving. Perhaps they're just money-suckers.
Fiaz Khalide
9 reviews
5 years ago
Totally let down. Rang 12 days ago to enquiry about a house to let Was informed no viewings will take place till the week after As diary was full Called back and left another message last week No return phone call Rang yesterday Mon 30th and was told house has several applicants and I was not able to progress Why not book my appointment on my original call? Total let down. Almost shambolic Jerry
Joseph Cusack
5 reviews
3 years ago
Very poor communication. They didn't respond to emails until it was too late. Would not recommend the lettings dept.
Jim Joe
2 reviews
a year ago
Have called the office many times, no one ever answered the calls.....
Peter Walch
3 reviews
2 years ago
Just such a rubbish letting agents
2 years ago
Nick Blyth
2 reviews
10 years ago
I have received the worst customer service from Northwood Lettings in Bolton. They have repeatedly fallen well short of the acceptable service level expected. They are putting sub-prime tenants in the property and unsurprisingly they have not paid their rent for 4 months...Do NOT trust Northwood Bolton with your property.
Weal McBand
2 reviews
4 years ago
Once the tenancy was coming to an end Northwood were quite useless from a tenants point of view. They had unjustifiably sought to recover the entire deposit with exaggerated reasoning and claiming for jobs that had been done, despite the property being in better condition than when we moved in. Northwood refused to try to come to an agreement with ourselves so the DPS made their own decision. A company for a landlords heart maybe, but steer clear tenants. 3 months later and the DPS ruled in our favour (because Northwood were clearly BSing) .
BRISTOL AGENCY
Charlie Zajicek
4 years ago
Sadly, I had a really terrible experience trying to rent a house through Northwood.
First when I looked around the house, I was shown around by two people from Northwood, who told me that as the first person viewing the house, it was very likely that if I put in an offer by calling the office as soon as the viewing was over, I would get the place. I was told specifically there was no need to send an email.
So I did just this and called the Northwood office and registered my interest in renting the property. I was met with a friendly "yes, that's fine. I'll register your interest with the landlord and get back to you." I asked whether I should send an email to back up the offer and provide some evidence, but the agent said "there was no need."
I received a missed call later that day from Northwood at 4pm, but when I returned the call 15 minutes later I was told that the colleague looking after the property had finished for the day, and to ring back tomorrow. When I rung back at 10am the following day, I was told that the landlord had gone with someone else.
When I asked why, the agent said that "it's because the landlord received a nice email from a more suitable couple."
When I stated that we were the first to submit interest (as was confirmed the previous day) and I was told twice, explicitly, that sending an email wasn't necessary, the agent just said "sorry, the landlord has chosen to go with someone else."
Overall, this was an incredibly frustrating experience that not only showed me that these estate agents aren't professional, they're perhaps incompetent too. Wouldn't recommend.
5 years ago
Please landlords if you care at all about your tenants do not use Northwood's guaranteed rent scheme. It gives them total power to evict tenants and find new ones every time the fixed term contract ends as then they get a new set of agency fees. Surely you want tenants who will make your house a home and treat it well rather than new people coming in every six months and ruining the place. We moved in to a guaranteed let property and when we arrived Northwood had left all of the carpets soaking wet so that the whole property smelled bad. There were no exctractor fans anywhere so the property was very damp. Holes in the walls where vents should have been led to mice which Northwood refused to deal with even though pest control was stated as their responsibility in the contract. After a year in the property 2 housemates wanted to move out and the remaining 2 found people to replace them. Northwood were going to charge £600 to update the contract with the new names. When I simply asked for a breakdown of what this was paying for (I work in housing so I know that this would be a 5 minute job) they began to reel off made up fees while speaking in a baby voice. I asked to speak to a manager as I was so upset at this point, at which point Northwood hung up on me before calling back five minutes later to state that the landlord required the property back as he was not happy with the state of the property during the last inspection. Unbeknownst to Northwood we had the landlord's phone number as he had stopped by unannounced. We rang him and he was on holiday in Spain, had never seen the results of any inspection and had no idea we were being evicted. After all this Northwood tried to take £1000 from our deposit for a professional clean of the house even though we had left it cleaner than we found it and the contract did not require a professional cleaning service. Luckily I had taken photos of the house before and after and could prove they were lying so we were successful in getting the full deposit back, but only after we went to the deposit protection service. This was the most degrading and cruel agency I have ever had the misfortune of encountering. They are both vindictive and money grabbing and do not care at all about basic human decency.
In response to your response- I would not call forcefully evicting someone from their home a 'check out' - we were nearly left homeless by your appalling and abusive staff. Have you stopped charging £600 to change a name on a contract now? Most of your reviews are from landlords, who I'm sure are unaware of how awfully you treat your tenants.
3 years ago
Unfortunately I cannot recommend Northwood Lettings mainly because of the actions of the agent that we dealt with, Mr Matthew Hodge. When it came to addressing the legitimate concerns we had about our deposit mysteriously not being released back to us for 20 days, Matthew proved to be incompetent and rude. All we asked of him was to dignify us with an answer but he never answered our emails. We had to resort to employing a litigator. Conveniently, Mr Hodge claimed to be away on holiday when the litigator tried to get in touch with him. I am 7 months pregnant, which Mr Hodge is aware of and I really could have done without the stress. Considering we’ve been dutiful and respectful tenants we are surprised at such unprofessional behaviour and urge anyone to think twice before renting with Northwood.
6 years ago
Unfortunately a terrible experience with Northwood. Hard to get hold of with empty promises of a call back and was not kept up to date on the status of a house we had signed for. After we had signed and paid agency fees for a property, over a month later whilst waiting for a move in date, we were told the landlord no longer would accept a pet which had been agreed previously - hence going ahead in the first place. In my opinion this was an excuse for something else, whatever it was, we should have been informed much earlier before paying out any money, and completing hours of paperwork.
3
4 years ago
I'm not really able to comment on their services as I do not use them but I am a neighbour to a property they manage I thought property owners looking for someone to manage their properties might be interested to know that Northwood will allow tenants to smoke copious amounts of weed within the property. Even after being informed several times that it is happening. I dread to think what all that smoke is doing to the curtains, carpets and walls.
6 years ago
Agents don't get more morally bankrupt than this! I have had the displeasure of dealing with this company as a tenant. If you are a landlord and you care about the fair treatment of human beings, go elsewhere!
We were renting a property and requested to change 2 tenants, who we had found ourselves, due to 2 people moving out. They wanted £600 to change 2 names on a contract. When I asked what these charges were for, I received patronising and inadequate answers.
Realising that we going to stand up for ourselves, they claimed that the Landlord wanted us evicted due to the recent inspection report, and served an eviction notice. However, said report DID NOT EXIST (there was only an email with 5 bullet points (nowhere near the thorough report we had seen after the first inspection)), and I later spoke to the landlord WHO WAS ON HOLIDAY IN SPAIN AND HAD NOT SEEN ANY REPORT NOR WAS AWARE THAT WE WERE BEING EVICTED.
Northwood Bristol are corporate parasites and professional liars. They fed their profit from our misery, after we had kept the property in good condition (as evidenced by the full deposit being returned to us after the tenancy) and we had paid rent on time every month.
3
4 years ago
A bunch of idiots! Twice in a month breached the contract entering the property without notice (“sorry miscommunication of our team”) and giving the key to a builder that entered the property without letting me know and trashed the flat(“sorry we forgot to let you know”). Once they called to double check if I paid the rent when for the past 8 years I’m paying direct debit so money goes out automatically (“sorry mistake from our end”), another time they tried to bill me 50£ fees coz agent didn’t manage to gain access to the property for inspection (“sorry keyfob didn’t work so need to pay a fee for the agent to come again”) I was at home waiting for them and I’m pretty sure the agent went to the wrong address or had wrong set of keys as the next time the keyfob was working fine! And I could go on...
What services are we talking about? Since signing the contract in 2010 I only heard from you every 6 months for the inspections ( I don’t even know if you are coming for those inspections coz you don’t bother to leave a note or to let me know that an agent visited the property!). Every single year after the contract expires it’s me that I have to call to request a new contract. In 8 years I called twice. Once requesting a plumber as after coming back from a holiday there was mess coming out from the toilet and your response was “ put some towels on the floor”! and the second time when the heating stopped working in winter and your response was “ buy electric heating”. In 8 years no one carried out any maintenance in the flat whatsoever and I never complained about that. On one occasion one of your agent came for inspection with a trainee and started to pick on the furniture “ oh there is a chip on the washing machine! “ The washing machine is mine as the rest of the furniture, the flat was rented out unfurnished! I mean...c’mon!
If anyone is reading this comments please note that there was no meeting so they are lying about this as well.
4 years ago
In 2015 one of the agents came to inspect the smoke alarm in the property I’m renting. She poked the thing a couple of times with a stick and said it was fine. Yesterday I was made aware that that same smoke alarm was due to be replaced by 2012. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg as I could go on and on will all the other nonsense they’ve put me through.
1
3 years ago
Bad! Booked a viewing, turned up with entire family including 3 year old.
Stood outside until our booked slot, phoned the agent to see if the agent was on time and they tell us all viewings had been canceled.
Post man over hears us and tells us he has seen lots of people waiting outside and then being told its canceled.
7 years ago
They advertise properties far in advance when you can't even book an appointment for viewing. They don't even know when will the property be available to view. They take your details (as many times as you call them because they can never find you in the system) and never call back. If you need something urgent, you better contact some other companies.
4 years ago
Avoid ! Scammers !
Awful customer service. They take money out of your deposit without your approval . I logged a complain against them , will get a refund but had to get the solicitors involved. Full time scammers!!!!! Avoid!
5 years ago
The worst agency in Bristol. They let me an apartment with everything completely broken inside. Nothing was working. Avoid them
2 years ago
Very poor - rang your office twice on Friday 16th left message on voicemail to request a call back and I'm still waiting
CAMBRIDGE AGENCY
William Wray
1 review
9 years ago
Incompetent.
