Countrywide Residential Lettings
based on 90 ratings. This website contains 88 user reviews of Countrywide Residential Lettings.
Agent Information
Countrywide Residential Lettings
Description of Countrywide Residential Lettings is currently unavailable.
Offices / Branches
- Bath - 4 Princes Building George Street, Avon
- Birmingham - 3a Station Approach Dorridge, Solihull,
- Blackburn - 13 Preston New Road, Lancashire
- Blackpool - 32-36 Topping Street, Lancashire
- Bolton - 70 Bradshawgate, Greater Manchester
- Bournemouth - 113 Old Christchurch Road, Hampshire
- Bradford - 1-2 Arndale Centre Market Street, West Yorkshire
- Brighton - 9 Queens Road, Brighton and Hove
- Brighton - 20/22 Gloucester Place, Brighton and Hove
- Brighton - 20 Church Road, Hove,
- Bristol - 33 Badminton Road, Downend,
- Bristol - 108 Whiteladies Road, North Somerset
- Bristol - 16 High Street, Thornbury,
- Bristol - 28 The Mall, North Somerset
- Bromley - 4 West Approach Petts Wood, Orpington,
- Bromley - 30 High Street, Greater London
- Canterbury - 79 Castle Street, Kent ,
- Chelmsford - 17 Duke Street, Essex
- Chelmsford - Estate House 108 High Street, Billericay,
- Chester - 27 Pensby Road, Heswall,
- Chester - The Cross, Cheshire
- Coventry - 161 New Union Street, West Midlands
- Coventry - 24 Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon,
- Coventry - 149/151 New Union Street, West Midlands
- Croydon - 28 Norfolk House George Street, Highlands
- Darlington - 25 Skinnergate, County Durham
- Darlington - 75/76 High Street, Northallerton,
- Derby - 8a Market Place, Derbyshire
- Doncaster - 26 Hallgate, South Yorkshire
- Durham - 15 Elvet Bridge, County Durham
- Exeter - 12-13 South Street, Devon
- Gloucester - 3 Ormond Terrace Regent Street, Cheltenham,
- Guildford - 177-179 Fleet Road, Fleet,
- Guildford - 59 High Street, Alton,
- Guildford - 172 High Street, Surrey
- Guildford - Alliance House 1 West Street, Farnham,
- Harrogate - 16 Albert Street, North Yorkshire
- Kingston Upon Thames - 42 High Street, Esher,
- Kingston Upon Thames - 1 High Street, Epsom,
- Kingston Upon Thames - 2 Holly Parade, Cobham,
- Kingston Upon Thames - 9 Baker Street, Weybridge,
- Kingston Upon Thames - 13-15 Richmond Road, Kingston upon Thames,
- Lancaster - 67-71 Market Street, Lancashire
- Leamington Spa - 1 Euston Place, Warwickshire
- Leicester - 44a Church Gate, Loughborough,
- Leicester - 48 Granby Street, Leicestershire
- Liverpool - 26 Central Square, Maghull,
- Liverpool - 20 Allerton Road, Merseyside
- London - 142 The Grove Stratford, Waltham Forest,
- London - 760 Leabridge Road Walthamstow, Waltham Forest,
- Manchester - 98 Barlow Moor Road Didsbury, Greater Manchester
- Medway - 36 Earl Street, Maidstone,
- Medway - 93 High Street, Sittingbourne,
- Milton Keynes - 58 St Loyes Street, Bedford,
- Newcastle upon Tyne - 92 Grey Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne,
- Newcastle upon Tyne - 121 St GEorge Terrace Jesmond, Tyne and Wear
- Newcastle upon Tyne - Unit Z First Floor The Galleries, Washington,
- Nottingham - 65/66 Long Row, Nottinghamshire
- Nottingham - 75 Westgate, Mansfield,
- Oxford - 18 Bath Street, Abingdon,
- Oxford - 14 Market Square, Bicester,
- Oxford - 12/13 St Clements, Oxfordshire
- Peterborough - 1 Queens Street, Cambridgeshire
- Peterborough - Bank Chambers Tuesday Market Place, Kings Lynn,
- Plymouth - Estate House 1 Market Street, St Austell,
- Plymouth - Hyde Park House Mutley Plain, Devon
- Portsmouth - 30 High Street, Newport (IOW),
- Portsmouth - 127 London Road North End, Hampshire
- Portsmouth - 127 London Road North End, Hampshire
- Portsmouth - 5 Clarendon Road Southsea, Hampshire
- Portsmouth - 9 High Street, Ryde,
- Portsmouth - 35 North Street, Chichester,
- Preston - 1 Winkley Street, Lancashire
- Reading - The old Post pffice 17/18 New Street, Bracknell,
- Reading - 16 Bridge Street Caversham, Oxfordshire
- Redhill - Richmond House Carfax, West Sussex,
- Redhill - 45 High Street, Crawley,
- Redhill - 6 Church Street, Reigate,
- Slough - 34 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross,
- Southampton - 26 London Road, Hampshire
- Southampton - 38 Portsmouth Road Woolston, Hampshire
- Southend on Sea - 21 Clifftown Road, Essex
- Stevenage - 29 Market Square, Biggleswade,
- Stockport - 17 Woodford Road Bramhall, Bramhall,
- Stoke on Trent - 54 Merrial Street, Newcastle under Lyme,
- Stoke on Trent - Bank House Greengate Street, Stafford,
- Sutton - 54 High Street, Surrey
- Swindon - 115/118 Commercial Road, Gloucestershire
- Swindon - 14 Market Place, Chippenham,
- Taunton - 14 High Street, Somerset
- Teeside - 127 Albert Road, Middlesbrough,
- Tonbridge - 5 Kings Parade High Street, Ashford,
- Truro - 114 Kenwyn Street, Cornwall
- Walsall - 131 Lichfield Street, West Midlands
- Warrington - 66-70 London Road Stockton Heath, Cheshire
- Watford - 10 Faircross House, Hertfordshire
- Watford - 10 Faircross House 116 The Parade, Hertfordshire
- Windsor - 8 High Street, Berkshire
- Worcester - 21 Vine Street, Evesham,
- Worthing - 33 South Street, West Sussex
- York - 37 Micklegate, Yorkshire
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Customer Reviews (Page 0 of 3)
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by 'dillon' 7/2/2012
- Branch:
- 114 Kenwyn Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
They are absolutely awful- we have had two instances of tenants not paying rent, having to take them to court- the worst thing is the agency just does not reply to emails or phone calls... we are compleetly at their mercy as we're in Australia.... DO NOT USE THEM if you are a landlord...
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Not Very Happy! .com!' 1/2/2012
- Branch:
- 1 Winkley Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
:-( Never ever go with this company!!! I have had tiles coming off behind my sink taps in my bathroom for near 2 years!! (Since I moved in) With a little 2 year old.... not a goood idea!!! Now trying to say I owe them money for my rent??? No idea! And have contacted my guarantor saying that I owe last months rent...... that has been payed????!!!
Never ever again will I use Courtwide lettings after this experience!!!
I have already had one flat from hell with them but thought they may have sorted themselfs out!! Obviously not!
Never ever again!! Ever again!.....
Be very aware!!!Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'dantw' 31/1/2012
- Branch:
- 21 Clifftown Road
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
countrywide what can i say.
since november they have threatened to change my locks, have phoned me demanding money, sent numerous letters and are now taking me court for unpaid rent.
the best part is they cant spell my name, and even better I DONT HAVE a tenancy agreement with them, and my landlord has no idea either.good business just charge random people rent for a house that you have nothing to do with.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'angrytenant' 24/1/2012
- Branch:
- 131 Lichfield Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Beyond Disappointing...
1. Countrywide has some of the highest agent admin fees around to get into a rental property. Expect to spend serious £ £ £ .
2. There is no month to month rolling allowed at the end of our 12 month contract. This has been a nightmare for us as we are trying to buy a house while avoiding another costly contract.
3. Expect your annual lease renewal fees to double (ours went from £ 80 to £120 in 1 year). This is what they charge to print out and send last year's lease with a new date on it. Can you please justify this cost?
4. Our upstairs tap... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Frank Smith' 19/1/2012
- Branch:
- 75 Westgate
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Please do not use this agency or Frank Innes who acts as the letting agent, just read other reviews and you will see why.
I have a list so long of complaints ,and they have ignored my emails. If anyone has an email or telephone number e of the Company Director or General manager I would be most grateful as these incompetent, unprofessional managers do not care, and there does not seem to be a complaint procedure to report situations to so this will carry on being a bad firm.Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'ooshelley' 13/12/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY: COUNTRYWIDE, AUSTIN & WYATT & MANN & CO are the same company.
My husband & I rented our flat out (with Kivells very a good agency!) & rented a house through countrywide when we were expecting our first child. Their incompetence is outstanding how they get away with it I do not know. I had water dripping down from the loft I rang them & 3 days later some1 came & took photos. They then sent a plumber about another week later after several heated phone calls who said he fixed the leak we went away for 4 days & when we came home the... (read more)Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Darren' 6/12/2011
- Branch:
- 113 Old Christchurch Road
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
As a tenant, and a customer the service I received was the worst I have ever had from any company. Basic repairs were not carried out for months, such that we could not even lock the doors or flush one of the toilets; the direct debit instruction was sent twice and came out of my bank account twice, yet I received no apology and was told to sort it out with the bank; and in breach of contract they changed the utility company we used and again no apology was given, with the branch simply blaming Head Office. The final inventory was completely different to the discussions had with the inventory clerk, whilst the I had at least two pages of amendments to the original inventory. It was an absolute nightmare and I would recommend any prospective tenant thinks three times before using them as they are the landlord's friend!
