Atlantis Property Services Ltd
Customer Reviews
Reviewed by Pills on 23rd June 2008
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
No
Atlantis Property Services Ltd are an appalling company whose main aim is to make as much money as they can by swindling tenants.
I was a tenant (first time renting) with Atlantis for 2 years and found them to be very unprofessional, unreliable and unavailable. Even the landlord found they were unhelpful and delivered a poor service. It was easier on both parties to contact the landlord directly, than wait for Atlantis to pull their finger out and do something. And on the rare occasion they responded to a fault/issue, they would somehow add on an a “hidden” cost.
I highly suggest you avoid this company at all costs. There are many good letting companies in Reading (currently still renting), who answer the phone, deal with your issues in a professional manner and do not steal your money.
Reviewed by Mr A on 23rd June 2008
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
Yes
One star is one too many in my opinion. Businesses like this continue to make money out of fleecing the young and old of this country. Make a difference just dont use them. There are plenty of quality comapnies in Reading notably Haslams. They offer Service and Value which are two things that you could never dream of receiving from Atlantis.
Now clearly looking at these reviews there are some people who think Atlanstis are a 5 stars great company, those people clearly currently have jobs there! Another sign of Atlantis anything goes tactics!
I would say this all to Atlantis but then I would have to repeat it all again to a new employee the next day as their Staff turnover must be near on 100%.
Andew thank you in advance for your automated concern message its really sincere.
Commented by jay on the 23rd June 2008
At least Andrew shows his concerns and tries to do something about it. And you could have been more specific and say why you rate Atlantis so low.
Commented by Mr A on the 23rd June 2008
Okay let me see... I had to deal with about 10 different people who kept telling me different reasons about why I hadn't received my deposit back yet after I had been told that I was due back several hundred pounds, never did get it back I gave up in the end, one of those people was Andrew. I frequently had to deal with the Landlord directly as it never was resolved if I contacted Atlantis. I lived with a hole in my Living room ceiling for months and John Sykes failed to follow through on his words, all this is off the top of my head I'm sure there is more.
Reviewed by GV on 18th June 2008
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
No
Atlantis I have to say were terrible from start to finish. Customer service was awful and the rate of staff turnover meant that every time you rang them to query something you were put through to a new member of staff, meaning having to repeat yourself several times over. John Sykes was also very unprofessional in his etiquette having been called to meet with us to resolve an issue and then not following up on his statement of intent to resolve the issue.
I would strongly recommend anyone considering using Atlantis to stay WELL CLEAR as I have since used severel other companies - John Mortimer, Parkers etc, who have provided a stellar service in comparison. It really is best that people know how bad Atlantis are.
Commented by Andrew Strong on the 21st June 2008
Dear GV,
I was very concerned to read your comments placed on this website.
Perhaps you could call me on my direct dial, 0118 955 7001 to discuss matters further so we can resolve your issues.
Andrew Strong
Managing Director
Atlantis Property Services Ltd
Reviewed by Thetenant on 3rd June 2008
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
No
I have had a terrible experience with Atlantis, on several occasions letting agents have brought viewers around without appointments, and they are unwilling to schedule appointments which are convenient to both parties. On the one occasion I attempted to rearrange an appointment because the time was inconvenient I was brow beaten and threatened with a £50 charge- an unfair clause in the tenancy agreement which is not enforceable by law.
On several occasions they have breached the ARLA code of practise- I was left without electricity for a total of 12 days during the winter. heating for 18 days and informed that this wasn't a sufficient level of emergency for them to treat with any priority. In the end I had to contact the landlord myself to arrange for a new heater. A clear breach of their professional responsibilities as landlords.
I have returned to the residence on several occasions after the letting agents have shown viewers around to find that the lights have been left on and the doors not properly secured with both locks. On one occasion an electric heater was used by a repair man and left on using my electricity, which I only discovered after I returned to my flat after time away,
I have called on several occasions to report an infestation of ladybirds- something which the company has done nothing about- and my concerns that a nest of wasps outside a window were entering my property- another concern which they failed to contact me about. I am just willing for my tenancy to end and intend to report them to ARLA for misconduct.