CARDIFF AGENCY
3 months ago
We live in the property Northwood manage. The house is curently being renovated but there is no prior communication regarding what will be conducted in the property. The amount of disturbance, noise at 7.44 everyday, caused us a lot of stress and sleep deprivation. Agent should have informed us about what renovation that is conducted and the timeframe, literally, we were never told. It's dissapointing to pay rent turns out to be disturb daily, yet they dont care. Not to mention, someone cut our fibre cable when I rely heavily on wifi as I work from home. I cant tell how much dissapointment I have in the company. 0 communication. We are feel so disregarded.
1
a year ago
Tenants avoid at all costs. Having experience with Northwood as a tenant and reading reviews, they may provide a good service with sales but this is definitely not the case for rental properties. Our deposit was not protected within the legal timeframe, they tried to insist we take out tenant liability insurance, provided by Northwood (of course) and even called for a quote on my behalf. Emails regarding maintenance issues went unanswered, landlord was actually an employee of the company and when we went to citizens advice due to the landlord turning up unannounced, threatening servicing notice if we didn’t agree to something, we were informed the landlord was not registered, after 18 months of us being in the property. Northwood clearly don’t carry out appropriate checks when working with landlords.
1
a year ago
Went to view a place and registered our interest. Said it was available at the end of month (1 week time). 2 weeks later, not heard anything and when I called, they said it was still available. Called them up three times in total, twice nobody had a clue and the boss was away, then they said she'd be back Monday, so we called Monday, and they said it was still available. Shocking customer service and due to that, I'd never use their company. Just imagine living in one of their apartments and constantly talking to a brick wall.
1
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism
Not only did I have a terrible experience when I rented from Northwood but 3 years on I am now being contacted by a third party because Northwood have shared my details with them incorrectly saying that I have "recently moved". I haven't lived in a Northwood property for 3 years and my details are being willingly shared to third party companies. Not happy at all!
1
Local Guide·116 reviews·24 photos
3 years ago
Critical: Quality
Messed me about, weren't really interested in taking me on.
Like
6 years ago
Awful. Can't even give you 5 minutes of their time.
2 years ago
Critical: Responsiveness
Enquired about a studio flat by email and heard nothing, so called to enquire and was told I'd be emailed with viewing information.
The flat has now been let. Thoroughly disappointed with the service.
Like
5 years ago
The only reason they get two stars is that Kate was helpful and communicative. But dealing with the rest of the team was a communication and organisation nightmare. Simply cannot recommend using.
CARLISLE AGENCY
3 months ago
Unhelpful with lack of transparency in communication. We wanted a virtual viewing (which most of the rental market undergoes now!) as we adored a property and received hasty responses until we requested a virtual viewing (plenty of other places in Carlisle we have experienced this with too). Despite being upfront about our interest, we communicated we are willing to pay the holding fee and deposit immediately and asked how to take it forward and having sold a home last month (so money wasn't an issue) and being able to move in as of September. It seems anyone coming from down South local agents gatekeep to keep locals in with physical viewings, is all I can assume from being ignored. Never had these issues with previous renting places such as OpenRent, who are accomodating online with people moving / relocating. Very unhelpful as we just want to rent before purchasing a home in the area to be sure if we prefer that area or any of the surrounding areas. I don't usually write negative reviews, but the ongoing tireless property hunt in the rental market is insane, seems absurd to turn down a financially secure family on their journey for their forever home area. Can only hope going forward there's better honesty and communication from this branch with people wanting to rent, rather than ignoring them, instead just communicating the real concern / issue, as then buyers may feel less fatigued and confused in the process
Local Guide·19 reviews·2 photos
a year ago
Would not recommend. You are ignored and fobbed off when serious issues occur in properties and secret hidden charges mean you do not get your deposit back at the end of the tenancy. Although the property we lived in was decent from start to finish there were issues and members of staff will lie to you and ignore requests for the most basic of things.
4
a year ago
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness
As someone who has been looking for a place to let, I have not had a good experience with Northwood.
Northwood advertises a lot of their properties to let many weeks in advance of them being available to view (because the current tennant is still living there for many weeks after initially advertised), I assume this is because they provide landlords guaranteed rent even if their property is vacant so they are motivated to advertise early and get new potential tenants lined up. This unfortunately has led to me experiencing terrible service as someone who has been trying to find a place to rent in a somewhat desperate situation.
I initially contacted Northwood wanting to view two properties, one was available and the other I was added to a waiting list. I was told I would receive a confirmation email however it never came, I also in later dealings with Northwood had them check my contact details many times, however I never received any communication from them.
On viewing the first property I had some concerns about an unusual heating system, the agent who let me into the property to view said she would email me additional details about estimated running costs the next day, and because I hadn't received the earlier confirmation email I gave my email address again. I didn't get that email nor was any additional communication by email or phone made to me. I later saw the property had been taken off the market so I assumed someone had taken it so there wasn't any value to sending me those details. Fair enough, however I thought it would have been nice if Northwood had confirmed that with me directly instead of being silent and leaving me to figure out that myself.
I was very interested in the other property and waited for a call back to arrange a viewing. After not hearing anything for a good while, I gave them another call to see if it was available to view and I was told it was still not available to see but it would be expected to be available within a couple days, I was told to wait for a call to arrange a viewing and I once again confirmed that my correct contact details had been taken, but I never heard anything about that property again.
With two properties gone, I once again called to ask about two newly advertised properties. To no surprise they both were unavailable for viewing for a few weeks and so I was added to a waiting list, and once again I made sure that my contact details were taken correctly. I never heard anything again about these additional two properties I had asked to see.
Altogether my experience with Northwood has been very poor and stressful. The lack of communication from them really impacted my self confidence as an individual with learning disabilities. I can't help but feel like I had been added to some kind of blacklist after perhaps making a bad first impression when I viewed that first and only property. I appreciate there's a good chance this has all been coincidental, however I strongly feel like my ill feelings could have been mitigated had Northwood made some effort to actually communicate with me to keep me informed.
I thankfully was able to find a place with another agent, someone who was very clear in their communications to me. After my experience with Northwood I felt that I was going to struggle to actually find a place to live by the time I needed to, but I was incredibly surprised that this other agent actually called me back the same day and said they would be able to let me view the property that same day once they closed their office. Some agents are much better than others it seems.
Should I need to find another place to rent in the future, I'm certain I will be filtering out any adverts from Northwood.
a year ago
Let's say that their customer service is not the best in town.
If you rent from Northwood take your time and go through everything that seems not right (although you might risk to "lose" the property you're interested in, if you complain too much)
Keep everything email documented.
1
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism
I normally do not leave poor feedbacks but just want to warn other customers and feedback my bad experience.
I rented a property with this agency. On handover landlord herself expressed her satisfaction with cleaning level and have hd no complaints. I have emailed agency about handover and asked if deposit can be returned. Well it took 3 months and an adjudicator to get deposit money back in full. 3 calendar months to receive your own money back. Agency never explained what is the issue. They kept suggesting that landlord doesnt want to return my money in full because she is not happy with the fact that i can not provide receipt from carpet cleaning company. I used professional cleaning by the way and fully repainted all walls. My contract did not asked for this my it was my good gesture. House was left spotless. Agency confirmed that carpets are satisfactory cleaned but they decided together with landlord to keep my money blocked in deposit company just for no reason. They actually sounded very irritated and in some moments suggested i speak to landlord myself. I had today receive an adjudicator decision that there was no grounds for claims and money in full returned. I am disappointed that someone can just simply hold your money for no reasons and any explanations. I have rented before and never though such things can happen at all. Avoid this company at all cost to spare yourself from unnecessary stress.
5
6 years ago
Terrible service. Reported damp on walls 5 times and each time ignored. As soon as I gave notice they demanded access to fix the issue. They do inspections to catch out Tennant's but ignore issues when you show them during the inspection. Service terrible. Staff rude and "forgetful" contract is terrible with lots of clauses to make the Tennant pay. All correspondence from this company in my opinion is written in a rude and semi threatening way. Plus I swear they sold my details to other obnoxious companies that did not stop harassing me. Would not recommend at all. If I could give a negative rating I would have!!!
6
5 years ago
***IMPORTANT READ THIS BEFORE CONSIDERING THIS COMPANY***
I rented a house from them that was infested with flees, this was 1 year ago, i basically had to beg to get it fumigated they told me i could go home the same day and all would be well, after a few days the flees were back, i ended up having to throw out around £2800 in clothing, bedding, furniture and upholstery. after the 3rd fumigation the flees were still there. i had to take some of the dead flees in a baggy when told them i was moving out and would not be paying any further rent for them to accept the matter. all received back from them was £150 and a few emails demanding outstanding rent. I would never rent from these again and have steered many people away from it, i lost my job as a result of the infestation, not to mention the social impact it had, who wants to be friends with a guy who 1000s of blood drinking house guests, because i could no longer live there and they refused to put me up in a hotel i had to live at my parents.
I really should take legal action and in hindsight i should have been seeking legal advice while the process was on going.
might i add that in their big book of rules the section to do with infestation says the tenant is responsible for paying for any fumigation after renting the property, unless Northwood accept that it is their fault. now considering they never asked me to pay i would say that is irrefutable evidence that they take 100% of the blame
I feel cheated out of money, and I'm shocked that 1 star is the lowest i can give. if anybody from Northwood Carlisle reads this i will be willing to discuss a full refund of all monies you received from me and compensation for the damaged items.
4
4 years ago
I am only giving 1 star because i cant give 0 we were rented a property and assured by the lady showing us the house that we could have a 6 month rolling contract we were given permission to update the house as it desperately needed it which obviously means spending money never once were we told the house could be put up for sale anyway to cut a long story short after 16 weeks we were given our 2 months notice after having made to measure blinds fitted a new carpet in bedroom and tiling started in kitchen plus much more i feel we were decieved as we were informed by the owner they knew that the property could be put up for sale its a disgusting way to treat hard working people i would like to respond to the reply i have got Denise the beneficiary of the property informed us that she told northwood that the lady was in a home and not very welland northwood should have told us that information before they rented it to us so could we could have made our own decision weather we rented it instead of promising us a 6 month rolling contract and telling us we could make changes and spend money on the property that there would be no problem with that we could make it our home while maybe you think an apology is enough it cost us an awful lot of money and we put our trust in northwood and we were decieved and its a disgusting way to treat people
5 years ago
Well whatever you do if you have pets and they say it's fine make double sure before you pay your deposit as they have now said no pets and won't give all the deposit back. Just a warning to people.