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Laura' 1/12/2011
- Branch:
- 28 Norfolk House George Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
This agency is abysmal. My friend and I rent a property through one of their agents, King and Chasemore, based in Crawley, West Sussex. They are unwilling to help, never return our phone calls and generally treat us with disdain whenever we do contact them, whether the matter is regarding an issue with the property or if we simply require information from them. They are the most discourteous people I have ever come across, and their customer service skills are practically non-existent.
We have had several issues with the property, the main one being that for four months during 2009 we had... (read more)Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Belinda' 27/11/2011
- Branch:
- 9 Queens Road
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
The agency was phenomenal. They took great care to ensure that my property was managed properly, they understood that it was my house but their attitude was "if it were my house, how would I feel ..." it was a very personal service that I received. I was quickly informed of any issues, and excellent advice was given as to the best course of action. Sam - who I dealt with - was extremely fair and made sure that whilst i undertook my own responsibilities, I wasn't taken for a ride in any way. Brilliant connections with workmen to ensure speedy resolution of any problems with the house, meant I knew it was always well looked after by the agency (if not always by the tenant). The attitude it was about what was the right thing - ensuring everyone was fair and proper to the agreements. I would recommend Countrywide - first class service, excellent communication, excellent property management and a very individual and personal service.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Judith' 26/11/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I had some problems as the tenant did not maintain the garden and Countrywide did not ensure that this requirement was met. My main complaint is that at the end of the tenancy Countrywide changed the gas & electricity supplier from Scottish Power to EON without any reference to me. When they did this they gave the address for accounts as their own office, consequently the first I knew of the change was a letter from a debt collection agency to the house because of unpaid bills. Since the house was unoccupied this action was taken on the basis of estimated bills when no utilities had actually been used. As I live in South Africa this has caused me considerable time and expense to sort things out. Their office in Stockton told me "Oh, we do this as standard now and have our own team with EON" Other landlords beware as they obviously get a kick-back from all transfers!
Was this review helpful? Yes
 With a little 2 year old.... not a goood idea!!! Now trying to say I owe them money for my rent??? No idea! And have contacted my guarantor saying that I owe last months rent...... that has been payed????!!!
Never ever again will I use Courtwide lettings after this experience!!!
I have already had one flat from hell with them but thought they may have sorted themselfs out!! Obviously not!
Never ever again!! Ever again!.....
Be very aware!!!/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/18425/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/18425/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
. This is what they charge to print out and send last year's lease with a new date on it. Can you please justify this cost?
4. Our upstairs tap wasn't fixed for 6 months (issue with maintenance dept).
5. We received threatening letters about owing money (due to their accounting error). We spent £20 in phone calls and had to escalate the issue to head office to clear this up. That was because after 2 months of trying to get them to fix the error at our local branch, we were told quite bluntly that the amount wasn't worth their time researching to clear our account. After 4 months of stress we would appreciate an apology from Countrywide.
6. We are regularly treated with significant disrespect, even though we always pay full rent out of our bank account on time.
7. Our entire downstairs floor was covered in plaster when we moved in. I spent 2 weeks scrubbing floors. Our Dyson died on the upstairs carpet it was so dirty. It was really good that the windows were replaced (hence the plaster) but the property was not suitable for moving in. After waiting over a 10 days to see if they were planning to remove the mess outside, we had to call the council to collect a large amount of bin bags and loads of old carpet that we found on the path and stuffed in the back shed. (Just to add, the upstairs sink was hanging off the wall like a rotten tooth, and the entire exterior wall needs damp proofing ASAP.) An agency this size should keep on top of quality & cleanliness standards. Countrywide needs to prove why they deserve to charge high fees. Their quarterly inspections are slightly insulting in this respect and feel more like an invasion of quiet enjoyment.
Overall our experience with Countrywide has been beyond disappointing. One comes to the conclusion after reading all the complaints against them that staff training at Countrywide breeds a culture of blatant mistreatment of both tenants and landlords./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/17935/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/17935/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 & rented a house through countrywide when we were expecting our first child. Their incompetence is outstanding how they get away with it I do not know. I had water dripping down from the loft I rang them & 3 days later some1 came & took photos. They then sent a plumber about another week later after several heated phone calls who said he fixed the leak we went away for 4 days & when we came home the upstairs & downstairs ceilings had fallen down and the place was water logged. It took me 2 days to get an emergency plumber to come out & fix the leak as you can imagine the damage was extensive. I waited over 6 weeks for the ceiling to be repaired 8 weeks with no carpet & nails sticking out of the floor and 6 weeks without a working shower. The bathroom ceiling and walls have still not been repaired. I have reported the house to the environmental health & am now moving out. We have a break clause in our contract permitting us to give 2 months notice I rang up last month to tell them I was leaving & was told to ring back in a month as we only need to give 1 months notice. Now I have rung back to give my notice & been told I will be held liable for 2 months notice. You have to ring different companies in totally different parts of the country to do anything & it seems none of the communicate with each other. So 1 person has said yes we can leave with 1 months notice another has said no and the admin dept didn't even know we were leaving. I have had people turning up to view the property and 9am with no warning then even after I asked to be told 24hrs in advance about viewings (as is my right) I had another lot turn up at 1.30pm I am so frustrated I have been in tears on the phone because people are so bloody rude. DO NOT RENT FROM THESE PEOPLE. I am a landlord & would never put my tenants through what we have been through. My agents get people to my tenants within 24 hrs for any problem./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/16363/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/16363/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
![Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/dialog/feed?app_id=159335870805641&picture=http://allagents.co.uk/images/logo-thumbs.png&description=The agency was phenomenal. They took great care to ensure that my property was managed properly, they understood that it was my house but their attitude was "if it were my house, how would I feel ..." it was a very personal service that I received. I was quickly informed of any issues, and excellent advice was given as to the best course of action. Sam - who I dealt with - was extremely fair and made sure that whilst i undertook my own responsibilities, I wasn't taken for a ride in any way. Brilliant connections with workmen to ensure speedy resolution of any problems with the house, meant I knew it was always well looked after by the agency (if not always by the tenant). The attitude it was about what was the right thing - ensuring everyone was fair and proper to the agreements. I would recommend Countrywide - first class service, excellent communication, excellent property management and a very individual and personal service./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/15689/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/15689/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
![Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/dialog/feed?app_id=159335870805641&picture=http://allagents.co.uk/images/logo-thumbs.png&description=I had some problems as the tenant did not maintain the garden and Countrywide did not ensure that this requirement was met. My main complaint is that at the end of the tenancy Countrywide changed the gas & electricity supplier from Scottish Power to EON without any reference to me. When they did this they gave the address for accounts as their own office, consequently the first I knew of the change was a letter from a debt collection agency to the house because of unpaid bills. Since the house was unoccupied this action was taken on the basis of estimated bills when no utilities had actually been used. As I live in South Africa this has caused me considerable time and expense to sort things out. Their office in Stockton told me "Oh, we do this as standard now and have our own team with EON" Other landlords beware as they obviously get a kick-back from all transfers!/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/15685/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/15685/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
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by 'Angry tenant' 24/11/2011
- Branch:
- 1 Euston Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
The worst agency ever! They are rude, unprofessional and just plain useless! They called me numerous times for apparently owing money to them, only to find out that it was a mistake from their behalf so effectively I was doing their inadequate job. They are useless in so many ways. I will really encourage people not to let any property from them and this are not words coming from my mouth but also from one of my colleagues who happened to rent a house with them.
Once my hot water broke and I had to go to the agency twice to get fixed.
Once I finish my tenancy, I will go to the Students Union and hopefully publish in the newspaper about how appalling their services are.
