Atlantis Property Services Ltd
based on 164 ratings. This website contains 149 user reviews of Atlantis Property Services Ltd.
Agent Information
Atlantis Property Services Ltd
Estate and Letting Agents, New Homes, Serviced Apartments and Property Maintenance
Offices / Branches
Admin Note
View statement from Mr John Sykes, Group Managing Director of Atlantis Property Services Ltd.
Statement from Mr John Sykes, Group Managing Director of Atlantis Property Services Ltd as we received it on 26th January 2009:
I am the founder of Atlantis and have been monitoring this site with genuine disbelief, as we regularly receive such positive feedback on our service and should we ever have any isolated incidences where clients are unhappy we pride ourselves on being proactive in resolving the issue swiftly. In fact all new tenants have for many years received a welcome letter from Andrew Strong our Managing Director, a week or so after they move in, which reads Thank you very much indeed for choosing Atlantis to assist with the letting of your new home and I trust that your move has run smoothly to date, with our office ensuring that the necessary paperwork was completed efficiently and to your satisfaction. I take my role within Atlantis very seriously and greatly appreciate your business, as such should you have any issues during the tenancy which you feel that my colleagues have not dealt with to your satisfaction, then please do contact me direct and I will do all I can to help. I wish you much happiness in your new home.
Also, the telephone number section of our website has stated for the last 5 years We believe that all clients should be able to contact our board of Directors. Customer service is a crucial element of our business and we would love to hear any feedback you have about the service that we offer or indeed if you have any other information that may be of use to us. This is then followed by the direct dial telephone numbers of our board of Directors who have been with Atlantis for many years.
There are usually more to these complaints than meets the eye and is often down to communication. There have been comments on this site stating we charge tenants unfairly, this I strongly disagree with. There are of course occasions when charges are enforced which are clearly laid out in our Terms & Conditions before the tenancy commences e.g. if a tenant is in breach of their contract for not paying their rent (although we always give tenants an allowance of 4 days to be late just in case the rent due day lands on a weekend or bank holiday) as it creates a certain amount of extra work, as you would expect to incur a minimal fee if you did not pay your credit card or mortgage on time. Another example would be deductions from a tenant's dilapidations deposit if there are any damages at the end of the tenancy, this is not determined by Atlantis but by an independent inventory clerk who the landlord also has to abide by. If there is no damage (fair wear and tear is taken into consideration) then there are no deductions for dilapidations. Whilst I acknowledge that as a company we will not be bullied into making the wrong decision, it should be noted that we always endeavour to act fairly, we are members of ARLA, TDS, ARMA, NAEA, OFT and abide by their strict code of conduct.
Atlantis have the largest market share in the Reading area and therefore it goes hand in glove that we should expect to receive more reviews, coupled with the fact that as a society we are all too eager to complain but rarely praise, however I fully acknowledge that one bad review is one too many.
I am the founder and Managing Director of the Atlantis Group and I can say very sincerely that I truly care about my business and customers and am very unhappy to read the comments on this website. I have never lost sight of my role here and as always I am available to assist customers in any way I can who are welcome to contact me via my direct dial number: 0118 955 7002 or my e-mail j.sykes@atlantisgroup.co.uk.
Please be assured that we do care.
Kind regards
John Sykes
Group Managing Director
Atlantis Property Services Ltd has not joined our 'transparent agent' scheme yet.
"If only I had known about this site before.." the most common comment we get posted from reviewers that have had a bad experience. So in response, allAgents has introduced the "transparent agent" scheme to help identify agents that are open about independent customer feedback and have nothing to hide. The scheme is FREE to join and as an incentive, allAgents will provide them with FREE LANDLORD & VENDOR ENQUIRES.
Click here and Join the 1000s of Delighted customers that have had success with our recommended agents. If however you do choose to use Atlantis Property Services Ltd, please make them aware of the scheme and ask them to get in touch if they want to become a member. - Learn more about 'Transparent Agents'.
Customer Reviews (Page 1 of 6)
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by 'Nazlee' 17/5/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Sales (as a Buyer)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
I have to say that my experience with dealing with Atlantis Estate Agents and especially with James Hathaway at the Reading office was exceptional. James was very accommodating and also very thorough in his dealings at all times. We were kept in the loop constantly, and would get a weekly call during the whole process to ensure that everything was proceeding well and if we had any concerns. We probably had to visit the property we were buying 5/6 times as there was work required, however James was always very helpful and would always accommodate our visits even at short notice. We were so impressed by the personal service that we even let our old house through Atlantis, and the first viewing they arranged resulted in a let to Professional good calibre tenants at the full asking price.