Commented by Andrew Strong on the 10th June 2008
Dear Thetenant,
I was very concerned to read your comments placed on this website.
Perhaps you could call me on my direct dial, 0118 955 7001 to discuss matters further so we can resolve your issues.
Andrew Strong
Managing Director
Atlantis Property Services Ltd
Commented by Thetenant on the 12th June 2008
Unfortunately Andrew I have been making these complaints to your representatives in the Reading office for four months now with no resolution. I have been called difficult and shouted at down the phone because your agents are incapable of sending out correct appointment times, none of my concerns have been remedied when I have gone through all the correct channels for FOUR MONTHS and it saddens me that I have had to make a complaint on a website to generate any interest from those in charge of the company. Nothing will stop me making a full complaint to ARLA about the ways the company has breached their code of practise- and a copy of this complain will be forwarded to you, though I will also be happy to call and discuss my concerns.
Commented by Andrew Strong on the 17th June 2008
Thank you for the updated comment.
Before the complaint can be taken to ARLA or indeed any of the other professional bodies you will need to follow our internal complaints procedure which will mean that a final viewpoint and investigation will need to be made by myself.
I would very much appreciate the opportunity of discussing this matter with you but until I know your name / property address this is not possible.
Kind regards,
Andrew Strong
Managing Director
Atlantis Property Services Ltd
Commented by Thetenant on the 18th June 2008
Mr Strong, I have contacted you three times in three days, leaving a message on your answer machine each time. The only time you have attempted to contact me was by phone at a time which I explicitly stated that I would not be available. I appreciate that you are keen to resolve this matter, so perhaps it would be prudent to contact me by email or outside of my work hours.
Commented by Andrew Strong on the 21st June 2008
Dear Thetenant,
Thank you for your comment. I'm afraid it has been a little difficult over the past week to contact you after 4pm in the afternoon as I have been out of the office on appointments for the majority of the time.
I hope that you have not received a copy of our internal complaints procedure and I am keen to resolve the problems that you currently have.
I understand that you are moving out of the property today and perhaps you may like to contact me on my mobile phone at a time convenient to you, 07894 683 805.
Andrew Strong
Managing Director
Atlantis Property Services Ltd
Reviewed by Mr S on 10th May 2008
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
No
I must say, I have to agree with ghuss1, jml and Jo Taylor.
1. They also fleeced me from the start, being a beginner at all this tenancy business, they gave me an agreement that had a break clause (cost £180) which was pointless because I'll still have to pay rent for until the end of the contract.
2. Their customer service is absolutely rubbish. You call their headquarters and they redirect you all over the country just to find the person you want to talk too. Most of the time they are unavailable due to being on "lunch break" or "in a meeting".
3. Do NOT be deceived by their glossy image. Their agents drives BMW's and Mini Coopers and are very arrogant. I was looking for another property, unfortunately with Atlantis. When I arranged a viewing with them, I'd only got into the house for 2 mins and was questioned about my income. They suggested to end the viewing there because they assumed I wasn't able to get the money quick enough...
Also, right now after reading some of these comments I am very afraid that I won't get my full deposit back: they'll find ways to squeeze money out of me as I'm certain they have deceived many people!
Note: seems like those people who gave this agent good reviews were paid to do so. If you notice the time gap between these reviews... doesn't it seem a bit odd?
Don't go with these agents, they'll will cheat you for every penny you got.
Commented by Andrew Strong on the 14th May 2008
Dear Mr S,
I was very concerned to read your comments placed on this website.
Perhaps you could call me on my direct dial, 0118 955 7001 to discuss matters further so we can resolve your issues.