Two words: Terrible Service.Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'TickedOffLandlord' 22/11/2011
- Branch:
- 66-70 London Road Stockton Heath
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I used this agent for about 5 years, in various guises (Bridgfords, Countrywide), etc. There are not enough adjectives to describe what a terribly inadequate, unprofessional service they provided. The tenant was pretty bad, whch really exposed the limitations of the agents. Poor communication, misrepresentation of events, everyone blaming someone else, pathetically superficial house inspections. I ended up spending hundreds of hours arranging for repairs, etc., myself. I had the full management option, but when I asked the agent (several times) to call the Council to report low water pressure... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'AngryIsAnUnderestimate!' 12/11/2011
- Branch:
- 4 Princes Building George Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
We dealt with Beresford Adams who are under the CWL umbrella. Me and my partner thought it was amazing at first, they were very polite and helped us look at the two bedroom flat we were interested in. The mistake we made was renting the property. We have just moved out of the property and it is such a huge relief. We had no hot water for the three years we lived there and where always fobbed off by BA, CWL and the landlords each saying that it wasn't their problem it was someone else's. The only hot water we had in the property was the electric shower which broke after 6 months of living... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Angry' 2/11/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
To start with the letting agent were great; friendly, co-operative - they would do anything to make sure that I rented the property. The mistake I made was paying them money. As soon as I had signed up and paid my deposit and 1st months rent, they just did not want ot know!!! I've been in the property just over 3 months and have no hot running water to the kitchen sink, the family bathroom is just a toilet as the shower has never worked, there is an elertical fault so we have no light also in the family bathroom, the ensuite shower (shared by a family of four with grown up children, very... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'ANGRY Danni' 11/10/2011
- Branch:
- 1 Winkley Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
absolutely crap!!
rude, incompitent, unprofessional and dishonest, i rented off countrywide/bridgfords for nearly 2 years and had nothing but trouble. if you want passing between staff none of which who know what they are doing, lost paerwork, no correspondence, wrong amounts of money taken from youre account and general rude unhelpful behaviour they will be perfect,
add that to lies, lost keys and conversations and emails actually being denied they will make you feel unbelievably frustrated.
my advise to tenants/landlords, go elsewhere
my advise to bridgfords is revise what youre actual job is and start again!proof of how much this company actually cares is right here...not 1 reply to 70 complaints.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'annoyed' 11/10/2011
- Branch:
- 1 Winkley Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
absolutely horrendous, lazy, incompitent, un organised...shall i carry on!! spent 2 years renting through bridgfords in preston and they never failed to cock up the task given, they never called back, replied to queeries or even admitted to speaking to me! D, N and team need to take a course in 'customer service'.
to sum up..if you want to get ripped off, ignored, and have youre correspondence denied go with bridgfords, oh and dont forget they will keep youre deposit at the end of the lease as they will insist they have never recieved the property keys back! although they should chat to each other as half the team admits to receiving the envelope whilst the other insists they havent!!good luck wi this one.
not a happy customer from preston.
not a happy landlord...
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by 'Smoky Joe' 10/10/2011
- Branch:
- 26 Hallgate
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Very nasty experience. I would never use this agent again.
It would be very boring to list every problem, but if you just think in terms of lazy and rude staff who have no interest in the tenant at all and bungle basic admin tasks, you will not be far wrong.
They are a large agency and have many interesting properties, but if you use them you will be taking a massive risk. Trust me.
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by 'Alison' 3/10/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
DO NOT use this agent
I have had two years of hell. Never speak to the same person. They never the right number to call. They do nothing for their management fee.
I have just had solicitors chase me up for an invoice they were supposed to be dealing with. 2 years this invoice was outstanding and the first I heard of this was a summons to court. I asked the company who were unpaid and they said that they have been writing to Countrywide for 2 years to ask for the payment. I was totally unaware that this bill was unpaid. I NEVER leave bills unpaid and I was really upset.
Now I have... (read more)
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by 'Angie' 30/8/2011
- Branch:
- 25 Skinnergate
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Absolutely awful company. Have been letting my 3 bed detached property in Darlington for almost 2 years. The first tenant did a midnight bunk without paying his rent for 2 months, had made so much damage and received so many £25 letters that there was no deposit left. So for the next set of tenants we requested working professionals, they put in a so called professional couple with a child who have been hit and miss with rent payments through out the 18 months they have lived there. Currently they have not paid for 2 months and have made 6 phone calls to Countrywide to get the legal protection for non payment of rent started as we live somewhere else and need the rent to pay the mortgage, but they are still not answering the questions about this. Will be putting this house on the market as soon as we have given 2 months notice to our now squatters, never going to go through this company again. No doubt will get ripped off again and not see a penny of the deposit.
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by 'litterbox' 28/8/2011
- Branch:
- Unit Z First Floor The Galleries
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
As long as a person as to do 'something' they charge a MINIMUM of £25. Everything from a bit of dust to return of money accidentally paid to them. Even the landlord is charged for duplicate tenancy documents at the start of a new tenancy, when all it cost is probably about £25 for a few button presses, paper and electricity. A total of £250 to renew the agreement. As an ex-landlord I was hellishly surprised that it would cost this much and surprised that the landlord was charged as well. As a money making machine it works, as value and service to the customer it's very POOR value for money.
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, etc. There are not enough adjectives to describe what a terribly inadequate, unprofessional service they provided. The tenant was pretty bad, whch really exposed the limitations of the agents. Poor communication, misrepresentation of events, everyone blaming someone else, pathetically superficial house inspections. I ended up spending hundreds of hours arranging for repairs, etc., myself. I had the full management option, but when I asked the agent (several times) to call the Council to report low water pressure causing the boiler to malfunction, their response was "we are only supposed to deal with minor repairs, not major house modifications" (by this point, a new boiler was needed, and I had arranged for the Coucnil to install a line to a different water supply, all provided by the Council at no cost). So I managed to get done from hundreds of miles away what they didn't get done from about a half-mile away (all they needed to do was call the council!) I am now with a different agents who are already like polar opposites - they actually respond to emails!/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/15500/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/15500/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
![Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/dialog/feed?app_id=159335870805641&picture=http://allagents.co.uk/images/logo-thumbs.png&description=We dealt with Beresford Adams who are under the CWL umbrella. Me and my partner thought it was amazing at first, they were very polite and helped us look at the two bedroom flat we were interested in. The mistake we made was renting the property. We have just moved out of the property and it is such a huge relief. We had no hot water for the three years we lived there and where always fobbed off by BA, CWL and the landlords each saying that it wasn't their problem it was someone else's. The only hot water we had in the property was the electric shower which broke after 6 months of living there, it took 6 months to fix it as they wanted me "to wait until it got worse". Unbelievable! There was something wrong with the electrics as well and the bulbs were always blowing and sometimes they would ping out of the lights and wizz across the room! Again when we complained it was nobodies fault and nothing was done. The intercom downstairs broke and it took them 3 weeks to fix and I never knew if anyone was ringing the doorbell. The tap was leaking, three months until it was fixed. Every letter they sent us cost 25pounds plus VAT which made it between 30-40pounds. We paid ridiculous amounts of money to renew our contracts and the last straw was when they wanted 120pounds to renew our contract this year. Moving out was another horrendous ordeal. 45pounds+VAT for references which we were promised within 48hs....guess how long we had to wait? 3 weeks! We were so lucky our new landlords were understanding else we would have missed out on our new house. We cleaning the house out and it was spotless when we left apart from some wine stains on the carpet in some of the rooms, we knew they would take money of us for that. However when we got our deposit information back we were charged 180pounds cleaning charges, 220 pounds "clearance" and 60pounds "administrative charge for invoking dilaps process". We left a sponge in the property when we left, I doubt very much that it took them 220pounds to remove it! The dilaps process...they charged us to inspect the property when we left! UNBELIEVABLE!!! Please please please don't rent with anyone under their umbrella. You will get charged for everything and you will not get any of your deposit back. It was the worst thing we ever did and we have lost out on so much money because of them./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/15218/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/15218/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 constantly causes the main consumer unit to pop and everything in the house goes off - we cant even set any clocks on any appliances. And the Oven doesn't work, it spoils food - burnt on the outside and raw on the inside!
What are the letting agent doing? Lying, passing the buck, Blaming me! Absolutely anything but fixing these issue. I am extremely stressed, annoyed and frustrated. It cost me a lot of money to move here and they just dont care, the only thing they care about is getting paid. DO NOT USE THESE PEOPLE!/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/14676/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/14676/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
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by 'Unhap' 23/8/2011
- Branch:
- 127 Albert Road
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I would advise anyone to avoid this company at all costs. Apart from all the charges they throw at you my main complaint is with the inventory system they use. When they check the flat at the start of the agreement all seems fine, no problem. Then at the end when they check again they check in many more places and much more thoroughly. It appears they are just looking for an excuse to charge you. I was charged £60 cleaning for dust on the sideboards and dirt in the washing machine (which I never used, never even opened the door) plus a £60 charge for "Administrative charge for invoking dilaps process". Hopefully all this will back fire on them because I, and I am sure many others, will never use this company again.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Catherine' 18/8/2011
- Branch:
- 37 Micklegate
- Services:
- Lettings (Prospective customer)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Just called up to ask about a property and asked for information for the fee's involved...
£150 for the tenancy agreement
£75 pp for a credit check
£90 admin fee
£50 for something else, I stopped the guy on the phone from talking at this stage! £440 for fee's?!?!?! No wonder that house is still vacant, even though the monthly rent is great the initial fee's make it totally unrealistic. It would take us 3 months to make that money back in saved rent!Wish i could contact the landlord directly!
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'stargirl' 16/8/2011
- Branch:
- 1 Euston Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
The office staff were wonderful helping me out when I was in a most distressing situation. i needed somewhere to live very quickly. I now am living in a perfect house. I would like to thank them for their help, support and communication throughout the process.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'happy' 14/8/2011
- Branch:
- 1 Euston Place
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
Having read all the disappointing reviews above, I am glad to say that I received an outstanding service from the branch in Leamington Spa. My tenants were found very quickly, and the whole process was efficient and painless, the staff were friendly. I hope this continues....
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Mike' 13/8/2011
- Branch:
- 1 Winkley Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I'd like to have rated them 0 stars, but was prevented from doing so.
Ironically, as a direct result of dealings with them, I decided that I could do a better job and now run a lettings agency elsewhere.
We had two flats with them in a new development (at the time) and they took an inordinate amount of time to let them. They pressurised us into marketing at a rent higher than we needed on unencumbered flats, supposedly because otherwise we'd be "lowering the development's value"
Since we were not local investors, we took a lot on trust and we were left with the distinct... (read more)
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person found
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by 'Amanda' 13/8/2011
- Branch:
- 9 High Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Where do I start??? Firstly, one star is way too much.