1
5 years ago
Really bad end of contract management for tenants. Will charge you for the sake of charging you something. Disappointed in their service after being a tenant with them for so long.
7
Local Guide·64 reviews·9 photos
2 years ago
Rubbish. Don't respond to calls or emails. Avoid at all costs.
a year ago
Critical: Professionalism
Wouldn't rent or buy of Northwood.
1
6 years ago
Not a company I would recommend to my worst enemy
4
3 years ago
Terrible service
2 years ago
Enquired on line numerous times about properties without reply
Local Guide·69 reviews·22 photos
3 years ago
Helpful when you attend in person but we had continual problems with undrinkable water and when contacted over the phone, nothing came of it. We had to buy bottles for over a year.
CENTRAL SCOTLAND NORTHWOOD
8 months ago
Put an offer in on Property from Northwood. Was told by not choosing Northwood to sell my house wouldn’t have an adverse effect on buying. But since the moment we chose not to use Northwood. Responses slowed down. Had to chase to find out …More
a year ago
Everyone is very nice when they need you. After that, be aware that they will go for your money. Every single penny!
After leaving the flat, got into a dispute about the deposit money. They decided that the best way to try to resolve the dispute was not to talk by phone, only email, and takes ages to get an answer from them that is copy paste from the email before.
Situation resolved by Safe Deposits Scotland that indeed returned me the money.
If you really need to use them as an agency, take photos and videos of EVERYTHING at the check in and check out. Report everything by email and save the emails.
Be sure that they will go for your money.
3 years ago
Called to view a property and they were really inflexible with viewing times. They said they didn't want to be going backwards and forwards from Falkirk to the property in Boness. When we did view the house we decided right away we wanted to rent it and went right to the branch in Falkirk for application forms. They were sent the following afternoon along with all other info and no-one acknowledged them so i called to check they received them which they did. 3 days later our work and character references had still not been contacted.. i called to check up on the applications and was told "oh someone was meant to email you, the landlord went with another candidate" what a enormous waste of time. They never communicated at all throughout the application process and didn't bother to tell us that other people had applied. I will definitely not be using them in future. What ever happened to customer service?
4 years ago
I am unable to write everything that is wrong with Northwood Central as it would read like a novel. They let there houses out in an unsafe and illegal condition and if you call them out on it there response it to threaten to throw you out. The staff and the owners constantly lie and contradict each other. This estate agent should be avoided at all costs.
4 years ago
Very nice at beginning but when the contract was ending the management were rude,unhelpfull and unprofessional in their approach to a paying client..Poor customer service from the staff.
I would avoid this agent. If you are using them please get contracts looked over by a lawyer I wish I had.
10
3 years ago
Went to view a flat on 26 February to be fair only looking for 3 months but very poor company in there communications phone calls no responding back eventually sent email got one back 2 weeks after viewing sorry unsuccessful
CHELMSFORD AGENCY
4 years ago
Very bad customer service 2 weeks been progress. They said it will take 48 hours. I called two times the lady said I will check it and than call you but nobody called. Finally I sent email cancel application. Still no answer but someone read the email because I have seen flat on market again.
1
Local Guide·145 reviews·143 photos
2 years ago
Very difficult to get returned calls, if anything needs doing it takes a long time.
CHELTENHAM AGENCY
9 months ago
Throughout the whole tenancy, they seemed to do everything in their power to make moving into our first rental house a hellish experience. Told us we wouldn't need a guarantor but then decided we did need a guarantor, unnecessary difficult attitude during the experience. If you're looking to privately rent, my suggestion would be to steer well clear of these people, they're only interested in themselves and the landlord with no regard for tenants. The inspection after we had moved out was used to nit-pick details which had no relevance in being deducted from the already large deposit paid, a truly dreadful company.
a year ago
Critical: Quality, Responsiveness, Value
A very bad experience with this company.
please avoid the rental property with Northwood which managed by landlord please, we were renting previously from 8 years with different property agents but never had so much bad experience with anyone but just Northwood Cheltenham.
I was a tenant in there Gloucester area and quickly learnt this company only cares about the landlords. They sting the tenants at any opportunity possible, especially up front with unnecessary charges and fees, some of which other agents don't use.
Even when treating the property with the utmost respect and care, there was always something they picked up on inspection when leaving the property .I too photos and videos of each and everything included oven grill and they were in bad condition we never used it we just used the cooker and my own small oven grill but when left the property they changed me for that even I had photos and videos that it was like it but anyway we went to dispute and every tenant should do it if they had that nasty experience.
When we booked the viewings for the property mili was there and she don't have any knowledge about the property and whenever there was any issues they explain that it's managed by Landlord so they will contact him but then forget about the reply on time and then we haveto deal with any situation ourselves. There were alot of issues during our stay in one of the detached house in Gloucester there were water drainage issue we faced three time in a year and garage were fully flooded with the drainage water and all my stuff ,clothes, bages, everything we stored in the garage was spoil and ruind the manager Holly I contacted her and all what she said that she will email the Landlord and then no one sorted it .it's happened three times in one year and Holly and Mili both the sisters managed till the renting and they have another rude staff who will deals with you when you are about to left the property.they have different staff to deals and that staff member I remember the name Lisa she will deals with everything and believe me you will be charged for everything
Trust me. It's not a nice experience, they're friendly up front but tyrants once you're in the property. Wait. Search elsewhere. Moving to another property was the best thing we'd done! Such a relief
There workers(electrician, plumber) are also not reliable enough to leave them alone when they come to do any property work as our experience electrician did work to fix the glass electric burner but leave the mark on the glass while fixing the burner and when he left we findout that now we will be responsible for that so we email them and during the inspection I showed Holly and she said its fine but charged me at the end.
There were a fish pond in that property we request the landlords to put some wooden bariar as precautions because I have a child with additional needs but forget about that the filter pump stopped working and due to electrical issue Landlord didn't bother to solve the problem he left the fish pond spoiled and let the Fishes die so sad.
There was no electricity supply in all the switches ithe property because there was issues with the electricity wiring due to age of the property and when he comes spend whole day but never sorted so we left the property week ago due to the shortage of electricity. It was very bad experience during renting with them .
Don't forget your true right to go in dispute if you have all the photos and videos of the property condition when you entered the property .
Don't forget to take photos and videos for evidence.
There are very good letting agents we had experience with them except Northwood Specifically there property that are manged by the Landlord .
When you come to leave they don't make it easy for you and will rinse you on the way out the door again, including professional cleaning and put extra charges for the stuff they provided in bad condition like oven cooker etc.
2 months ago
Do not use as a tenant unless you’re happy to forfeit your whole security deposit.
Like
6 years ago
Horrible experience with this company.
I was a tenant and quickly learnt this company only cares about the landlords. They sting the tenants at any opportunity possible, especially up front with unnecessary charges and fees, some of which other agents don't use.
Even when treating the property with the utmost respect and care, there was always something they picked up on in their frequent inspection. This included my own washing in the sinks whilst I am living in the property and even writing letters to me complaining about the state of the front garden when it was perfect, it was the long unoccupied neighbours property which was overgrown with weeds etc and I am not responsible and have no right to do anything about it.
When you check rent prices in an area this company is easily 10-20% more expensive than equivelant homes from other letters and agents.
When you come to leave they don't make it easy for you and will rinse you on the way out the door again, including professional cleaning even when not necessary.
Trust me. It's not a nice experience, they're friendly up front but tyrants once you're in the property. Wait. Search elsewhere. Moving to another letters property was the best thing we'd done! Such a relief.
6
6 years ago
Really bad experience.We were in a hurry looking for house in Cheltenham.
I told the agent about our situation she confirmed that 10days are enough to move in than we book a viewing , like the house ,ready to pay deposit ect. suddenly they told me that Landlord need to be contacted first before accepting any payment and they will contact me ASAP which never happen.I phone them few times answer was always" I will ask my colleague she will call you back".Really I still waiting 10days later.
5
9 years ago
Rented a place through them last year. Property was beautiful but as letting agents they're definitely the worst lot in Cheltenham. The very first day when we were being given the keys, we wanted to offset the rent date by 2 days so it'll go out on pay day, they didn't quite get it, and the manager just handed our cash back and was pretty much ready to leave us homeless. We had to calm her down and explain in layman's terms what we meant. The rest of the tenancy was followed with an inspection every 3 months where we would be sent long patronising letters telling us how our floors hadn't been swept enough, or windows not wiped, or that there were dishes in the sink! The general rule of inspection is to see if we're causing long term damage to the property but an unclean window (in a country where it rains everyday!) hardly counts. My husband and I both work and we clean as and when we have time and to be honest, we've had no cleanliness issues ever since we left them. Also, when returning the property they deducted £135 from our deposit (for cleanliness yet again!) and after going through the DPS, we got £100 back. It just goes to show their level of honesty while dealing with tenants. Avoid at all costs, there are far more professional (and less angrier) letting agents in Cheltenham.
5 years ago
If.you are tenant..... Avoid, avoid and once again avoid !!! . Before you sign contract with northwood double check all fees. They will charged a lot ! report check out- be ready for" laboratory"deep cleaning inspection , don't forget your receipt for professional cleaning your carpets. Every 2-3 months "Property inspection". They have done even unannonced viewing without saying "apologise".
Local Guide·184 reviews·478 photos
9 years ago
Avoid like the plague.
This company took hundreds from me for referencing and suddenly later asked for a guarantor for no real reason to gain more money or me to sacrifice my original deposit if I refused.