I would highly recommend James Hathaway at Atlantis, if you are looking for an efficient and professional service.Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Jamie T' 3/5/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Staff Member
- Matthew L\'Estrange
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
I let me property initially last April with Atlantis after being reccomended to them by my boss. We weren't able to sell our flat, so we had to let it out and thought that fully managed lettings would be best. I have to say that initially, I wasn't very impressed with Atlantis, there were teething problems with our tenant from their side of things and due to some staff movement, inspections weren't completed on time. However, after raising my concerns with them, things were put right and the only problem I had to deal with after that was my tenant paying on time!
I have recently let the property again with Atlantis and although the market is very tricky at the moment, Matthew L'Estrange was instrumental in getting the property let. It took a while, but hat's off the Matthew, he didn't give up and managed to get us a really good tenant.
I would reccomened Atlantis to any landlord and cannot fault their tenant finding service.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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6
people found
this helpful.
by 'deeplydisappointed' 21/4/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I was worried since the day I signed my contract.
The fees are astronomical. The one thing I am sore about is the fact I have to pay to move out?! NO other company does this.
Atlantis are only after one thing.....money. They do not care about their tenants.
I was left for 6 months living out of a suitcase as furniture was broken. I happened to one day bump into the landlords handyman whilst he was at the properties next to me. When I informed him I had been living out of my suitcase for 6 months he was horrifed. THE NEXT DAY I had a brand new furniture set with major apologies from... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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3
people found
this helpful.
by 'Pras' 18/4/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
This agency is a cheating agent, don't goto these fellows. I have finalized one property these fellows took £400 as a holding fees after 15 days they asked me to come down for agreement. On the day of agreement before I reach they called me and said land lord is not ready to give the property when I have asked for my holding fees to return they ate not ready return me thou there is no mistake from my end. These fellows are cheaters and just eat away your holding fees. Friends never ever look at these fellows.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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1
person found
this helpful.
by 'Vickie McAllister' 4/4/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Sales (as a Vendor)
- Staff Member
- London London
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
We must be honest . We did approach other Estate Agents who seemed to predominate in the local (Southcote) market. We found such services to be rigid with their approach and terms, impersonal (this was an emotive sale due to bereavement), these services seemed all- too- confident that they would secure the marketing and sale of the property regardless of their impersonal approach.
We hence asked around. We were directed towards Atlantis Properties Services by a family friend who had been very impressed with the service received following a quick and successful sale.
We found Atlantis... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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2
people found
this helpful.
by 'JackieE' 3/4/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
It has been 10 years since I first contacted Atlantis re helping me to rent out my properties in Reading. From the first moment I dealt with Atlantis and was put through to John Sykes who offered so much advice on where to buy, how I should present the properties etc. and within 3 months I had bought 7 houses which Atlantis have been renting out for me ever since.
I have seen Atlantis grow and blossom and got to know many of the staff, including yourself who I remember joining the Lettings team. Who ever I speak to there, I am always treated with the utmost respect and everybody is very polite and helpful.
I'd just like to say how pleased I have been with the service Atlantis provides.
The quality of my tenants has been first class and I can honestly say I have not had a single day's trouble with any of them and indeed many of them have become long term tenants for me.
I have also used your maintenance team from time to time and found that service to be invaluable.
I look forward to the next 10 years and thank you all again for looking after me and my properties so well.Was this review helpful? Yes
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1
person found
this helpful.
by 'GarethFan' 30/3/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Sales (as a Vendor)
- Staff Member
- Gareth Hughes
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
Delighted that after two years on the market, Gareth found a buyer and shepherded the deal through to completion. Elapsed time from acceptance of offer to completion: five weeks and two days. Juggling the needs and wants of vendor (me), buyer, tenants, two sets of solicitors and Atlantis, Gareth was seriously excellent at keeping all parties up to date and the sale moving forward. Verdict on Gareth: committed, responsive, energetic. He made it happen. Thank you.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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6
people found
this helpful.
by 'Kate' 29/3/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I had two dealings with Atlantis on 2 different properties. The first one was fully managed by them, when the boiler broke, they waited four weeks to repair it (in the mean time we could only have cold water), claiming that they are not able to get hold of the landlord, who lives overseas. When we were leaving the property, they gave an old version of the inventory check (not the one we returned to them), which was very out of date as the landlord added and removed items from the flat, which left us with a £400 deduction from the deposit, that the landlord did not agree to return. The second flat was managed by the landlord. Despite the fact that we agreed with the landlord before we evacuated on the discounted amount, it took them more than 2 months to return the deposit. They have the most unfriendly and unprofessional staff, with a receptionist trained to answer 6 phone calls at the same time and puts them all on hold! Terrible and frustrating experience!