Two years of complete mishandling with regard inspections. Gave them the benefit the first year, added written and verbal agreements to contract to inspect the property 4 times during this last year. How many times was the property inspected by Countrywide?? NONE!! 0000! Zero!!!
And what was there excuse??? "Computer error" "A slight mistake" "It's not our fault"
And, when I said I'd had enough and was taking the property away from them, the senior lettings agency manager said "Cool"Amazing!!
I agree, if you want to stay sane, NEVER use Countrywide IOW.Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Lauren' 2/8/2011
- Branch:
- 70 Bradshawgate
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
What credit checking company do countrywide use as i have been told so many horror stoires about them? any ex tenants pleace can you advise me.
Thanks
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'BRIGHT' 6/7/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
It has been a very stressful two years with these estate agents and have caused us lot of anxiety and grief. They make their own rules and regulations and will try to make life difficult for you as a landlord no matter how .
Our tenant has also had a difficult time with them and will not use them again. No wonder many rental properties and sales are veering away from them.
They don't deserve even a single star rating.Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'EX CRL Customer' 21/6/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Just one bit of advice.................AVOID these cowboys like the plague unless you want to lose a lot of money through their total incompetences
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1
person found
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by 'bmtg' 14/6/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Beware of using Countrywide letting agents, they have so too many offices doing different tasks i.e Austin & Wyatt Southsea find the tenant, Mann & co do the maintenance, statements are sent from Mansfield and Legal Dept is just another office in Nottingham, Southsea branch do not explain how the Co operate so beware, read all their forms before you sign any agreement with Countrywide.
They are so expensive they take monies from clients for things I never heard of i.e top up reserve £100.00 to £200.00 just held by them in case repairs are needed, another charge is monthly deposit scheme due about £2.00 p.m their inventory check out costs landlord £110.00 + v.a.t Inventory make/update£115.00 +v.a.t. and many more fees they will charge .
Out of my first monthly rent of £600.00 I ended up OWING Austin & Wyatt £37.00, so beware as to what you are signing up to. Their sales technique is good so do query each item before you sign a agreement with Austin & Wyatt.
Disappointed client living overseas.
Was this review helpful? Yes
 plus a £60 charge for "Administrative charge for invoking dilaps process". Hopefully all this will back fire on them because I, and I am sure many others, will never use this company again./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/12260/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/12260/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 and they took an inordinate amount of time to let them. They pressurised us into marketing at a rent higher than we needed on unencumbered flats, supposedly because otherwise we'd be "lowering the development's value"
Since we were not local investors, we took a lot on trust and we were left with the distinct impression that they favoured local landlords who, presumably, they enjoyed better relationships with.
Following the comprehensive trashing of one of the flats, we moved one to a small independent agent who seems much better.
As an aside, they take very small deposits, resulting in greater losses.
I attempted on numerous occasions to complain to the franchisor, but they seemed to care less than the local management.
I am aware that all franchises operate to differing standards-just look at the variations of reviews anywhere on this site.
In my humble opinion, find one with NALS and SAFE agent accreditation, that has been trading long enough to know what they are about, but not long enough to have a huge managed portfolio. The salesmen will boast about large portfolios, so it's easy enough to establish.
And use one where the business owner is still on the front line. Generally they genuinely do care./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/11964/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/11964/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
![Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/dialog/feed?app_id=159335870805641&picture=http://allagents.co.uk/images/logo-thumbs.png&description=Where do I start??? Firstly, one star is way too much.
Two years of complete mishandling with regard inspections. Gave them the benefit the first year, added written and verbal agreements to contract to inspect the property 4 times during this last year. How many times was the property inspected by Countrywide?? NONE!! 0000! Zero!!!
And what was there excuse??? "Computer error" "A slight mistake" "It's not our fault"
And, when I said I'd had enough and was taking the property away from them, the senior lettings agency manager said "Cool"
Amazing!!
I agree, if you want to stay sane, NEVER use Countrywide IOW./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/11974/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/11974/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
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by 'ugis' 8/6/2011
- Branch:
- 108 Whiteladies Road
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Horrible. Everything is really nice until you hand over your money. After they become so greedy. Charging you for things you haven't broken, not providing anything they're supposed to. Takes ages to get the deposit back, with mystical deductions.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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people found
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by 'flowergirl 23' 19/5/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I can not catch my breath !
My poor tenant has been accused of not paying her rent ! She has proved she has paid it by sending all her bank statements. Yet Taylors / Countrywide are still saying she has not paid it, and therefore have her account in arrears and have not paid me? They have the references. That by the way have not changed, but they are still not capable of finding the payment? They have called my tenant and upset her on numerous occasions! I have called and spoken to many departments, no -one knows anything? WTF! Oh my god how are they running a business?? I am currently trying to terminate my agreement but I am not sure how this will do.Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Frustrated Fella!' 17/5/2011
- Branch:
- 131 Lichfield Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I've been living in my flat for 18-months and the members of staff at this branch are so frustrating to deal with. I'm absolutely staggered by their incompetence.
They've tried increasing my rent by £30 a month on my landlord's behalf - without telling my landlord, who wasn't happy about it!
They changed my electricity supplier - I have no idea how - by mistake. I had no knowledge of this before I had letters through the post. It took me 8 weeks to change it back and I was unable to go back onto my original tariff.
When the central locks on the entrance to the building needed repairing, I phoned the Walsall branch to ask for the number of a maintenance contractor - as they 'manage' the property. They didn't have access to the number and told me to Google a few names they gave me.
When I've phoned my landlord directly to repair things that have broken for the 3rd time, they question why I'm not using them.
Such a frustrating and flawed franchise. Avoid if you can.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Steve' 1/5/2011
- Branch:
- 15 Elvet Bridge
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Try to charge for a new inventory that they never did, 'hidden' charges, only tell you what you want to hear, no support from them with problem tenants and put a tenant into my property that was a non smoking, no pets and no children property, whom has a child!!
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'vb' 31/3/2011
- Branch:
- 18 Bath Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
User 'vb' rated Countrywide Residential Lettings but did not write a review. -
by 'tool' 30/3/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Countrywide Residential Lettings are the worst letting agents I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. They are useless at returning calls, turning up for appointments, and attempted to charge me through the nose at every opportunity. Do yourself a favour and avoid letting a flat from them.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Kaspar' 11/3/2011
- Branch:
- 113 Old Christchurch Road
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Do not wanted to return my deposit. Despite the fact that I left flat neat and tidy (even more as it was before), they wanted to charge from me
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'frustratedfozzy' 2/3/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Awful. Very nice until you hand over your money. We've had a bathroom tap which doesn't work for 5 months, a board of wood in the living room which fell off a wall on our first day 5 months ago pending " landlords permission to remove it" and we are being absolutely pumped for money with stupid letting insurance (which they failed to tell me was a credit agreement and I was taking out a loan with a credit agency in order to pay it off). Dreading the point when I try to get my deposit back. When we moved in the oven was full of crumbs, there were dead flies everywhere and the place hadn't been hoovered in months yet they've sent a very patronising letter telling us how clean the flat should be before we get our deposit back. Also advised if we don't replace the lightbulbs then we will have money deducted from deposit. I wouldn't advise anyone to go near them!!
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'luliebelle' 24/2/2011
- Branch:
- 75 Westgate
- Services:
- Lettings (Prospective customer)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I recently went to view a property to let through Frank Innes which has been recently bought my Countrywide. All went well appointment was booked went along and was shown around by the current tenant who had nothing nice to say about her letting agent and I can't blame her! The ensuite shower was leaking so badly and for so long that all the paint on the ceiling and the walls downs stairs had bubbles and peeled off and the ensuite toilet had been broken for months despite the tenant reporting these faults numerous times.
Frank Innes contacted me the next day to see if I was interested in the property I was but pointed out that there were some problems in the property which had to be put right before we moved in, the woman promptly brushed me off saying there were lots of other people interested in the house and I had to make my mind up quickly (I don't like being bullied into anything) I asked how much the admin fees and she replied its
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by 'disgruntled' 14/2/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Beware of this company and SLM Lettings who are an umbrella company of Countrywide. They will charge you for everything: renewing tenancy agreements, references, not being able to make an appointment that they have arranged (they come to your rented property every three months during working hours to 'inspect' it - so if you work you have to take 4 days off a year to accomodate this!), so called admin fees, you name it they charge you for it. Furthermore they try to tie you down with a 6 month tenancy each time you renew (and of course you have to pay for it) when you can actually take a free... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
, they wanted to charge from me /&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/9028/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/9028/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 I asked how much the admin fees and she replied its /&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/8772/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/8772/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
, so called admin fees, you name it they charge you for it. Furthermore they try to tie you down with a 6 month tenancy each time you renew (and of course you have to pay for it) when you can actually take a free monthly rolling tenancy (although they won't tell you this unless you say you can't afford to renew). And just you try to get out of the property! Four weeks notice - I think not. They will tell you that you are liable to pay the rent and all utility bills until your contract expires. As such if you have a 6 month tenancy, live in it for 3 months then decide to move out (say because it is a mouldy property), and give 4 weeks notice, you still have to pay everything for the full 6 months. When it is time to get your deposit back however you will wait ages and then fume as they deduct 'admin fees' from it. The staff are rude and obnoxious, they look down upon you and I would never ever deal with them again. An awful experience that I do not wish to repeat./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/8556/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/8556/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
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by 'Cuntrywide-fanclub' 3/2/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Had no problems with the service until we tried to get our
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Review TV' 1/2/2011
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Company you have to watch out for as service is very poor for a large company, I you contact this branch regarding something wrong in your property they dint seam to do anything about it and you end up chasing it up direct with your landlord that they say they can not get hold of!