Upon providing all details and paying all fees they didn't bother doing any referencing or checks including credit, employment or my guarantor, nice making money from fees for no work.
They will detail all fees are non refundable and you don't have a leg to stand on, I gave up after all the stress, I should of continued to small claims.
9
6 years ago
Terrible service!! The attitude from all the staff is discusting and rude!!!
5 years ago
Unprofessional AVOID
4 months ago
I got asked to write this review weeks ago since Northwood are no longer my lettings agent and they would’ve got a good review until today. Northwood gave my name and phone number to an energy provider that is nothing to do with me, for an unpaid bill that wasn’t registered to my address 🤦🏼♀️ I was threatened with debt collection action over this bill, and Northwood had nothing to say except a very half hearted sorry, told it was fine since I wasn’t liable for the bill and an incredibly rude woman asking what else I expected her to do. Maybe find out who gave my details out? At the bare MINIMUM speak with the person who made the error and make the aware of the consequences on their mistake? Nope, none of that. Seems their complaints procedure could do with a serious review.
On the positive side, our property manager (Milly) worked really hard to make our tenancy enjoyable and she is a credit to the company.
4 years ago
Disappointing service. We went to view a property with this letting agent, the lady who showed us around was actually lovely hence the 2 stars, we fell in love and an hour later decided we would like to take the property. When viewing we had explained that i was expecting a baby and the woman showing us round had no issues with this and even gave us ideas for the second bedroom as a nursery! We called up and registered our interest, and were told we would be called back once all the viewings were over. One hour later we got a call back saying that if we wanted the property it was ours (subject to referencing obviously) and could we pay the holding fee then and there. This is I did and was absolutely over the moon. I must point out they were very nice on the phone at this point! I spent the rest of the day planning our daughters first home! Three hours later i got a call back saying they had spoken to the landlord and he did not want children in the property so we could not have the flat, is this not something they should be aware of before viewings and accepting a couple with a baby on the way? They told me they would refund me the holding fee and no more would be said about it, i said ok and holding it together asked for my money back which was paid on a credit card... silence... turns out she didnt know how to do this and would call me back. I spent the rest of the evening in tears and as you can imagine as a pregnant woman the emotional effect was not fun. Over the next three days i called countless times asking if they had found out how to do the refund only to be brushed off, finally i got hold of someone who quite rudely and bluntly told me it had been refunded and i just had to wait to see it come back. Now i would have thought a courtesy call to let me know this had been done would have been company policy but clearly not. I never heard another peep from them. Luckily we have now moved into a beautiful house with another letting agent who have been absolutely fantastic so all turns out well for my little family in the end.
Like
7 years ago
I was with Northwood as a tenant.
We were limited by choice of housing in the area so the one we found we signed up for quick. The viewing was not an issue.
It was strange the way the guarantor system worked. My credit rating was through the roof and earning a good amount. But due to not having rental history I had to have a family member who was younger and earner significantly less than me be a guarantor! Made no sense and we have to pay an extortionate amount for the privilege of doing it.
Lived in the property for 2 years. We looked after it like it was our own.
We passed the quarterly inspections with flying colours. I prided myself on that but repeatedly got requests to remove the weeds out the front of the property... Which were on my neighbours unoccupied property! They didn't accept this but I was not meddling on someone else's property so the complaints kept coming. Couldn't understand it.
On handing in our notice in, next up were the viewings. The only request we had was that we put our personal effects in drawers and wardrobes and if they could not open them, it would be appreciated. The viewings came thick and fast and we vacated for them. On returning in numerous occasions OUR OWN PERSONAL FURNITURE with personal items were wide open, drawers open... I assume they just left viewers roam un-attended. Be wary of that.
Someone signed up for property relatively quickly and it turned out we knew the new occupants. They had no furniture and with this being a townhouse it was extremely difficult to move large furniture items like tables and sofas out. The new occupant offered to buy from us and we were happy to sell.
The only problem... Northwood. Despite it being a perfectly reasonable request. They threatened to fine us for every piece of furniture left. We had to move it out. Store it. Just to move it back in the day the new renter entered the property. Madness.
We also had a fully fledged carpet cleaning vacuum which kept the carpets immaculate. However we were forced to spend hundreds getting a professional carpet cleaner in to provide an invoice to Northwood. I understand why they'd do this in most case but the carpets were in mint condition.
The cleaner was in disbelief and felt guilty taking my money because he admitted the work wasn't required. Fortunately he seen sympathy and gave a discounted rate effectively in exchange for an invoice.
On leaving the property, we were contacted by Northwood to say the kitchen was not cleaning to a good enough standard, particularly the sink area. They tried to enforce a cleaning bill of hundreds on me. After begging and pleading to get back in there to resolve it myself... I found a soapy sud ring left from a cleaning sponge on the washboard. I literally wiped it with a towel and it was gone. THAT WAS IT.
After being out of the property for weeks, the new tenant had obviously had issues with setting up the television with the satellite points in the house. They did the right thing and contacted Northwood. Instead of Northwood contacting the home owner I had them contact ME, the former tenant numerous times for help with the house. Asking for how-to's. WHAT!?
This company operates in strange ways. PRO-LANDLORD. Heavy handed with tenants. I would not recommend.
CHESTER AGENCY
3 months ago
If you are tempted to use the Guaranteed Rent Scheme, BEWARE!
If I could give zero stars, I would. They gave false information to our tenants and gave false information to us as the landlord. You will not be informed of the current market rent when they offer you a renewal and they will increase the amount they keep back from the tenants' rent, also without bothering to inform you. When asked to clarify the current rent, they gave false information- which is either incompetence or deliberate concealment. When we dropped them, they falsely told the tenants we were selling. Finally we were forced to pay an extortionate fee to take the tenants on ourselves, unless we were prepared for the tenants to be made homeless.
The actual management of the property was acceptable but don't expect them to deal honestly or have your interests at heart.
1
2 months ago
I wouldn’t even give Northwood one star as the service here is absolutely awful, especially from the “Director” Katie Cameron. She’s aggressive and when you try and put your point across to her, she accuses you of being threatening so you’re basically dealing with a drama Queen who is so out of her depth it’s unreal.
This company, and Katie in particular, lies through their teeth. Our situation was that we were offered the opportunity to buy the property we were renting, by the landlord who we’d gotten to know really well. We’d informed one of the members of staff at Northwood about this in our January inspection. She informed us that we would be contacted by a guy called Matt who would explain the process to both us and the owner of the property but, not to worry because “this kind of thing happens all the time”. It took two months of chasing before we managed to speak to the illusive Matt. When we spoke to him, he assured us as the tenants that we didn’t need to do anything and again, “this happens all the time” and once we’d complete on the property, we’d simply get our deposit back. Fast forward to nearing exchange and completion where Katie gets involved and tries to sabotage our completion by stating that no notice was given by the property owner and that they will be required to pay money to get out of their contract. After speaking with the owner, it turns out they hadn’t signed a renewal contract and once this was pointed out to Katie, she backtracked. We also found out that the property owner had no say as to whether we were able to move into the property - when we applied we were originally turned down because, in Northwood’s words, “the owner decided to go with another applicant”. We had also offered to pay a full 12 months rent up front which again, Northwood told us the owner didn’t want to do that - well that’s funny because we’ve since found out the owner didn’t even know we’d offered to do that. In fact, they didn’t know we’d moved in until someone on the estate had mentioned it to them. When I emailed Katie to complain about her holding up the process, she replied at 11pm accusing me of being threatening and that she has a client list of “700 people” and doesn’t deserve to be spoken to in the way I had. I have zero problem with sharing the email that I had sent to her to prove that I was anything but threatening. I was actually hoping for proactiveness from her and, seeing as she’s a director of the estate agency side of the company - Humphries, a little bit of sympathy to the fact that the house buying process is stressful enough without her causing more issues. Her response was patronising, aggressive and downright unprofessional which is basically her all round attitude. We also complained just in the last week about them letting a contractor into the house without our permission to carry out a gas safety check. They basically said to take it up with their contractor but still haven’t responded to my email asking for their contractors contact details.
I’ve wanted to complain to the main Northwood group but, there’s no point in doing this because the branches are franchises, with no central customer service team. I was told that if I wanted to complain about Katie then I would have to send it to Helen Cameron - Katie’s Mum! So don’t ever expect an unbiased approach to your complaint because it’s family run. To summarise - avoid Northwood Chester, and Humphries, like the plague. If you want an honest and straightforward agency that has your best interests at heart, this is not the one as it’s run by a young girl who is out of her depth, overwhelmed and just wants to grab your money. There’s better agencies in the area who deal with clients in a much more professional manner.
2
2 years ago
I ve rent a flat from Northwood on October 2020 and still live in the same flat because ı love the flat ı am really happy here. But ı am not happy with agency at all. I dont know how many problem ı had since ı moved in. I had problem with electricity supplier which ı was registered by them. But actually was not registered. Anyway ı stopped with them and started with another electiricy supplier. Right now previous company asking me to send meter reading for a weekly then they can do the right calculation for my final bill otherwise ı will have to pay £521 for four and an half months. AND I CHECKED INVENTORY LIST THAT WHICH ONE IS MY ELECTRIC METER. There are 3 photos of different meters and its written down NOT SURE WHICH IS CORRECT METER! Now i am trying to find which one is the correct meter what ı get as an answer is they havent been in here personally so they dont know and they gave me one of the serial number of meter and telling that it might have been changed they are not sure. I wouldnt recommend at all. I wish ı could tell you every single problem ı had with them. I ve shared photo which is the part of inventory it says not sure which is correct ! I am so lucky that ı havent signed this inventory.
The only good thing about this company is if you speak to “Jez”about anything. He is the most helpful staff in there.
When ı checked northwood chester on google there were lots of bad reviews ı believe they ve opened new account. But ı ll always be updating my review and claim my rights whatever it costs and takes! It is what a shame! You really happy where you live but you feel you have to move out because of agency!