Was this review helpful? Yes
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2
people found
this helpful.
by 'Joao Fernandes' 29/3/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Staff Member
- James Hathaway
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
I have been dealing with Atlantis for the last 10 years and they have always provided top quality service, finding the best properties available in the Reading area. I still do business with Atlantis and continue to recommend their services to all my friends and professional contacts.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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3
people found
this helpful.
by 'DARE' 21/3/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Staff Member
- James Hathaway
- Staff Member
- Kayt Daghaughty
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
Atlantis staff were highly professional from the word go.
The photos and marketing of my property were outstanding, targeting a nationwide customer base.
Renting out my home while I was abroad was a big step for me and James was on hand to give me all the advice that I needed. It was imperative to me that my property would be managed correctly while I was away.
Staff kept me updated on all maintenance problems and inspected the property regularly.
Any issues that I had, were attended to proptly and staff always answered my e-mails and returned my phone calls.
I would have no hesitation in using Atlantis to rent out my property again.Was this review helpful? Yes
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8
people found
this helpful.
by 'likeyoudwanttoknow' 14/3/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Staff Member
- Kayt Daghaughty
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Basically I moved in not that long ago,
on the first night maggots fell out of the sofa they supplied and we discovered they were in the carpet too. Once the sofa was placed outside we were told we would be charged if it was stained or damaged. I'm pretty sure being infested with maggots is counted as it being ruined.
THEN we discovered three areas of damp, one in the bedroom, one by the tv sockets and electrics, AND another by our electricity system and pipes. None of this has been sorted after 3 days, it's disgracefulWas this review helpful? Yes
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14
people found
this helpful.
by 'DEEMATTO' 8/3/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I find it quite apt that Atlantis Property is named after a mythical empire that sank into the ocean……after my ordeal I wish they would sink without a trace to spare anyone else the utter torture of renting through them.
If you’re thinking about using Atlantis please read this before you sign anything;
I find it very strange how the reviews on these sites are either 1 star terrible or 5 star fantastic, quite fishy that……it’s almost as if someone deliberately put lots of 5 star reviews in a desperate attempt to try and balance out all the terrible (genuine) ones? That would be... (read more)Was this review helpful? Yes
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3
people found
this helpful.
by 'Mr Herman' 6/3/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all the staff at Atlantis properties for all of their help in finding me a flat. I visited their office on saturday, and by monday they had found me the perfect place. They really understood my requirements, and made the extra effort to meet them. Since securing the flat, everything has progressed very smoothly, and I am looking forward to signing the contract in the next few days. I would definitely recommend Atlantis as an extremely professional and reliable lettings agency. I am very happy.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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3
people found
this helpful.
by 'Foxy' 5/3/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Sales (as a Vendor)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
After a slow start it was then suggested that we put a 'FOR SALE' board outside the house and things then took off. Gareth found three potential buyers each with their own financial offerings. The first family made enquiries to the Local Council for Outline Planning consent, the second buyer offered less than we needed in order to proceed, the third buyer had a choice of two houses to sell in order to purchase our property but as they were not yet being marketed, they requested that we take our property off the market in order they could still buy ours when one of those was sold. The first... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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4
people found
this helpful.
by 'JRone' 28/2/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
I was very impressed with the level of professionalism I received whilst dealing with Atlantis whilst they found me a property to let in Reading. I found the staff to be very helpful and informative regarding the property market and they went above and beyond the call of duty to find me the right property. The staff were very good in keeping me up to date with all the proceedings and found them extremely helpful. I would recommend Atlantis to someone looking for a rental property in Reading.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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4
people found
this helpful.
by 'Scorpio' 20/2/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
Just rented through Atlantis and must say they were fantastic and helped me no end. Always there to help with any question I had and got me moved in to my new place in 10 days with no stress at all. Will be definitely recommending them to my friends!