Andrew Strong
Managing Director
Atlantis Property Services Ltd
Commented by Mr S on the 14th May 2008
I am very glad I got a quick response from the Managing Director himself in regards to my negative comment. He was very helpful and understand. A true professional. He advised me very clearly on the procedures of ending my agreement early with reduced hassle, which I'm very happy about.
Hopefully, I'll be able to move out soon and I'll update this review in future.
Reviewed by Peter on 23rd January 2008
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
Yes
I was a tenant of Atlantis and found them to be excellent in all respects. They were always available to help with any issues from explaining the legalities of letting to sorting out maintenance issues promptly. I was so impressed with Atlantis that when I decided to jump on the property ladder I purchased my current home through Atlantis and again was very impressed with they proactive and professional informative service. They are true professionals and I believe they are the most honourably agency in Reading.
Commented by paranoidandroid on the 3rd June 2008
Dare I suggest that Peter, Rob and Norman's reviews so close together in date, lacking the use of cybernames and repeating the same doggerel are linked?
Reviewed by Rob on 22nd January 2008
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
Yes
Having rented two properties through this agency I was surprised to read some of the other comments made. The agent has always been professional, responsive and fair in all of my dealings with them over the past 4 years.
I would strongly recommend them as many of the other agents in Reading do not meet Atlantis's high standards.
Reviewed by Norman on 21st January 2008
Services: Lettings (as a Landlord)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
Yes
Atlantis are a truly professional company, top class service and customer care. Every time I let one of my propertys its so easy. I highly recomend them. Well done Atlantis, keep up the good work.
Reviewed by Marie on 1st January 2008
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
Yes
My boiler stopped working over xmas and so I contacted their emergency number. I was amazed that they were able to send a plumber that night. I have never known this service from any other agent that I have let from in the past. My family and I are extremely grateful, thank you Atlantis.
Reviewed by Anong on 18th December 2007
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
Yes
I rented a property through Atlantis for 9 months and all my dealings with the company were professional, fast and pleasant. I would definately use them again.
Reviewed by ghuss1 on 8th December 2007
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
No
Oh my god... I will never use these thieves ever again. They fleeced me from start to finish & took £150 from my deposit when I moved out because there were 'slight indentations' in the cheap laminate floor. I would be interested in taking action against these idiots via a formal complaint to ARLA - if anyone else is interested in joining me(?)
Reviewed by jml on 17th July 2007
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
No
Poor customer service, at taking every opportunity to fleece tenants. Upon finally escaping a contract with Atlantis - they still charge £25+VAT to provide a reference to my next letting agent! In many years of renting I've never experienced this before - scandalous!
Reviewed by Jo Taylor on 30th May 2007
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
No
Avoid this company at all costs
Do not be fooled by their glossy image, in my opinion they are the worst agency in Reading, perhaps the UK.
In my personal experience, Atlantis appear to deliberately deceive to get as much money as they can - this will involve hundreds of pounds.
My advice is: be prepared to go to court to get your deposit back, and if you disagree with their penalty charges.
Reviewed by alison on 21st May 2007
Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
No
Atlantis are ruthless. They took weeks to respond to complaints, charged for water charges that were meant to be inclusive, had to be chased regarding the return of the deposit and then took money off me for 'general dilapidation' which they did not explain to me.
Reviewed by joice on 21st September 2006
Services: Lettings (Prospective customer)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?
No
I arranged a viewing a few days in advance and left work earlier just to get a phone call from Atlantis telling me that the property I was about to see had been let. This happened three times. They could have let me know as soon as the property got a new tenant, not when the viewing came up in agent's calendar.
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Atlantis Property Services Ltd
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Commented by Andrew Strong on the 30th June 2008
Dear Pills,
I was very concerned to read your comments placed on this website.
Perhaps you could call me on my direct dial, 0118 955 7001 to discuss matters further so we can resolve the issue surrouding your deposit. If there is a deposit to return I will certainly deal with this immediately.
Andrew Strong
Managing Director
Atlantis Property Services Ltd
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