CRAWLEY AGENCY
8 months ago
BE VERY AWARE!!
I've been a long term tenant for 10 years. After repeatedly asking Northwood to do essential repairs to the property, I had no other option then to get my local health & Safety involved. Once I did they kindly served me a Section 21 thirteen days before Christmas, clearly a (retaliatory eviction).
Northwood also failed or couldn't be bothered to let the Landlords know about the bad state of disrepair of their home. Hence now they have been served with serious Improvement notices from my Local council. Leaving them with an unrentable property!!.
Northwood have also hit Crawley news earlier this week regarding serving a section 21 on an elderly Gentlemen! ( very decent of them!).
Tenants and Landlords be very careful of this unscrupulous company.
4
7 months ago
Don't touch em with a barge-pole !!! Absolute joke. Was great Tennant's for 4yrs @ Property in Crawley - as soon as we refused new tenancy agreement due to Huge price increase to rent (2nd year on the trot) - all contact and replies ceased from themselves. They have not done what they need to do to release our deposit with DPS causing huge implications to us supporting and feeding our family.
THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUR THEIR TENANTS - UNLESS THEY KNOW THEY ARE MAKING MONEY OUT OF YOU.
WOULD NEVER EVER USE THEM AGAIN..... CAN NOT EXPRESS ENOUGH - DO NOT USE THEM !!!!!
2
8 months ago
BE VERY AWARE!! I've been a long-term tenant of TEN YEARS. Couldn't get Northwood to do quite serious repairs. Was kindly given a Section 21 to leave 13 day's before Christmas. Once health and safety involvement. Even the Landords where unaware of bad disrepair leaving their property with a CAT A Health hazard as Northwood couldn't be bothered to inform the owners. Read all about them in today's Sussex news for Crawley for throwing out a 6
9 gentleman 14th Jan 2023.
3
Local Guide·32 reviews·6 photos
a year ago
This company has poor communication and will disrespect you as a landlord. I tried to get the company to fix the fencing in between tenants and they did not do this. The tenants wanted things to be repaired and they did not relay the tenants concerns to myself as the landlord. They let my house get ‘run down’ and then tried to give me a ‘maintenance’ contract via their contractors to get it back into a good rental state. According to the manager -Amy Godden ( manager) - the tenants were allowed access to my house before the tenancy commenced. She informed me that industrial cleaning machines were those of the tenants. My view - don’t go here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4
Local Guide·114 reviews·9 photos
4 years ago
Probably one of the worst experiences I've had with a tenancy. As a head role in property I have vast experience both with property sales/lease and customer service. Something this company does not understand. First example is witnessing the sheer poor lack of service recovery herein the Google reviews - scanning quickly through the responses from the owner/manager shows the constant lack of experience, respect and understanding of operating a agency.
As a tenant I experienced a poor service from the outset, the office manager on viewing informed me I could redecorate the property, having had confirmation on email by the manager - I redecorated the top floor. Leaving the property in a far superior finish to what i leased it for. I was required to go through a property inspection by the office junior who displayed little or no experience, claiming I had broke the tenancy! The landlord confirmed in writing how I improved the property.
On vacating the property, I had agents letting themselves in to show new tenants without notice, moving items and offering my own furniture to potential future tenants!
After cleaning the property professionally providing an invoice - I was charged excessively for a mark on the oven which hadn't been picked up by the cleaners. Given how I left the property, improving the presentation, allowing new photos of how it was dressed, together with showing how it was left cleaned. It's sole destroying to learn you penalise tenants for a stain which was missed unintentionally by a cleaner which could have been wiped easily at check out! This agency just demonstrates how little they think of tenants. Avoid.
4 years ago
I would like to give 0 stars but unfortunately this is not possible!
On the day we signed the contract the branch manager was yelling at us as we were not fast enough with signing and said, that if we won't hurry up we won't get the keys! But this is not everything...at this time my wife was highly pregnant! But the branch manager didn't care even on my request to calm down! This is simply disrespectful!
I would recommend a seminar for proper behavior!
During our tenancy:
For fixing the roof (after a heavy rain it was dropping inside the apartment) it took ages till something happened!
Check out day:
I got a mail and was asked if I will attend to the check-out appointment. I agreed and went there - one of the agents then told me they can't go on with the check-out as long as I am present. Why you are asking then if I will attend to this appointment?
Nearly at the end of our tenancy:
Viewings were agreed and I went to this appointments. I don't remember exactly but it was 2 or 3 times that I went there and nobody came. I didn't get a call or a message that this viewing won't happen! And the "funny" answer I got is that my telephone has some problems - what?? On my answer that my telephone is working without problems I got the answer that the agents telephone has a problem or it was a misunderstanding - ridiculous!
Strange that this was just a problem with my number!
Before you will answer that I don't need to attend to this viewings: I know but it was my wish to be present. And a call or a text message is the minimum what you can do - at least in my opinion. And don't say that my telephone has a problem.
7 years ago
Worst letting agent ever..landlords beware!! Peter Green, the franchise director says Northwood can guarantee the landlord a monthly rent but charge you absolutely nothing for doing so, that their guaranteed rent scheme is a completely FREE service (yeah, right!). What a con! The truth is, your property is sublet to tenants and Northwood keeps about 24% of the rent as their profit, making it their highest costing management scheme. According to Northwood, this profit they make isn't a charge/fee/commission, even though the income they earn is made from the property you own. The worst part is, while Northwood are more than happy to take their profit, they can't be bothered to manage your property and will allow the tenants to do all sorts of damage to your property without letting you know about it.
8
9 years ago
This is without a doubt the WORST letting agent I have ever dealt with.
We needed to vacate our property early and had to fix an issue in the property before we left. They were quick enough to take the money to deal with this but when we had threatening letters from a debt collector because of an issue they created they were the most unhelpful people around!
I will never ever ever suggest to anyone to use Northwoods.
12
4 years ago
The staff in NorthWood is not helpful and staff tries to put everything on tenant even for the things which are under warranty.
This is not the first time and my feedback is collective for the last few discussions that i have had with the Northwood staff. Instead of helping me the simple answer is that its my fault and needs to be corrected by myself by bearing all the cost.
Reply to your response:
I think you have not received the complete information regarding this. Its not about me asking that agent of owner had to clean the hobs.... Cleaning is very well tenants responsibility and am very well doing it. Actual problem was that without even touching/checking the hobs engineer concluded why hob was not working which is very strange. Same thing i was trying to make the staff understand that let the engineer properly check the hobs and if it comes out that its due to tenants mistake i'll take the responsibility but staff was not able to understand. And AM not able to understand that without even checking (checking is very big thing without even touching the hobs) how engineer can conclude that HOBs are not working due to this or that reason.
a year ago
Terrible service, extremely rude and negligent all round. Allowed tenants to do plumbing, decorating and bad electrics as they wished without my permission. AVOID NORTHWOOD. Any other agent will be far better.
2
Local Guide·55 reviews·8 photos
7 years ago
Customer Service by the Office Manager, Emma Armstrong was the worst I have seen in all of time.
I was looking to buy a house in Crawley. During the viewing she barely said a word and during offer and negotiation acted as more of a hindrance to the process rather than an aid. Very rude and unprofessional. Lacked tact or ability to empathise with her customer.I am actually shocked she is Office manager. I wonder what she teaches and trains her subordinates to be like. Definitely the worst agency I have come across thus far. Past reviews tell me I should not be surprised. Stay well clear guys!
11
5 years ago
The only reason there is one star here is simply because you are unable to choose zero stars...
Northwood crawley are rude unhelpful and will fleece you at any oppertunity, if they could put a cost on you walking through their door im sure they would since having dealings with other letting agencies I have come to realise just how terrible Northwood are along with much higher charges than others that offer far superior customer service.
My opinion avoid if you can or face the consequences.
5 years ago
Worst renting experiance ever avoid!! Worst customer service, added fees that wasnt informed of throughout letting and when we moved out, damaged roof wasnt fixed mould in celings caused by damp in attic. Garden left in a dangerous condition after daughter fell through decking which was removed by northwood leaving mess, glass, wires, sharp metal and a unusable garden for my dog or children to go in. Water from out pipe going into electric boiler told was safe so called out a electrician for a inpection, was told needed emergancy work, spoke to northwood and told that it will be fine. Plus alot more that i could list. Please avoid!!!
Local Guide·26 reviews·16 photos
5 years ago
these guys a thieves, been with a different letting agent for two years now, no pointless yearly fees like these guys do, my rent hasn't increase once, Northwood increased my rent yearly, when I moved out I left the house spotless probably just as good or better than any cleaning company would have left yet they charge you if you don't use one, AVOID!!!!
Local Guide·16 reviews·4 photos
a year ago
So unreliable agency , they didn't had the decency to inform us the viewing been cancelled and the lady agent was to busy talking on the phone instead of showing around to possible buyer, who does that !!?!
2
5 years ago
Worst letting agents, expensive and unprofessional staff.Would never recommend to anyone.
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Thieves
Local Guide·11 reviews·5 photos
2 months ago
Took money from my deposit to fix my letterbox which was broken into and completely not my fault. Use with caution!
2
4 years ago
One year after having left the property we rented, I am still in shock at how Northwood made our time in Crawley miserable. Here are some events that we experienced throughout our 4.5 years renting in Crawley:
- Spent an ENTIRE winter with a newborn without heat. Northwood took every attempt to avoid replacing the boiler until it was obvious it required replacement.
- We suffered from huge mold issues on the upper floor. Northwood’s kept blaming us and telling us that we were not opening the windows despite the landlord’s acknowledgement of the issue. This caused allergies on most of the family which are gone now that we moved property.
- Northwood increased Rent on a yearly basis using their “experts” to assess the value of the house. Well their expert used the neighbor’s house as a benchmark who had indeed the same house size but omitted that:
o He had negotiated the price down
o His house had a fully equipped kitchen
o His house had a garage
Now, the worrying part is that one year after leaving the property, we were sent the cancellation documents of the next renters, including personal info’s. I had then a look at Northwood’s website to see our previous property. The pictures shown were those used to present our property when we moved in 6 years ago…
That being said and on a positive note, Northwood had been very helpful when it was time for us to move out. Taking this into account, I wish I had taken the decision much earlier. Indeed, having left Northwood has proven to be such a relief on all the family. Our new agency has the decency to rent good property and provide an excellent service when needed.