Was this review helpful? Yes
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5
people found
this helpful.
by 'Adnan' 15/2/2012
- Branch:
- 2324 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (Prospective customer)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
I e-mailed my detailed property rental requirements which I thought would be difficult to satisfy however I got a very reassuring and prompt phone message back from Atlantis. I booked a viewing and was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the place and they were very convivial and informative, attending to all my personal circumstances such as wishing to move in 6 weeks in the future and having been out of the UK for seven years worried about credit references etc. On return to the office, Atlantis helped me with the finer details about a contract and service that was needed for me to obtain a spousal visa for my wife to come and join me. As I'm new to the area and been out of the UK, they were very helpful with practical advice. I've been lucky to have had good experience with estate agents in the past but this was really beyond any expectations. There was only help and no rush
Was this review helpful? Yes
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7
people found
this helpful.
by 'R Steer' 13/2/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
I contacted Atlantis Property Services to view a flat in Reading which turned out to be not suitable for my needs, but as part of my viewing I asked James from Atlantis if he had any other suitable rental properties. He explained the details of another property and we immediately drove to his office to get the keys to show me round, which given my tight schedule was much appreciated. I loved the property and went back for a second viewing 3 days later and subsequently made an offer that morning. This was on the Monday and thanks to the fast and efficent service I received from Atlantis I had moved in by the Saturday. I have needed to contact Atlantis again with regard to a problem with an alarm and they ensured a contractor was on site to speedily to resolve the issue. It is my first rental property and I found the whole experience seamless, transparent and managed in a thoroughly professional manner.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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6
people found
this helpful.
by 'lego' 12/2/2012
- Branch:
- 2324 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
thank you atlantis for helping me find a property in reading. you were all so helpfull so i am very gratefull, i have read some of the reviews on here and find it very hard to believe as i have had no issues and the fees are pretty much standard accross reading. So i would like to say thank you
Was this review helpful? Yes
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7
people found
this helpful.
by 'Happy' 11/2/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
Simply marvellous Super efficient. Great service. If anything went wrong in the flat it was fixed within a couple of days. Very polite, very friendly. Got deposit back no problem. Very reasonable fees. Recommended.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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7
people found
this helpful.
by 'Bexii' 9/2/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
My personal experience with Atlantis has been exeptional. The guys on the lettings team are great always friendly full of charm and charisma which makes them a pleasure to deal with. They are people you can actually have a conversation with rather than other agents who just think money and let let let. They didn't make me feel like I had to take the first property I viewed they helped me find somewhere that matched all my requirements rather than somewhere that was just ok. They have a quick turnaround and the fees are in line with their biggest competitors.
Overall I think they are a great agency I would definately recommend them and use them again.Was this review helpful? Yes
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5
people found
this helpful.
by 'HaPpY' 8/2/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
Atlantis are the best letting agents I have dealt with in Reading. After some terrible experiences with several other agents in the area it has been refreshing to find one that has delivered consistently to a high standard.
The property has been well maintained, and any repairs have been carried out in a reasonable timeframe when required.
I would absolutely recommend Atlantis to anyone looking for an apartment in the Reading area. They have all been excellent and have always gone out of their way to deliver the best service possible, and I look forward to staying with them for a long time to come.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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5
people found
this helpful.
by 'DeeLove' 8/2/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
While looking for an apartment to rent within Reading, I contacted at least 10 different agents but I must confess that Atlantis is simply wonderful in their professional dealings and I can always recommend them to my friends.
The agent is blessed with highly skilled and pleasant professionals who are always on grand to help and they are very fast in their dealings. They have absolute respect for their customers and they are very particular about customer satisfactions.
With the help of Atlantis staff most especially Mathew L'Estrange, my movement into my new apartment was easy, fast and itch free.
I will like to say a big thank you to management and staff of Atlantis Company.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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11
people found
this helpful.
by 'AVOID ATLANTIS!!!' 6/2/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Staff Member
- Charlene Jones other rude idiots
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
NEVER EVER rent with this agent, avoid like the plague!!!!!
I’ve rented the flat in Central Reading for over two years now. The service has always been deficient and every time I contacted them I dealt with a different person. There was little to none acknowledgement to e-mails and phone calls.