Secondly they lose payments making out its your fault when its not on more than one occasion.
The main thing with this branch is to always note down with every conversation is a full name time and date (even record and calls or in person conversations with them as if there is a problem further down the line and its been there fault they will deny everything) Always have proof.
Wish I did!Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'exclient' 21/12/2010
- Branch:
- 65/66 Long Row
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Used the small private firm of Andrew Butler for many years. They managed a number of residential properties for me. All very satisfactory until sold to Countrywide. Service deteriorated, attempted to increase fees. Very slow at paying over rents. I sacked them and moved to another agent - still awaiting payment of final rents. May have to resort to County Court .
There are many good firms around, Countrywide are one to avoid.
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by 'onehugeheadache' 19/11/2010
- Branch:
- 35 North Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Never use them - AWFUL. They are incapable of doing anything right. Full management is a joke, accounts is useless - do not deserve to be ARLA recognised. Now on my third complaint to head office and even they can't be bothered to respond. Never, ever use them.
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by 'ANTI Countrywide' 11/11/2010
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I will never use this company again. I had heard bad things about Countrywide before so decided to let my property through a small independant agency. When this agency sold their business to Countrywide, I suspected there might be trouble: loss of keys, failure to chase up repairs for 9 months (which hadn't been noticed due to...), failure to do regular property checks (as in the landlords' contract) failure to contract the relevant safety certificates so the tenants were living with a valid certificate for over 5 months, failure to enforce the contract that stated no redecoration and no... (read more)
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by 'fedup' 10/11/2010
- Branch:
- 9 Queens Road
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Not sure how this company trains their staff - to be as obstructive, insulting, incompetent as possible? Tenancy renewal was due in June - still haven't received a new contract, despite paying and reminders. No water at the property in August (I was on holiday and asked a friend to stay at the house in our absence) - they didn't do anything, apart from telling me that the friend was not on the (non-existent) tenancy agreement and that, if the problem was the water companies fault, I'd have to pay the bill. They schedule the worst possible times for their property check visits (weekday 3 hour slots around lunchtime, don't give an exact time, but threaten to fine you if you're not here - how do they think I earn my money for the rent?) and are not prepared to negotiate a reasonable time or more notice. They told me today that they could not work around me! Maybe they should invest in some costumer care courses.
Avoid, avoid, avoid!!!! Unfortunately, I'm on the whole happy with the property and the landlord, otherwise I'd move out.Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'AD' 28/10/2010
- Branch:
- 18 Bath Street
- Services:
- Lettings (Prospective customer)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
User 'AD' rated Countrywide Residential Lettings but did not write a review. -
by 'HowDareYouShaftPeople' 19/10/2010
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Cuntywide are the worst of the worst letting agents I have come across in the country. I use quite a few letting agents and thought I'll try this gang since they were so large I couldn't go wrong plus my property would be let out quickly. Ooh How Wrong!!!! It took them 3 months to find a tenant... that's right 3 months and they kept chopping the rent down further and further to an unbelievably low limit. (I've always rented it out at 400 but they couldn't get anyone to agree so it went to 350 and eventually they found a physco tenant who was complaining about everything under the sun which... (read more)
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by 'soon_to_be_x_landlord' 15/10/2010
- Branch:
- 1 Queens Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
What can be said that has not been said already?
My first introduction to Countrywide was the result of my existing letting agency selling their property portfolio over to them on the understanding we retained our current terms and conditions.I can't say it got off to a great start when they sent my "welcome pack" to the tenant, to this day they never have re-sent it although they admit they did send it incorrectly to the tenant.
When the existing tenant left they did not re market the property until asked why not, answer... they did not have a photo! I told them to use the old one,... (read more)Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Ex-employee' 16/9/2010
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
As an ex-employee of a south west property management office, allow me to offer some explanation and defence to some of my old colleagues...
Initially, the front end offices are targetted very aggressively to both to take on and subsequently let said properties. This leads tenants moving in to properties that are not fit to let. (Insufficint boilers etc)
Secondly, the accounts department are basically drones (They're trained this way) with little initiative for investigative work looking for missing funds etc. Coupled with this, the IT systems used are rubbish - including the new system... (read more)
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by 'missjtk' 6/9/2010
- Branch:
- 113 Old Christchurch Road
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I rented a flat in Bournemouth with Countrywide and this was a huge mistake. I had a leak that took forever to get fixed, a large roof fire caused by a contractor hired by Countrywide (to fix the leak). I went into Countrywide to speak with someone about the leak, the fire and was laughed at to my face whilst holding my newborn baby, I warn anyone, these people are not even humaine!
Never go with Countrywide, I am not the only person around town that has had massive problems with these people! Avoid this letting agent at all costs!!
Also yet again another case, my good friend Terry, he had so many problems with Countrywide and he had disabled children and he had so many problems with these awfull agents.
Anyone knows how much of a struggle it can be to get together deposit, rent in advance and then agent fees and for what? Their not worth a free flat!!!
I will continue to warn anyone looking to rent property to stay away from these agents.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Louise' 6/8/2010
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Everything was terrible. From the first second we moved in the moment we moved out. Fees were ridiculous, flat was dirty, they cocked up my tenants direct debits. The employees are rude, inefficient and unhelpful. Through the course of our tenancy they tried to increase our rent twice (in one year). I would NOT recommend them.
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by 'Mr Unhappy' 4/8/2010
- Branch:
- 113 Old Christchurch Road
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Hopeless. Nothing ever their fault. Send inspection notices less than a week before inspection threatening
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by 'pokey15' 29/7/2010
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
The Glasgow branch of Coutrywide Residental letting are unprofessional, lazy, useless, unhelpful......
My tenants signed their contact on the 30th March 2010, I finally received my inventory (e-mailed to me) by Gail Wilson (head of letting in Glasgow) on the 6th May after complaining. Had to chase up rental income and kept getting fobbed off by lazy staff saying "its the bank holiday" after complaing to the payments department a helpful woman there found out that the tenants had changed their payment date, at no time was this passed on to me.
The 4th month check on the flat was yesterday and I took the morning off to meet somebody from Countrywide at 10.15am at the flat, nobody turned up and I had to go back to work, they turn up at back of 11 no phone call no text nothing!!!. The tenants quite clearly smoke even though I asked for non smokers.
I have the full management package but they do nothing for it.
Anybody in Glasgow looking to rent out their flat please please save yourself a lot of hassle and pain and don't touch Countrywide.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'FuzzyBee' 13/7/2010
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Absolutely appauling. Very slow at fixing anything (waited 2 months to replace a broken and constantly leaking tap). Poor communication, had to chase everything. Charged us for references and claimed this was in the goodwill letter - it was not. Stay well clear.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Cervantes' 9/7/2010
- Branch:
- 70 Bradshawgate
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I'm afraid I have to agree with the other contributors - Countrywide are crap. I have been a tenant here in Bolton for almost 3 years, and in that time have had occasion to contact them several times. They always promise to get back to you, and they never do.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'WeeWeedOff' 8/7/2010
- Branch:
- 70 Bradshawgate
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Terrible service.
6 months to repair a broken window.
Garden service was part of tenancy but stopped coming for 3 months - yet we still had to payWas this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Miss Happy' 30/6/2010
- Branch:
- 70 Bradshawgate
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I was treated appalling by the staff there & spoken to very rudely. I complained numerous times but still got spoken to by them terrible. I felt like i was treated very badly & wouldent reccomend them atall again to anyone.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'DanOlAlAmmie' 29/5/2010
- Branch:
- 70 Bradshawgate
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Countrywide Lettings are appauling! Whilst we dealt with the awful Bolton branch with the undertrained, rude and unprofessional staff the management up to area level were also very poor. Our experience from booking to moving was marred by a terrible service from CWL. They lied to both us and the landlord playing us off against each other to cover up their mistakes, which we have now confirmed. These include...
1) giving us the wrong keys and blaming us until they 'turned up'.
2) not telling the landlord our moving in date so that we were nearly turned away.
3) giving us a totally incorrect inventory only after we had phoned 6 times to get sent any documention.
4) not giving us meter readings until we had complained to senior management.