CREWE AGENCY
Chloe Harding
a week agoNEW
Extremely unprofessional and rude!
They never fix anything that needs fixing, even when asked numerous times.
Wouldn’t recommend them at all.
a year ago
I'm really disappointed about that agency. They start making problems from the beginning. Can't properly take the record of the tenants and make wrong spelling on names, even when they got ID. Really poor respons on costumers needs even when you report maintenance issues. On 2 years living in property they couldn't fix thermostat from the beginning, cannot pick up letters for landlord, instead they only interested of inspection and to cheat you on the end. They try to charge you for some issues which have been reported from the start of letting. When I show them proof of issues then they start explaining the person who was dealing with it is already gone and they didn't have any record. Weird cause I have mine with them on email. Overall could not avoid take money from deposit, cause the really want to take something from tenants so they said - we gonna charge you for curtain poles. Those which wasn't damaged but taken down for cleaning. It was enough to fit them back which I told them. They said is to late because you surrendered keys from home and you need to be charged 60 £ for that pleasure. As a tenant can't recommend this agency but if you decided you need to be prepared they gonna charge you no matter what. One star note in my opinion is too good for them.
a year ago
This is the worst estate agency I have ever dealt with. The consultant was rude and trying to belittle me on the phone after me having to chase for an update on my application rather than them getting in touch with me. Also trying to keep part of my holding deposit for “referencing costs”. I would avoid as landlord has now lost a potential tenant and has to keep the property empty longer meaning loss of income and also as a tenant the hassle is not worth it!
a year ago
Aww, lovely staff however they breached Contract. Signed up on 8 December 2021 and terminated on 12 January 2022. They say they cannot discriminate NHS and Careworkers. I advised I am going through a court case of false imprisonment, Human Rights Breach and discrimination with the NHS.
My requirements were 2 full time workers. Not on temp contracts 1 or 2 children, no pets, non smokers.. One viewer was one adult only. The other was 2 adults one still out of the country. This is a large 3 bed house. Tenants need to be UK residents. A previous declined couple zlso applied. No discrimination took place. Time and effort - zero!
Local Guide·77 reviews·102 photos
2 years ago
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness
None existent customer service, repairs not carried out, emails unanswered, errors in basic personal information.
Roof leaking for months.
Contractors turning up without warning and for the wrong job and property.
Tenant name and contact details recorded incorrectly.
5
a year ago
Very poor service extremely unprofessional
CROYDON AGENCY
Local Guide·10 reviews·38 photos
3 years ago
First I would like to excuse myself for my not best English,it’s because I am not English women ...:) Than I would like to complain about the agent's attitude towards a client. There was a call to me with which I was invited for a viewing of a property located at 67, St Peter's Road.At the time of the survey, I kindly prayed because I liked the flat to be given the information on how I can pay for preservation and apply for this object. Your agent Paul Edwards made me write my email address in his notebook. Like he doesn’t have it from before... It looked as if he had done it for to pass, and he assured me that he would send me the necessary e-mail details. I expected this to happen in the next few hours ,but not. So I decided to call and to inquire what was going on. You know that you always need a quick reaction in this area or else you just lose what you liked as a home ... on the other side of my handset I was told that the agent in question will not be sent but a message that I am looking for him and that I have not sent the agreed data . As I was told today that he would not go back to the office anymore because he was working from home ... by the end of the day and this sitter including myself I still did not receive an email with the information I needed. Waiting for a refusal of a bunch of views in the hope of finding my place but alas in vain. the agent in question after another phone call made me surprised that I did not receive the email we had agreed upon, and after finally sending me such one, he just did not bother my one back that once again made me look for him on the phone. I just wanted to send my money for the holding deposit , but I was not told where ... He once again sounded like I did not have to hope at all. He just apparently ignored me from the beginning and once again let me wait . This time he used to justify that he had to talk to the landlord first whether he wanted me and my partner to participate in what they called it a competition ... Well, honestly from the very beginning this man with his attitude makes me feel discriminated !!! And as I expected in the final he called me not after the agreed 30 minutes but after one hour just telling me what I sure He wanted to tell me from the very beginning namely that the landlord does not approve of us for some reasons witch nobody does not even explain me.I am insulted and stressed by this agent and please let my complaint be taken into account!
Kind regards Adelina Milanova
4
3 years ago
Terrible agent! The worst I have ever dealt with... Everything was too much trouble and when there was an issue which should have been dealt with by Northwood, they passed the buck repeatedly. Trustworthiness, helpfulness, understanding, attention to duty and all-round customer care... ZERO!
DERBY AGENCY
5 months ago
We saw a house for rent on a Sunday night so called the next morning to arrange a viewing, we were told to fill out an application form & they'll get back to us. A few days later we got a message to say they are fully booked for viewings which was very disappointing to hear as we got in touch pretty quickly after it got put on to their website. 2 weeks later I still see this house is showing for rent so I call them up & they said yes it's still available! Not sure why we didn't get a call to let us know it was still available! Again made us fill out an application form & again was messaged a few days later to say their fully booked up for viewings. I repeated this process a week later when again they said it was still available & AGAIN was told they are fully booked up for viewings. I understand there is likely a lot of interest but I don't understand why our details weren't saved the first time for this property & had a call back to say its still available & that we can view it. Just very frustrating.
Local Guide·17 reviews·1 photo
8 months ago
BEWARE! I strongly encourage you to do not to rent from them unless you want to have a massive headache during and after the tenancy period. They will do everything in their power to make sure they can take a slice of your deposit no matter what. Not just that but the management and support, in general, disappear just after you pay them the first month's rent and deposit. Long story short - just after collecting the property keys 1 one of them was faulty and I could not open the door - be ready to pay from your own pocket even if they gave you faulty keys. Want to check the meter reading - pay yourself to open other doors. Troubles understanding how the boiler works and how to adjust temperature? -Find out yourself. Takes weeks sometimes several weeks to respond to email enquiries. If you call them, most of the time not available, and asking to call back - never happens. This is nothing comparing how they make fraudulent schemes with your deposit - first of all, they will make an inventory checklist that EVERYTHING is in PERFECT condition while in reality, it is not. Take a picture of every single corner before moving in otherwise they will say it was your fault and will try to steal your money from the deposit. Also, they delayed almost two months to respond and give back the deposit, trying to convince me dozens of times that the poor condition of the property is my fault despite I had proof that it was already before we moved in. Shamelessly do everything just to grab your money at every single opportunity. They also tried to chase me to pay them early termination fees while there were multiple emails that early termination was agreed upon with the landlord and Northwood. Their hired contractors took parking permit and did not bring back which leads me to face 25£ reduction from my deposit. Also, the letting agent lied multiple times that everything will be "cleaned" and "fixed" before we move in but ultimately not they did clean and fix anything but also blamed that it was our fault for that at end of the tenancy! Absurd. Also, the quality of the property is a joke, imagine their contractors is so bad that instead of properly installing light hubs they GLUED them intead to prevent them falling down! Therefore was not able to replace the light hubs, and even Northwood again blamed me because I did not replaced. Theatre of absurd. Be aware of this letting agency, save your time and nerves dealing with them, I used 7 different agencies in the past and this one was the worst. Trust me, there are dozen of other better letting agencies in Derbyshire.
9 months ago
I had a viewing this morning with one of the agents Lucy who had the poorest attitude i have experienced while viewing properties. It was as if we were bothering her by asking questions. I really loved the property and wanted to put in an offer but the attitude of the agent put me off. What a shame!
3 months ago
Very bad experience overall.
Local Guide·52 reviews·311 photos
a year ago
Impolite, claiming that all units do not welcome families with children, discrimination.
DONCASTER AGENCY
mohammed ahmed
8 months ago
People can judge themselves- I phoned 6 weeks ago to book a viewing, I was told someone will ring me back. NO one did. 2 weeks later I contacted again. this time someone did ring back to tell me when can I go to view the property. Gave my availability and then nothing. 2 weeks again contacted them and this time got a viewing booked after 10 days . TODAY went to the address in Wheatley and the property is SOLD (and no decency to ring to cancel the appointment). Really appalling SERVICE. Looks like either no one bothered
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11 months ago
Not being able to rent a property because I have a pet(or maybe because I'm not English), it's discrimination. I'm so disappointed that these days the agency's are more concerned about pets than affordability to pay the rent. You should allow people with pets, in case of any damages to the property, you have the deposit for backup. I really wish you to deal with people who are not paying their rent, maybe after that you'll consider when declining good paying tenants with good credit score and recommendations!👍
3 years ago
Critical: Professionalism
I would not recommend Northwoods estate agents as they accompanied my ex-husband while breaking into my property to obtain a valuation while I was out . The agent continued to wait while my bedroom was broken into causing damage to my property and even with police present did not deter the agent. I find Northwoods very unethical and very unprofessional and my property was under valued compared to other estate agents valuation. I was extremely dissatisfied with my complaint resolution and would advise any potential buyers or sellers to avoid using Northwoods.
2
a year ago
terrible company. I applied for the house before it was ready for viewing, I called the person who deals with the real estate several times, I found out that she had not worked on the applications yet! and now the house is no longer available ?! waste of my time! I'm still waiting for an e-mail and any reply.
1
4 years ago
Not all are bad that work there, but someone people spoil the experience with how they speak to customers.
It's been over a one year Iv not used Northwood.
And yes I can remember the lady's name that gave me a bad experience, meliane from the Doncaster branch.
No people skill and rude manner.
I maybe use Northwood again, but only if I didnt have to see her again.