Visits were scheduled with the wrong dates and the agent would just appear on the door whenever they felt like. During the visits I would tell them about the different issues with the flat (smells coming to the airing cupboard, mould, broken washing machine) and they were never followed up... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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7
people found
this helpful.
by 'Jason' 5/2/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Incredibly unprofessional approach. Individual tasked with finalising deposit and handing over keys was rude, clueless, sarcastic and just plain obnoxious - in addition they had no sense of her own ineptitude and clearly thought they were fantastic at their job, making their rudeness all the more unbearable - .all of this before we prepared to hand over £000's in deposits and fees. Fees included c.£200 for 'credit checks' which is simply absurd given they can be done for free and are often done for free by e.g banks and companies offering finance leases. We were only told about further... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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9
people found
this helpful.
by 'Mr Bloggs' 1/2/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (Prospective customer)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
The most Vile little company I have ever had the displeasure in meeting. Con artists spring to mind. Horrendous company. Lots of court proceedures against them. DO NOT touch them with a barge pole.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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11
people found
this helpful.
by 'SS' 30/1/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
ATLANTIS - A BUNCH OF WHITE COLLARED, UNPROFESSIONAL THUGS !!!
Hi Guys. If your google search has brought you here, chances are very high you are absolutely pissed off with this agency. That's true. Do NOT ( I stress, DO NOT) go for a Property-Let managed by Atlantis.
I have always rented and that too across the length of England and never ever have I seen a tenancy contract of the nature that these people make you sign. Take my word, you will get caught in a cobweb of extreme contractual clauses as a tenant ; those that are gauranteed to rip you off money, whether you are moving in or... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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5
people found
this helpful.
by 'lou85' 29/1/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
I would like to thank the team at Atlantis for all their help in finding me my first flat. They were very helpful and really made an effort to find me a place suited to my requirements. I found an ideal flat in no time at all and found everyone I dealt with to be friendly and professional, which put me at ease throughout the process. I will definitely be recommending them to family and friends.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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9
people found
this helpful.
by 'D, London' 26/1/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
My boyfriend and I rented a flat in Reading from Atlantis. They were adequate in terms of viewings i.e. they were what you would expect from estate agents - flash, vacuous, lazy, thick. Nevertheless, one of the flats they showed us had not been checked and we found the toilet in the most almightily dreadful state - excrement everywhere.
But that's just an aside. The main thing is a warning about charges. I note on this site that all the five star reviews seem to be from landlords, the one star reviews from tenants. IF YOU CAN AVOID IT, TENANTS, DO NOT RENT FROM ATLANTIS.
I have rented... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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4
people found
this helpful.
by 'elaine' 15/1/2012
- Branch:
- 23/24 Market Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
wouldnt use these again. waiting for deposit back is a nightmare beware of this when renting!
Was this review helpful? Yes
 have the same opinion of this 'estate agent'. I honestly think they would be better suited to being loan sharks./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/23406/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/23406/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 market. We found such services to be rigid with their approach and terms, impersonal (this was an emotive sale due to bereavement), these services seemed all- too- confident that they would secure the marketing and sale of the property regardless of their impersonal approach.
We hence asked around. We were directed towards Atlantis Properties Services by a family friend who had been very impressed with the service received following a quick and successful sale.
We found Atlantis Property Services to be of superior Service Quality from our first contact.
Welcoming, non-pushy, personable, non-complacent and offering a highly skilled approach. Their valuation was fair but not driven for a 'quick sale' and 'quick commission' as with the other Agents. They did not overpromise and underdeliver. Nevertheless, their photos and description complimented the property perfectly, attracting multiple viewings immediately.
The property had been advertised on national websites and by the first weekend Atlantis had arranged serious multiple viewings with care. We received close feedback at from each viewing, their follow up discussions were diplomatic and skilled, their opinion and recommendations were sensitively-placed and an offer was secured within one week. They sensitively, but expertly, managed the interface between vendor and purchaser with excellent communication between both parties, as well as legal teams, throughout. Flexibility seems to be their mantra. They clearly looked after the demands of the purchaser in terms of further viewing needs.
James and Gareth, with impressively efficient administrative support, offered a valued excellent service.
I strongly recommend their Service to anybody in the Reading area who has a property to sell but wants a sensitive, professional, skilled and highly effective service for both parties. They certainly earned every penny of their commission and left new owner and vendor very satisfied.