5) exceedingly rude and deceptive treatment by management and staff etc etc.We handed over more than 6000 for 6 months, including the 235 for "holding on to" the property for us. These people are very unprofessional and if we had time we would contact Watchdog. Beware! Hope this helps.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Twinkle' 25/5/2010
- Branch:
- 131 Lichfield Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
This branch threatened to evict me and left the message on my phone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBriMIP7Vh0
Then this company after making me and my family homeless, all this for complaining about damp and conditions that developed in the property. They moved my deposit to another company that now take 3 months to resolve our dispute, that means they keep my money for another 3 months and keep the interest at that disgraceful company. I am going to complain to my MP.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Yate' 28/4/2010
- Branch:
- 66-70 London Road Stockton Heath
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Without doubt the worst company I have ever come across. Customer service is abismal. If you have any problems and complain they will do nothing. Took me 40 days to get part of my deposit back. When i rang up complaing the lady actually was laughing at me on the phone. Do not trust Countrywide.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Fedup' 26/4/2010
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Would not reccommend this company to anyone, paid
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Fed-Up44' 20/4/2010
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
First property had a leak in the bathroom roof we were advised it would be fixed within that week. 3 days before our move in date, we were worried so we asked to view the proporty again, lo and behold, the ceiling in the bathroom was not fixed, they then said we could move in and they will get to it when they can. We then canceled our agreement and had to switch to another property. Then there was a problem with water heater in second property.... More than a year later after telling each agent that visited that there was a problem with it.... We are still waiting for the electrician to fix it.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'anp' 16/4/2010
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
This company should be avoided at all costs whether you are renting or a landlord. In the course of one year they lied to us and the tennants, they were late paying rent, very slow to address problems and never inspected the property. Any contact was met with ineptity, arrogance and complete lack of action. I really can not express my complete loathing and distrust for these people and with companies like this around to is no wonder the property business is held in such low regard. Please avoid.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Boaby' 13/4/2010
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Exceptionally poor. I haven't heard of paying
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'kate' 9/4/2010
- Branch:
- 66-70 London Road Stockton Heath
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Never been treated so badly in all my life would never ever rent from these again in a battle to get the deposit back from the issues that they have caused in the house.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Broncoarmadillo' 22/3/2010
- Branch:
- 66-70 London Road Stockton Heath
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Have rented 2 properties from this firm: the second time due to short notice of first lease not being renewed and we couldn't have gotten references out of them quickly enough to go with a different agent.
I am fed up of information we give them not being passed on to the landlord including signs of possible subsidence. The inventory listed rooms that didn't exist and missed out rooms that were there.
Huge deductions from previous deposit made, seemingly at random, when we moved out, for things like 'gardening work' between our leaving the property and them checking it 2 days... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'James' 16/3/2010
- Branch:
- 54 Merrial Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Up until a month ago I let a property through this branch of Countrywide, and found even the simplest tasks were beyond them. A sample of their mistakes during the two years I used them are below:
1. Consistently, despite repeated written and verbal instruction to stop, sending two copies of each monthly statement to me, each with different account codes and statement numbers, causing mayhem when doing my accounts and annual tax return
2. Omitting to mention the incoming tenant had 3 children. On finding out during a lease renewal process and querying why we weren't told we were told... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'talktothewall' 9/2/2010
- Branch:
- 28 Norfolk House George Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
In over 40 years of business these are the most incompetent, unprofessional, inefficient bunch I have ever had the misfortune to deal with. Avoid at all costs!
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'old man' 1/12/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Now given up with them after several years with a few properties - just getting worse! Letters out of nowhere saying I owe them money! Statements with no rationale behind descriptions! Not giving trustworthy advice! Letters not answered! Promised information not forthcoming! The sooner I am completly out of there hands the better.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'anom' 5/11/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
CRL Southampton have been nothing but rubbish! We have only been in this flat for a month and have had so many problems already!
Before we arrived they accidentaly sent us a letter meant for the previous tennat showing all the problems int he flat and the deductiosn made to their deposit. Most of it was cleaning related and since they took deposit to pay for cleaning we assumed when we arrived the flat would be pretty clean. It wasn't.
We arrived to find dirt everywhere. Large bin bags full of trash, ciggarette ashes and butts (despite it being a no smoking flat), random ugly furniture... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Intershop' 20/10/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Avoid the Walsall branch if you see your property as investment. If they are fully managing the property, make sure that you attend the check-out report. TDS use this as primary evidence. I really do hope that this helps someone.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'PJ40' 12/10/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
A bunch of middle-aged women in the Preston branch clearly out of their depth. Flat was let to me with many problems (damp, dirt and dust), which have not been resolved. Worse, agent has been demanding EXCESS RENT even when account is in arrears! Totally incompetent bunch. I pity the landlord because he is not getting value for his money from this bunch. Leaving as soon as my tennancy term ends!
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Stoo' 7/9/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I have dealt with the Glasgow branch. Flat was filthy when we moved in and they have the cheek to send a letter out asking that the flat must be "professionally" cleaned. We certainly weren't extended the same courtesy by the previous tenant. It took us nearly 3 months to have an oven repaired that was highlighted in our check in. Staff's arrogance is only outweighed by their incompetence.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Salor' 28/7/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? Yes
Used them for years now and found my branch consumately professional, knowledgable and capable.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'DP' 26/6/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Awful.. nice sales pitch followed by schoolboy service. When they were taken over by Gascoigne Pees I was hopeful things would get better. Sadly it didn't. Not only was I abused as the landlord, good tenants were too. They left my heating on for 3 months in an empty flat, left my TV on standby for the same period, didn't pick up needed repairs in the checks (assuming they actually went) or the inventory check out. Did not monitor or control contractors repair work. I dealt with in excess of 10 people when I asked for one. Mis information, conflicting information. Totally inept, incompetent, useless leaches. Avoid the windsor branch of gascoigne pees (previously CRL) at all costs. I notice many of the comments from tenants here and it is no different for the landlord. They are in it for themselves and the service to the other two parties is awful. By far my worst experience as a landlord of 10 years.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'UrHavinaLaugh' 5/6/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
I dont realy know where to start with this company. From day one we had nothing but hastle with this company. Not doing half of what they say they will, changing there story whenever they feel like it. lanlady didnt do half of what was supposed to ither. Each member of staff dosnt appear to know what the other ones doing, staff are quick to assume, some are cheeky and they stand by the landlord no-matter what. We moved in for just over 3 weeks, found out 1 neighbour was on parole and tagged, breaking into ppl`s flats, terrorising the neighbours. tried to break in my bedroom window while i was... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'luca' 16/3/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
It was a nightmare to have my deposit back!! Basically they think they have right to claim part of it, with one excuse or another, a bit like a disconnection charge.
Things started going wrong with the check out inventory:
1) The agent who did the check out asked me to clean here and there, moving the furniture to unveal every possible hidden dust, as she said that would have avoided me paying for a cleaning service, since the flat was overall clean. I did it, but after that she said that I would have been charged (can't remember the exact figure) for cleaning. Don't think that is... (read more)
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Izzy' 12/3/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Billericay Branch
Our flat had numerous problems such as damp & flooding etc, which never got resolved. We left as soon as possible and we were perfect tenants but never got our deposit back. In the end the stress caused was worse than pursuing the money. Instead we've told everyone we know to avoid them.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Anon' 22/2/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Do not even consider using this bunch of inept jokers, I simply do not have the time to list here the amount of problems I have had with CRL. Beyond useless, if this company finds itself out of business as a result of the current recession it will be no loss and no surprise whatsoever.
Avoid at all cost.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Albi Senior' 21/2/2009
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Incompetence is not the word to describe this organisation. They are unbelievably inept (certainly in Bristol) and I have no doubt that their residential lettings outfit in Cheam are tarred with the same brush. From unanswered telephone calls to just not knowing what was going on, this outfit are truly misreable firm to deal with. I would treat this lot with the same contempt that banks now find themselves in.
Shocking and one to avoid at all costs.Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Lyndsey' 30/10/2008
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
The staff at Countrywide residential lettings in Preston are possibly the most incompetent people I've ever met.
We've rented with them for two and a half years and have had no end of problems. Every time something needed fixing it took us at least 4 phone calls of constantly chasing them up to get anything done. They never call back when they are supposed to, and every time I ever spoke to a member of them team I had to re-tell them the problem again because it was as though the issue had never been logged in the first place. I'm moving out in the next month and am worried they'll do everything they can do to not return our deposits. If anyone has any advice on how to deal with them on this please let me know. I cannot stress enough NEVER rent with Countrywide!
Lyndsey
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Alice' 23/9/2008
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Ineffective, uncommitted, passive staff providing an unsatisfactory service.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'boo' 14/9/2008
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Worst ever rental agency I should say... Totally erratic.. Took almost over 3 months to return deposit in rented property at Aldershot. Never visit this agent.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Taylor Housing.' 25/8/2008
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Landlord)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
As large self managing portfolio owners we let them manage a satellite property of ours in Nottingham. Worst management I have ever experienced in my career. Totally incompetent and even charged for visits they did not make.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Nick' 6/8/2008
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Rented a flat from them. Took our rent for 6 months in advance, independant inventory assessment at the end of the lease was unfair -blamed and claimed expenses from tenants for defects in the flat that we already told them when we first moved in and stated in the inventory form.
Avoid!!!Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'lucy' 30/5/2008
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Avoid Avoid Avoid.
Staff are rude, unhelpful and incompetent.
Do not use this agent.
Repairs are not dealt with quickly and they give you no notice what so ever.Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'John S' 8/12/2007
- Branch:
- 18 Bath Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
We rented a property via Countrywide Residential Lettings, they staff were not very helpful with problems and this was a managed flat!!
Came to leaving and their claimed to have an independant inventory done however very dodgy, also took them 3 weeks to return deposit.