6 years ago
DO NOT USE NORTHWOOD (doncaster)
my ex partner and my two young children have been "checked out" of her property this week after 5 years of renting.
she has now come to find that the agent "northwood" is trying to charge an absolute fortune for repairs and cleaning.
ridiculous items such as dust!!, stains, and muck behind a space where the washer has been for the past half a decade!!!
the two big ones are that they are trying to make her pay for a leaking boiler.. yes!!! a leaking boiler in a rented house!! that she has reported many times.
she was asked if she could look into getting a new boiler for the house that yes you guessed it SHE RENTS!!!!!
the other issue is that they are trying to charge fees for mold to the property.
this is down to the house being so old and run down coupled with the fact that the landlord has not done anything to it in the 5 years she has been in the house.
others include rubbish and items in various cupboards and drawers all of what was left by the landlord the 5 years ago when she moved in!!
i.e paint tins, carpet,tiles,wall paper table,tile cutter,lawn mower the list goes on.
when you try to speak to anybody at the doncaster office they are always "out of the place of work" or will call you back.
this never happens!!
once a phone call is made (to them) and you can speak to a person i.e jackie or kamila they are very VERY rude to you. put you on hold without asking and raising voices even trying to argue with you! then putting the phone down on you when you are trying to resolve problems.
anybody that is looking to do business with northwood @doncaster
i beg you to stay well clear.
it will all seem like a fairy tale until you move out of the property then they try and bend all the rules and make up false claims of damage and such.
DO NOT USE NORTHWOOD DONCASTER ......
6 years ago
If it would have let me give you 0 stars I would have done.
After renting for over 2 and a half years , with no late payments , property left cleaner, tidier and more habitable then when I moved in , you now want £200.00 from my deposit because you found a bit of dust on a skirting board and a small mark on a wall .... Disgusted and disappointed to say the least
6 months ago
Awful awful awful from start to finish experience no communication terrible DO NOT EVEN TRY TO RENT FROM THESE terrible
Communication no wonder so many bad reviews get your act together
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Local Guide·27 reviews·46 photos
5 years ago
Unprofessional and bad communication. Based on their recruitment and management. I can't comment on their customer service but based on my interactions I wouldn't want to find out how they deal with customers. In my experience if you treat one set of people one way, you'll probably treat everyone the same way.
1
5 years ago
I will never employ these people again in any capacity to work upon my behalf.
They have showed not the slightest diligence whilst undertaking my business this coupled with nil feedback means all my works will go elsewhere. Pitiful.
3
Local Guide·15 reviews·8 photos
2 years ago
Worst agency ever!they let me without hot water in bathroom for two months! And after that they take from me 150£ for nothing!
DUNDEE AGENCY
Local Guide·12 reviews·6 photos
a year ago
Wouldn't recommend this company to anyone. We have had notice to leave straight after we had reported neighbours to police for harrasment due to stupid complaints being sent in when we had valuable excuses. We passed every single visit with no issues. We did make some changes to the house but as said by the owner Ron these can be put back to original should the tenancy be terminated. They also use rogue tradesmen, one workman we had to request not to be sent back to us. Have rented for over 16 years and this company is by far the worst never had any issues up till now. We have now taken this to a solicitor.
1
5 years ago
Pathetic company, they tie you in knots with contracts. One of the stipulations in the contract states that should you wish to end the lease you must give 2 months notice. Should Northwood fail to find a new tenant you must continue paying the rent. It took them several weeks to send round a contractor to make sure the house was well maintained. They had the audacity to claim the floor needed cleaned again after them having the keys for 2-3 weeks. Stay well away from this company.
4
6 years ago
They manage our property on riverside drive,
Absolutely shocking service for a 12% fee!!!
Our rent goes in anywhere in a 10 day 'zone',
No consistency at all!!
Very rarely reply to emails either, sooooo disappointed :-(
7
5 years ago
I found this company to be incompetent. The service is poor and the willingness to help is zero. I am glad that I no longer have to deal with them. Good luck to anyone that does.
3
7 years ago
Put an application in. Never had a word back. All contact was from my side. Not one call from the company. Shocking customer service.
EDINBURGH AGENCY
a week agoNEW
This agency is unprofessional, disorganised, and dishonest. My partner and I had to leave our previous hone right in the middle of lockdown. Flats were scarce and when we found what we thought would be a nice place to live at a nice price, we moved in
For a general review- this agency is extremely strict and regular with inspections but incredibly lax and passé with maintenance. They seem to care about bad reviews as I once had an agent call me within 6 minutes of me posting a negative comment about them in a private Facebook group after they had been ignoring my emails for about a week. You might notice that the overwhelming amount of 5* reviews are from landlords and property owners, which makes sense as Northwood’s number one priority is squeezing every last dime out of tenants while providing 0 service.
Unprofessional-
This agency has been incredibly condescending to me on several different occasions. They have laughed in my face when I asked where my TWO sets of keys that they lost were. They have responded to emails I sent with “oh alyssa” and implied that I don’t know how to read an attachment when they in fact….didn’t attach it.
Disorganised-
Northwood letting Edinburgh attempted to schedule flat inspections within weeks of previous flat inspections on numerous occasions. They lost two sets of our keys and refused to take seriously the associated security risk. It took them SIX MONTHS to initiate repairs on our roof that was leaking water and causing mould in the middle of winter. This was six months after we were able to convince them there was a problem and we couldn’t just dehumidify it away.
Dishonest-
Northwood lied to us about the state of the flat when we moved in. As we moved into the flat in the middle of lockdown we did not have the opportunity to view the flat before we moved in. We asked point blank if there was anything wrong with the flat that we would need to know, specifically in regards to mould and damp, and we were assured that there was not. We got in contact with the previous tenant who confirmed that our roof problem was ongoing and existed during his time in the flat. They also shamed him and his family for not maintaining the flat properly instead of fixing the leaking roof. In addition to this- we were assured as per their check out protocol that if we used one of their recommended cleaners there would be no deduction from our deposit for cleaning. This did not stop them from trying to claim cleaning expenses against us. They also tried to claim money back for bedding left in the flat that was in the flat when we moved in.
Wouldn’t recommend.
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Local Guide·66 reviews·89 photos
3 months ago
I don't recommend at all this agency. We've paid before leaving our apartment a professional team to clean it and even though they took us an incredible amount of money to do a "proper cleaning". They took advantage of us because we were foreigners and young. We really needed our deposit at the time and we didn't get it. The house was cleaner when we left than when we entered. I even wrote a comment at a time about this and they kind of "gently ask" to retire the comment from here before giving us a part of our money. We were extremely shocked. Also, we didn't even chose it. Our tenant changed agency when we were living there. Really horrible experience.
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a month ago
Horrendous, do not care about the tenants at all. Left without hot water whilst pregnant. Only care about their greedy landlords.
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a year ago
Absolutely horrible agency. I got conflicting information multiple times one what forms needed filling out and overall their application process was poorly explained. When I turned up for my viewing (which had a set time) many other people for different times were queuing outside. There was no organization in selecting who would view the property next so I don't know why they even had us book times. So everyone just had to wait around untill we got our shot and just put all our plans for the day on hold while waited for them.
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Local Guide·21 reviews·8 photos
5 years ago
I have been renting in the UK for about 12 years now (Thankfully this was the last rented place) and while none of the agencies I have dealt with are great as most of them like charging exorbitant amounts of fees, Northwood are the only ones I am leaving a negative review for a multitude of reasons. When we moved into the property 9 months ago the kitchen and bathroom were really really dirty (horrible deposits in the toilet which we cleaned and really really greasy hob and oven). None of the extractor fans in kitchen worked(One of them was fixed by Northwood after 6 months of continued chasing). Agency fees are illegal in Scotland but Northwood make sure they get money from you somehow and I will list the ways they do it. To start with the first month's rent was 150 extra. When I asked why they had no response to it other than that's the way they do it. Also, they have a fixed term contract which they force you to renew and never convert to rolling as the contract says it would turn into if you don't renew it. That means if you try to move away at any point other than at contract end irrespective of the notice period, you will be forced to pay the exorbitant 330 pound advertising fees. Their suggested cleaner charges super high fees too compared to other cleaners you can hire yourself and refuse to give an estimate and say they will charge between a range on the day of cleaning depending on how it goes. They even sent the wrong meter reading and date to my electric/gas company which now I have to get a proof to if I want to fix it which I cant be bothered with. There were several other problems with them and this is just the top things I could think of. We were in a hurry to get a place as we were moving cities but if you have a choice then avoid them.
11
a year ago
The worst agency! They only care about the landlord and no the tenant! I never had a tenancy agreement with the agency, a wall in the bathroom had a whole for 3 months, the bathroom was in a really bad condition since May 2021 and it was fixed at the end of February this year!
5
5 years ago
Never had such a horrible experience renting.
Had 2 properties with Northwood. Nothing but issues. In the first property for 6-8 months before they moved us out due to owner wanting to sell. Not their fault, but we were faced with more hassle than it was worth thereafter.
The property was not clean when we moved in. Cleaners equipment still in the hall. When I mentioned this to Northwood, they simply offered to send cleaners back to finish the job, while we were living there. The oven had dirty trays covered with tin foil , the oven door did not have a seal on it and we couldn't use it for 2 weeks until they sent an engineer out. Not a great experience for people moving in to a new home.
When it came to moving out, things only got worse. In both properties they found things to pick out that were not checked on move in to charge for. Like dust on top of the skirting boards behind the couch. When we moved in, there were no pictures taken behind the couch. When we moved out, they did things like pulling the couch back and noting the dust on the skirting behind it.
They were looking to charge us for a burn in the carpet that was hidden under the bed when we moved in, claiming that it was our fault. When I asked them for proof in pictures of before and after, they sent me pictures of 2 different spots on the floor. When I questioned this, they then changed the tune and started talking about us not amending the inventory for the burn when we moved in. The burn was hidden. That is why.
Terrible experience overall and there isn't enough time to go through everything but it's all documented in pictures and emails. I'd be interested to hear their public response to this.
3 years ago
Absolutely disgraceful company. I've rented for the past 8 years and in all my experience of reasonable and difficult letting agents, Northwood UK is by far the worst.