Other agents in Reading beware - this is a company deserving of its custom./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/22612/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/22612/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
, buyer, tenants, two sets of solicitors and Atlantis, Gareth was seriously excellent at keeping all parties up to date and the sale moving forward. Verdict on Gareth: committed, responsive, energetic. He made it happen. Thank you./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/22343/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/22343/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
, claiming that they are not able to get hold of the landlord, who lives overseas. When we were leaving the property, they gave an old version of the inventory check (not the one we returned to them), which was very out of date as the landlord added and removed items from the flat, which left us with a £400 deduction from the deposit, that the landlord did not agree to return. The second flat was managed by the landlord. Despite the fact that we agreed with the landlord before we evacuated on the discounted amount, it took them more than 2 months to return the deposit. They have the most unfriendly and unprofessional staff, with a receptionist trained to answer 6 phone calls at the same time and puts them all on hold! Terrible and frustrating experience!/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/22327/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/22327/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 ones? That would be why Atlantis are yet to join the “transparent agent” scheme then…
Signing a contract with Atlantis genuinely made me feel like I was at the mercy of an extortion racket hiding behind the shiny façade of a property agency. Without trying to sound over-dramatic Atlantis is such a bad operation they can impact your health and wellbeing. The last thing you need in this economic climate is to be bound by contract to a Company that offers you an abysmal service while charging you fees for anything they can get away with.
I have rented through various Private and Commercial landlords in my time and have always left with positive references and a good relationship with previous landlords.
To their credit, Atlantis has one of the largest ranges of properties available to rent in Reading and a good-looking website. They have lots of shiny adverts in the local paper and on large billboards around the town. Atlantis obviously spends a lot on marketing, unfortunately beneath this polished exterior the positives end and the tidal wave of negatives commence…
Atlantis didn’t inform us the property we were renting was for sale until we were signing the forms by which point it was too late to back-out without having major consequences. Living in our property was like maintaining a show home, with estate agents dropping by unannounced and leaving lights on, locks unsecured etc.
Unforgivably, following our flat being burgled on a Friday, the smashed outside window was not secured and replaced until the following Wednesday. It left us and our belongings vulnerable for days despite many calls and broken promises from Atlantis and their contractors. The Atlantis 24/7 emergency maintenance cover is a joke, if you call the number you just get a warning that you will be fined a large amount if they don’t deem your call an emergency, once you finally get through to someone they just sound unprepared for anything productive and fob you off give you false promises.
Due to their error we were sent a bill in relation to an unpaid contract renewal fee charge which Atlantis had originally agreed to waiver since we were without hot water for over a month. Extra charges were then added on top of this bogus fee for a number of warning letters they had apparently sent; each with a fee charged of £25 each. These warning letters were never received and they were sent by Atlantis with standard post with no proof of delivery. It took hours of phone calls, emails and a visit to the office to clear up their own mistake. Nothing faintly resembling an apology was offered and in the end they gave us the impression they were doing us a favour by letting us off these fantasy charges.
Atlantis has a whole list of completely unreasonable fees buried into the contract, fees to renew contracts, fees for repairs admin, fees to release deposit. Basically Atlantis will suck you dry for as many fees as possible at every opportunity: the process of trying to dispute anything seems to be deliberately made into a farce. It’s very hard to speak to anyone with seniority on the phone, reception will nearly always put you through to voicemail, and then messages are NEVER returned.
The turnover of staff seems to be unusually high; trying to get hold of the same person you were speaking to a few weeks previous was very hard. People with morals and integrity probably realise quite quickly they may be working for an unscrupulous company and jump ship.
The Maintenance department are extremely random in their assessment of priority jobs and the timescales they give for completion; it took almost two weeks once for them to call back in regards to a blocked toilet! Most of the time it’s easier and safer to do it yourself.
The website proudly displays the logos of various organisations that are meant to safeguard tenants against dodgy landlords. I am disappointed with the TDS, the ARLA and the Property Ombudsman. The fact that Atlantis is using these logos on their website as a sign of trust makes a mockery of the industry. I am going to approach each of these organisations and ask them how they can support a company which can do so much harm to so many people and still freely operate with their support. It seems these organisations must have little teeth and that the whole industry needs tighter independent monitoring controls to specifically deal with the companies like Atlantis.