AVOID
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'Processhater' 23/10/2007
- Branch:
- 18 Bath Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
Rented a flat through Countrywide Residential Lettings in Oxford. When I arrived the day we checked-in (moved in), to find no cleaning had been done (rubbish in the bin, toilet had not been cleaned and smelt like a public toilet, carpet hadn't been cleaned or vacuumed, food on the plates etc).
I complained and they said 'we'll send out our cleaner again to clear'!
We are about to move out, tenants have the right to have 24hrs notice of potential viewers..... hmmm yeah right, 2 hours before hand they ring to see if they can come over..... bet it ain't gonna be easy to get the deposit back.
Was this review helpful? Yes
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by 'james' 10/9/2007
- Branch:
- 18 Bath Street
- Services:
- Lettings (as a Tenant)
- Experience:
- Would you use the agent again? No
The Countrywide Residential Lettings are involved in the Dispute Committee and make you real trouble in getting your deposit back.
Was this review helpful? Yes
 Always have proof.
Wish I did!/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/8329/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/8329/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
, failure to do regular property checks (as in the landlords' contract) failure to contract the relevant safety certificates so the tenants were living with a valid certificate for over 5 months, failure to enforce the contract that stated no redecoration and no children etc etc.
Now the tenants are moving out, the new letting agent has sent me almost 100 photographs re: the condition of the property - it's be neglected, filthy and is now full of damp and mould which wasn't there previously. Had they been there more regularly, they might have noticed what pigs were renting the property.
After 2 official complaints to the Head Office, this is now my 3rd and I am also threatening them with a complaint to The Property Ombudsman for not following the Code of Practice for Lettings Agents. www.tpos.co.uk
I recommend anyone who has an unresolved problem with this terrible agency to go there too!/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/7343/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/7343/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 - they didn't do anything, apart from telling me that the friend was not on the (non-existent) tenancy agreement and that, if the problem was the water companies fault, I'd have to pay the bill. They schedule the worst possible times for their property check visits (weekday 3 hour slots around lunchtime, don't give an exact time, but threaten to fine you if you're not here - how do they think I earn my money for the rent?) and are not prepared to negotiate a reasonable time or more notice. They told me today that they could not work around me! Maybe they should invest in some costumer care courses.
Avoid, avoid, avoid!!!! Unfortunately, I'm on the whole happy with the property and the landlord, otherwise I'd move out./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/7333/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/7333/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 and when you do they're living in fantasy land expecting you to believe what spout out they're mouths. It's disgusting, I even tried to council one of the staff members because I though she needed help once I found out it wasn't the tenant that was the one that was complaining it was actually 'their own staff'.
I passed the property to another letting agent who had it rented within 5 days at /&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/7007/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/7007/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
Secondly, the accounts department are basically drones (They're trained this way) with little initiative for investigative work looking for missing funds etc. Coupled with this, the IT systems used are rubbish - including the new system which cost millions, this causes funds to be held back or not correctly allocated etc leading to delayed payments to landlords and equally important, to the contractors.
Reliable, intelligent and trustworthy contractors simply are not willing to wait 60-90 days for payment, leaving Countrywide with cowboys and scoundrels, thus maintenance issue being instructed by the employee but unanswered by the contractors.
I was in an office which was about 50% understaffed and would personally answer about 80 maintenance calls on a busy day.
I can honestly say the problem with the company on the whole is not due to the staff you will see or speak to but the higher management who provide absolutely no support to their workforce in any capacity, put ever increasing pressure not just on the front office but maintenance departments to fleece money out of landlords & tenants alike.
I have lengthy experience in lettings in various companies and departments and can honestly say the working conditions and direction from above are by far the worse I have ever heard or personally experienced. Plus their pay scale is sh*t.
Don't work for them, don't rent through them, don't let through them!/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/6588/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/6588/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
. I went into Countrywide to speak with someone about the leak, the fire and was laughed at to my face whilst holding my newborn baby, I warn anyone, these people are not even humaine!
Never go with Countrywide, I am not the only person around town that has had massive problems with these people! Avoid this letting agent at all costs!!
Also yet again another case, my good friend Terry, he had so many problems with Countrywide and he had disabled children and he had so many problems with these awfull agents, he is no longer alive, and I would say that they played a big part in his suicide!!
Anyone knows how much of a struggle it can be to get together deposit, rent in advance and then agent fees and for what? Their not worth a free flat!!!
I will continue to warn anyone looking to rent property to stay away from these agents.
[[EDIT ORIGINAL END]]
I rented a flat in Bournemouth with Countrywide and this was a huge mistake. I had a leak that took forever to get fixed, a large roof fire caused by a contractor hired by Countrywide (to fix the leak). I went into Countrywide to speak with someone about the leak, the fire and was laughed at to my face whilst holding my newborn baby, I warn anyone, these people are not even humaine!
Never go with Countrywide, I am not the only person around town that has had massive problems with these people! Avoid this letting agent at all costs!!
Also yet again another case, my good friend Terry, he had so many problems with Countrywide and he had disabled children and he had so many problems with these awfull agents.
Anyone knows how much of a struggle it can be to get together deposit, rent in advance and then agent fees and for what? Their not worth a free flat!!!
I will continue to warn anyone looking to rent property to stay away from these agents./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/6402/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/6402/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
. I would NOT recommend them. /&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/6020/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/6020/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 by Gail Wilson (head of letting in Glasgow) on the 6th May after complaining. Had to chase up rental income and kept getting fobbed off by lazy staff saying "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
. Poor communication, had to chase everything. Charged us for references and claimed this was in the goodwill letter - it was not. Stay well clear./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/5693/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/5693/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 giving us the wrong keys and blaming us until they 'turned up'.
2) not telling the landlord our moving in date so that we were nearly turned away.
3) giving us a totally incorrect inventory only after we had phoned 6 times to get sent any documention.
4) not giving us meter readings until we had complained to senior management.
5) exceedingly rude and deceptive treatment by management and staff etc etc.
We handed over more than 6000 for 6 months, including the 235 for "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
. The oven was never fixed as they said that we had broken it.
I am currently drafting a letter that lists exactly when our cleaning and making good takes place at our current property and will be handing a copy to the landlord who is also annoyed with the shoddy service thay have provided. He will be checking the place out the day before we leave.
We have had people viewing with no notice, and have come home to find doors left unlocked. When we have refused to let people in as we have not been notified they have been incredibly rude and seem to think it is our fault that they have not followed the guidelines in their own contract.
This company are the worst I have ever dealt with, despite renting in a number of countries that do not have laws to protect the tenant./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/4680/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/4680/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
, random ugly furniture despite it being a non furnished place. We had to spend over three hours cleaning before we moved our stuff in.
Further more there were items left in cupboards etc. It looked like someone still lived there. Cuttlery, crockery, a washign machine not listed at any time (we had brought our own), dirty quilts etc. Worse still we were told we could not remove any of this stuff as it had been provided by the landlord (a lie since we know they charged the previous tennats for leaving it all). Now we are left with a cupboard of other people's stuff and some furniture we don't want.
Then we were informed they would contact the electricty and water suppliers for us. Over a month later and several requets to the estatse agents and we still have heard nothing. In fact letteres from Npower are still comming here adressed to the previous tennants.
We also asked them to send us the details for the landlord so we could set up a standing order to pay our rent. Three weeks later we recieved two identical letters with the details on. The date the letters told us to set it up for was the 13th of every month. We thought this was strange since we moved in on the 25th but we did it and everythign was fine.
Until today when we got a letter from CRL saying our rent is overdue and should have paid on the 25th! We were sent TWO letters saying the 13th! The date made a big differance too as we are students and rely on student loans to pay the rent. If we paid on the 25th we woudl have to pay 3 installmenst of the rent using our first loan instalment and have no money for xmas but the 13th means we woudl only pay 2 beofore we got a new istalment of loan so could buy xmas pressents. Now we are told we have to pay more rent and because of their mistake we have already spent the money needed to pay it!
These guys are terrible and I urge others not to go with them!
I'm goign to have to go in to town and complain to them....AGAIN! Don't make the same mistake I did./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/3355/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/3355/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
, which have not been resolved. Worse, agent has been demanding EXCESS RENT even when account is in arrears! Totally incompetent bunch. I pity the landlord because he is not getting value for his money from this bunch. Leaving as soon as my tennancy term ends!/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/3169/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/3169/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 or the inventory check out. Did not monitor or control contractors repair work. I dealt with in excess of 10 people when I asked for one. Mis information, conflicting information. Totally inept, incompetent, useless leaches. Avoid the windsor branch of gascoigne pees (previously CRL) at all costs. I notice many of the comments from tenants here and it is no different for the landlord. They are in it for themselves and the service to the other two parties is awful. By far my worst experience as a landlord of 10 years./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/2459/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/2459/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
. We now not only have nowhere to stay, we are having a legal battle, go to court because of our neighbour, have lost our deposit and are expected to pay not only our contract but extras. This company are needing to brighten their act up and stop siding with landlords quite as much and look at the big picture. I for one find this company quite laughable and if anyone desides to use this letting agency, all i can say is, good luck to you! /&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/2370/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/2370/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 The agent who did the check out asked me to clean here and there, moving the furniture to unveal every possible hidden dust, as she said that would have avoided me paying for a cleaning service, since the flat was overall clean. I did it, but after that she said that I would have been charged (can't remember the exact figure) for cleaning. Don't think that is acceptable.