Where to start?
-As not all the tenants are UK Citizens, we were charged double the standard deposit.
-A handyman was given the keys and entered the property without notification from Northwood UK. So my partner came home alone to find things moved and thought the place had been robbed.
-We were charged 50 pounds because the outside of the windows had not been cleaned. This is absurd given the state of the flat when we rented it, but as we didn't have photographs to prove otherwise, we has this deducted from our deposit. When I asked for the third time for the receipt, Claire simply re-sent another image of the 'dirty' windows, without any accompanying text. I expect this sort of petty behaviour from a teenager, not someone who is supposedly a 'professional'.
-After our lease ended on the agreed date, Northwood attempted to charge us 78 pounds because the flat was not filled for three days after our lease ended. They had 7 weeks notice to fill the flat, and were attempting to charge us for their own inability to find a suitable tenant!
-We were told we HAD TO take out insurance for the furnished property (with the expectation that we would use the company they supplied the details of). Surely the landlord is required to insure their own belongings? It certainly sounds like Northwood will be making money from unsuspecting tenants through referral money for a service that is not compulsory.
My tips for dealing with Northwood Edinburgh if you are already unlucky enough to hold a lease with them and have any problems with return of your deposit:
-Clean outside of windows and take photos after you've cleaned them.
-Check the tenancy agreement for details stating they can claim (whatever price they want) to have things such as the above addressed.
-Take them to the Property Ombudsman.
-Take your grievances to their Director.
-Leave reviews here and on alltenants.
My tips if you're looking at renting from Northwood UK.
-Don't.
##Update. By contrast we have just finished a tenancy of 18 months with DJ Alexander. They have been nothing but helpful through the entire process and I have zero complaints about them. Find a house with them if you can! Brilliant for tenants and landlords alike!
5 years ago
Very poor service. Could not recommend Northwood as letting agents to deal with as tenants. Be sure to scrutinise any proposed charges/deductions very closely. We challenged the basis for a cleaning invoice to receive a job specification which was dated after the date of the cleaning invoice. Quite remarkable.
7
3 years ago
If you have the bad luck to meet these guys, be aware: first they will request you to pay the deposit and one month of the rent in advance and after they will do a "check" of your personal details; if there is anything wrong, you will be not refunded and you will stay without tenancy contract.
If you pass their check, note that they will increase the rent price as soon they can (property owners are not even awarded of it).
A very rude woman will visit your accommodation every 2-3 months and take pictures in every room. Even if this inspection is not mentioned in your contract, they will do it and ignore if you complain.
Also, they will give you problems to do any reparations or solving any issue in the property.
Be aware that they do not pay landlord license. Please check the property is on the landlord registration website or ask in Citizens Advise.
When you finally end the tenancy, even doing a deep cleaning, the will charge you £80 (+ £20 of administration) for cleaning any signs of dust, searching in the most hidden objects.
I would not recommend this agency to my worst enemy, stay away if you are still at time.
8
3 years ago
Terrible experience as the other tenants rating 1 star.
Here're some anecdotes we had with them: …More
3
5 years ago
Owners and renters beware
My partner and I rented with Northwood for 8 months and they were simply terrible. We were able to get out of what should have been a 12 month lease as Northwood broke the terms of the lease by allowing people to come into the flat without our authorisation (terrifying and violating to come home and find your things moved). After speaking to Citizens Advice, we found out that in addition to the unauthorised entry, they had also illegally charged us a double bond and illegally forced us to get renters insurance. On moving out they charged us £50 for a window clean (despite the windows not being clean when we moved in) but struggled to provide a receipt for the clean when asked. They finally did provide a receipt however it seems unlikely that it was genuine. They also attempted to charge us for additional days rent and it was only after
a number of emails and calls they withdrew the incorrect charge. Advice for renters: check and challenge everything they charge you. Advice for owners: high turnover of tenants due to poor estate management ultimately costs you rental income.
12
a year ago
Enquired about a property I had found to rent, used the website to enquire about a viewing however asked about dogs since they're advert was poor and didn't state this. Specifically mentioned in my initial email about dogs and if they don't then I don't require any further viewings.
Recieved a email following day about viewings and if I wanted to go ahead with one. (Didn't answer my dog question) so presuming this property would consider my dogs. So replied saying yes I would like a viewing.
No reply, so phoned to see if they got my email to get a very very rude man on the phone, saying this property doesn't accept dogs!!!!
No apology , just a sorry our adverts are shocking and don't state about pets, or sorry this property doesn't, in a more customer friendly way.
2
6 years ago
I have been renting all my life and this is the worst agency I have ever dealt with. I had some issues with them for entering the property without notice? Can you imagine you're sitting in the living room with your little ones and someone suddenly shows up and say 'hi'!? She even did not bother nock on the door or using the bell. When my husband called to tell them that they can't enter the property like that without prior notice as in the contract, the manager shouted at him over the phone. Again, unbelievable!!!
After moving out, an employee from the agency sent an email that the property needs more cleaning according to their standards. When I asked to clarify what areas exactly need further cleaning (as her email was unprofessional and lacked details), she replied few hours later with some photos, with one giving us her middle finger!!! In addition, asked to replace freezer drawers and carpets. Why this was not mentioned in first email? Don't we have rights as tenants, or humans, to ask for clarification? Oh, she is punishing, basically scamming, us by asking to replace some stuff, amazing!!!! Luckily, the last inspection report which was done 3 weeks before we moved out didn't have any of that. When I sent an email to the manager after that, he agnored it.
Don't know if they do this to all tenants who are foreigners!!! All the people with negative feedback here didn't mention clearly where they come from, but me and my husband decided to stand against their malpractices, and will take this issue seriously further.
6 years ago
When money is involved they'll be straight on it but when you need a repair, don't hold your breath. …More
3 years ago
I can't believe how little this agency cares about clients. Last November we were interested in a flat to rent and we stayed to see it and nobody showed up, we wasted our time and they didn't even pick up the phone afterwards. A few days ago they called me to see an apartment today and they told me that the same morning they would call me to ask if I would come to the appointment. No one has called me so I decided to send an email myself. I asked if the appointment was still standing, to which I was answered that the property was no longer available. I don't have to be behind an agency, I don't have to waste my time when it's its job. At the time the property was no longer available they should have contacted me to cancel the visit. I am not interested in any other property of this agency and more reading the opinions of other users managing problems in the apartments.
1
Local Guide·5 reviews·7 photos
6 years ago
Absolutely appalling service. We have been in our property for over a month and despite being broken when we moved in, the oven has still not been fixed despite numerous e-mails. The bath was also broken (the seal on the drain needed to be re-sealed) and only after numerous e-mails and they only fixed it after I mentioned that they were legally required to fix it due to my partner's disability.
When we moved in the flat was extremely dirty despite being "cleaned" and there was even a blood stain on the bedding provided! I had to wash all the utensils provided as things such as cups were visibly filthy and there were urine stains on the toilet seat.
The furniture provided is not in good condition, the inventory they gave us was for the previous tenant and had not been updated and despite being on the ground floor they have still not replaced the too-small and filthy curtains provided. We also just discovered that the property is also infested with mice (and this was clearly an issue before we moved in as we found mouse traps)
If this is the experience we have after just one month, I dread to see what the rest of the tenancy is going to be like.
Attached are some of the images taken when we moved in showing the range of issues.
10
7 years ago
Worst service from a letting agent I've ever experienced. Lethargic attitude to fixing issues and when they do finally get around to fixing them, it's a half-assed job. Damp problem when we moved in us now blamed on us, despite our expense regards buying a dehumidifier. Contractors that they use are useless and unprofessional. Do not agree a lease with Northwood.
7 years ago
One of the worst experience since I'm living here in uk has been dealing with this agency, we have been living with mice droppings and loads of problems in our flat asking them to fix them, they always really kindly replied "we will do that".. obviously most of these problem have never been sorted out. we ended up having to escape due to a leak in the ceiling which developed in to something really worst and a lot of water was falling into the kitchen, this water was coming from the roof cause we were top floor. and so full of birds droppings. we had not choice but to leave, the agency didnt care at all of this situation and so they ended up keeping our deposit because we broke up the contract which was going to end in two months anyway.. again the worst people i never been dealing with, I really reccomend NOT to use this agency and their services.
8
a year ago
Would not recommend. Ridiculous over charge for a rented property. The cleaning fees at the end are also over way over the top, especially when the flat was not clean in the first place when I moved in.
2 years ago
Incredibly inept staff who promise to send forms right after the phone call only to need repeated call backs with reminders over several days to actually send it. By this point the property had already gone. Save your time and go somewhere else.
Local Guide·22 reviews·19 photos
8 years ago
Unauthorised and forced entry into the property, threats.. over 4 months to get the deposit back.
Reported problems were not fixed and then Tried to charge me for fixing them at the end of the contract. Avoid.
Local Guide·18 reviews·11 photos
5 years ago
Most unprofessional letting agency I've ever contacted. Do not bother with them as they will never get back to you on your application, even if it is a simple no. Very rude.
7
Local Guide·21 reviews·6 photos
a year ago
Watch out at tenancy checkout, they might hold even half of your deposit for "needed cleanings" and "administration fees". ROBBERY
2
5 years ago
Absolutely ABYSMAL service, maintenance issues need reported several times before anything is done and staff are utterly rude and instead of offering any kind of sincere apology they shirk away and deny all responsibility shifting it to the tenant, avoid them at all costs
10
Local Guide·182 reviews·2,465 photos
9 months ago
Very bad service, don't know why they need so many guarantors.
TO BE CONTINUED...!! A LOT MORE THAN THIS TO BE ADDED!!!
Its definitely worth looking into the potential fake good reviews they have on google (as mentioned by other reviewers) when you see how bad it really is on other platforms:
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/northwooduk.com
WE HOPE YOU GOT THE MESSAGE.
A COMPANY LIKE THIS SHOULD NOT EXIST IN THIS WORLD!
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