Mr Andrew Strong, Managing Director and PR specialist of Atlantis: the tired, generic email responses you trundle out for the negative comments on here are just another example of the fact you couldn’t care less about the failings of your company, at least attempt a little variation in your responses. I understand your job must be like putting lipstick on a pig but why not just pretend to care. The line below from your generic response particularly amuses me.
“I can at least try to ensure that your experience does not get repeated with any other individual using our company.”
-Andrew, if you read all the genuine reviews on here (1 star or less) you shall see that they all describe the same negative experiences within your company going back years. i.e Ridiculous fees, lack of communication, incompetence, rudeness etc. You had your chance to rectify the situation and failed miserably, the only thing left to do is for victims of Atlantis to speak out in order to prevent people going through the same ordeal.
May I suggest you consider ceasing trading as a Property services company and try an industry more suited to your skill set, for instance Debt Collection?/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/20455/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/20455/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 and they were never followed up upon despite several e-mails sent to whoever happened to be checking the property – except the problem with the washing machine which was thank god solved after hassling atlantis for months!-
They also failed to provide me with a key to the bicycles shed (which I had been asking for to Charlene Jones, the property manager) that resulted in my £400 bike to be stolen. I informed them what happened but they obviously gave a shit, didn’t even apologize for their shitty service and only gave me the key a month afterwards.
Despite all that I decided to give them a second chance.
My other half and I have decided to move in together and thought it would be easy to try to get a property through Atlantis to rent, after all we are both very busy to start looking around. I setup a viewing with two idiots called Matt. One was Matt L’estrange and the other Matt Watkins; after being late to the viewing for 15 minutes I called them and I got Matt L’Estrange on the phone saying he didn’t leave the office yet because he assumed I would be late…. What kind of arrogant arsey twit says a thing like that?
After that I decided they were indeed a bunch of useless idiots regardless the type of service I wanted and that was the end of it.
I have now found a new property and I’m scared shitless of what is going to cost me leaving them.
NEVER EVER rent with this agent, avoid like the plague!!!!!/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/18628/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/18628/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/18575/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/18575/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 go for a Property-Let managed by Atlantis.
I have always rented and that too across the length of England and never ever have I seen a tenancy contract of the nature that these people make you sign. Take my word, you will get caught in a cobweb of extreme contractual clauses as a tenant ; those that are gauranteed to rip you off money, whether you are moving in or moving out. It's a nightmare!! They are thugs who are winning their daily bread by exploiting the tenants and siphoning money out of them. Have a look at your contract document if you already have one. Else, ask for one and make sure you have read and assimilated all its clauses, before you sign it. And please, you know what the "£" or "GBP" means? Open your eyes and look for it !!
Services wise, they are worst. They never respond to any calls promptly and will give you dates of repair 4-6 weeks ahead, which will eventually never happen. They will schedule a quarterly visit and then sneak into the property without even waiting for 10 seconds at the door. Imagine your plight if you are alone and taking a bath (that too in a bathroom with a broken latch which the agency itself hasn't got fixed after repeated requests). They will be the first to point of slightest inconsistency they notice during their quarterly visit, but will never respond to a genuine issue that you flag with them. They mis-sell. The property I moved in was advertised as fully furnished, but had very little in it. Eventually, I bought the major missing items. But, I could do that, because I could. Their property agents don't bother to familiarise with the property inventory and will call everything as part of property, even if it belongs to the poor tenant living there !! Unbelievable !!
The story and my experience with these people is endless. It only brought disappointment and trouble to us./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/18286/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/18286/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
, they charged us an extra £400 for admin and all other kinds of rubbish. We needed a flat quickly so hadn't time to quibble. I then had no ongoing relationship with Atlantis as they played no management role. I dealt directly with my landlord, who was a lovely guy.
A year after we had been there we had a letter through saying that we had to pay £89 to Atlantis to renegotiate our contract. I negotiated directly with my landlord instead. When we left the property, I dealt with my landlord directly. He did the finalisation of the tenancy, checked inventory, took back the keys etc. Atlantis did NOTHING.
The only thing I did through them was to ask for my deposit back as they held it. I received it £200 short of what I had put in. They had charged me £89 for going a month beyond the year I had signed up for, in spite of my having renegotiated with my landlord, who they claimed to be representing. He supported my case. They then charged something like a £120 finalisation fee. I challenged it and they rather smugly said 'you signed the contract'.
They are complete shysters and I would encourage tenants not to go through them if they can avoid it./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/18126/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/18126/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