2) She also told me she was going to charge me for some dents on the floor caused by the chairs provided by the landlord. I think that is to be considered normal tear and wear from the usage of the flat, thus not chargable. As she also acknowledged, the damage would have been much more serious if I had not taken care of fitting some rubber caps to the chairs (the ones in place were toatally uneffective and it took me a couple of days to realise that and find a solution), which are simply not suitable for usage on a wooden floor.
3) She also found a spot on the carpet that I have not caused, but was just not included in the inventory.
Furthermore, after I said I would start a dispute about the deductions from the deposit, they just increased those deductions by135/&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/2029/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/2029/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
 and I have no doubt that their residential lettings outfit in Cheam are tarred with the same brush. From unanswered telephone calls to just not knowing what was going on, this outfit are truly misreable firm to deal with. I would treat this lot with the same contempt that banks now find themselves in.
Shocking and one to avoid at all costs. /&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/1903/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/1903/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
, to find no cleaning had been done (rubbish in the bin, toilet had not been cleaned and smelt like a public toilet, carpet hadn't been cleaned or vacuumed, food on the plates etc).
I complained and they said 'we'll send out our cleaner again to clear'!
We are about to move out, tenants have the right to have 24hrs notice of potential viewers..... hmmm yeah right, 2 hours before hand they ring to see if they can come over..... bet it ain't gonna be easy to get the deposit back./&display=popup&link=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/335/&redirect_uri=http://www.allagents.co.uk/review/335/ "Share on your Facebook Wall"){kind=logo}
Agent Details for Countrywide Residential Lettings
Select a branch to go to view details of that specific branch
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Bath - 4 Princes Building
George Street, Avon, BA1 2ED
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Birmingham - 3a Station Approach
Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8JA
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Blackburn - 13 Preston New Road, Lancashire, BB2 1AR
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Blackpool - 32-36 Topping Street, Lancashire, FY1 3AQ
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Bolton - 70 Bradshawgate, Greater Manchester, BL1 1QQ
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Bournemouth - 113 Old Christchurch Road, Hampshire, BH1 1EP
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Bradford - 1-2 Arndale Centre
Market Street, West Yorkshire, BD18 3QQ
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Brighton - 9 Queens Road, Brighton and Hove, BN1 3WA
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Brighton - 20/22 Gloucester Place, Brighton and Hove, BN1 4AA
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Brighton - 20 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FN
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Bristol - 33 Badminton Road, Downend, BS16 6BB
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Bristol - 108 Whiteladies Road, North Somerset, BS8 2RP
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Bristol - 16 High Street, Thornbury, BS35 2AH
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Bristol - 28 The Mall, North Somerset, BS84DS
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Bromley - 4 West Approach
Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1DB
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Bromley - 30 High Street, Greater London, BR1 1EA
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Canterbury - 79 Castle Street, Kent , CT1 2QD
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Chelmsford - 17 Duke Street, Essex, CM1 1HP
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Chelmsford - Estate House
108 High Street, Billericay, CM12 9BY
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Chester - 27 Pensby Road, Heswall, CH60 7RA
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Chester - The Cross, Cheshire, CH1 1NP
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Coventry - 161 New Union Street, West Midlands, CV1 2PL
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Coventry - 24 Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EG
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Coventry - 149/151 New Union Street, West Midlands, CV1 2RP
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Croydon - 28 Norfolk House
George Street, Highlands, PH33 6NP
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Darlington - 25 Skinnergate, County Durham, DL3 7NW
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Darlington - 75/76 High Street, Northallerton, DL7 8EG
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Derby - 8a Market Place, Derbyshire, DE1 3QE
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Doncaster - 26 Hallgate, South Yorkshire, DN1 3NL
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Durham - 15 Elvet Bridge, County Durham, DH1 3AA
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Exeter - 12-13 South Street, Devon, EX1 1DZ
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Gloucester - 3 Ormond Terrace
Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HR
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Guildford - 177-179 Fleet Road, Fleet, GU51 3PQ
-
Guildford - 59 High Street, Alton, GU34 1AB
-
Guildford - 172 High Street, Surrey, GU1 3HW
-
Guildford - Alliance House
1 West Street, Farnham, GU9 7DW
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Harrogate - 16 Albert Street, North Yorkshire, HG1 1JP
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Kingston Upon Thames - 42 High Street, Esher, KT10 9Q
-
Kingston Upon Thames - 1 High Street, Epsom, KT19 8DA
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Kingston Upon Thames - 2 Holly Parade, Cobham, KT11 3EE
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Kingston Upon Thames - 9 Baker Street, Weybridge, KT13 8AE
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Kingston Upon Thames - 13-15 Richmond Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5BW
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Lancaster - 67-71 Market Street, Lancashire, LA1 1JG
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Leamington Spa - 1 Euston Place, Warwickshire, CV32 4LW
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Leicester - 44a Church Gate, Loughborough, LE11 1UE
-
Leicester - 48 Granby Street, Leicestershire, LE1 1DH
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Liverpool - 26 Central Square, Maghull, L31 0AE
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Liverpool - 20 Allerton Road, Merseyside, L18 1LN
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London - 142 The Grove
Stratford, Waltham Forest, E15 1NS
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London - 760 Leabridge Road
Walthamstow, Waltham Forest, E17 9HD
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Manchester - 98 Barlow Moor Road
Didsbury, Greater Manchester, M20 2PN
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Medway - 36 Earl Street, Maidstone, ME14 1PS
-
Medway - 93 High Street, Sittingbourne, ME10 4AJ
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Milton Keynes - 58 St Loyes Street, Bedford, MK40 1HD
-
Newcastle upon Tyne - 92 Grey Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 6AG
-
Newcastle upon Tyne - 121 St GEorge Terrace
Jesmond, Tyne and Wear, NE2 2DN
-
Newcastle upon Tyne - Unit Z
First Floor
The Galleries, Washington, NE38 7SD
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Nottingham - 65/66 Long Row, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6JN
-
Nottingham - 75 Westgate, Mansfield, NG18 1RT
-
Oxford - 18 Bath Street, Abingdon, OX14 3QH
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Oxford - 14 Market Square, Bicester, OX26 6AD
-
Oxford - 12/13 St Clements, Oxfordshire, OX4 1YG
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Peterborough - 1 Queens Street, Cambridgeshire, PE1 1PA
-
Peterborough - Bank Chambers
Tuesday Market Place, Kings Lynn, PE30 1JR
-
Plymouth - Estate House
1 Market Street, St Austell, PL25 4BA
-
Plymouth - Hyde Park House
Mutley Plain, Devon, PL4 6HP
-
Portsmouth - 30 High Street, Newport (IOW), PO30 1SS
-
Portsmouth - 127 London Road
North End, Hampshire, PO2 9AH
-
Portsmouth - 127 London Road
North End, Hampshire, PO2 9AH
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Portsmouth - 5 Clarendon Road
Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 3DU
-
Portsmouth - 9 High Street, Ryde, PO33 2HN
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Portsmouth - 35 North Street, Chichester, PO19 1LZ
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Preston - 1 Winkley Street, Lancashire, PR1 2AA
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Reading - The old Post pffice
17/18 New Street, Bracknell, RG12 7DN
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Reading - 16 Bridge Street
Caversham, Oxfordshire, RG4 8AA
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Redhill - Richmond House
Carfax, West Sussex, RH12 1AQ
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Redhill - 45 High Street, Crawley, RH10 1BU
-
Redhill - 6 Church Street, Reigate, RH2 0AN
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Slough - 34 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7DG
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Southampton - 26 London Road, Hampshire, SO15 2SE
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Southampton - 38 Portsmouth Road
Woolston, Hampshire, SO19 9AD
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Southend on Sea - 21 Clifftown Road, Essex, SS1 1AB
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Stevenage - 29 Market Square, Biggleswade, SG18 8AQ
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Stockport - 17 Woodford Road
Bramhall, Bramhall, SK7 1JN
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Stoke on Trent - 54 Merrial Street, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 2AW
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Stoke on Trent - Bank House
Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2JB
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Sutton - 54 High Street, Surrey, SM1 1HY
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Swindon - 115/118 Commercial Road, Gloucestershire, SN1 5PL
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Swindon - 14 Market Place, Chippenham, SN15 3HG
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Taunton - 14 High Street, Somerset, TA1 3PQ
-
Teeside - 127 Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2PQ
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Tonbridge - 5 Kings Parade
High Street, Ashford, TN24 8TA
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Truro - 114 Kenwyn Street, Cornwall, TR1 3DJ
-
Walsall - 131 Lichfield Street, West Midlands, WS1 1TA
-
Warrington - 66-70 London Road
Stockton Heath, Cheshire, WA4 6HR
-
Watford - 10 Faircross House, Hertfordshire, WD1 2AW
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Watford - 10 Faircross House
116 The Parade, Hertfordshire, WD1 2AW
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Windsor - 8 High Street, Berkshire, SL4 1LG
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Worcester - 21 Vine Street, Evesham, WR11 4RL
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Worthing - 33 South Street, West Sussex, BN11 3AS
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York - 37 Micklegate, Yorkshire, YO1 6JH
Review Statistics for Countrywide Residential Lettings
Review Summary
- Total Reviews:
- 88
- Total Ratings:
- 90
- First Review :
- 10/09/2007
- Latest Review:
- 07/02/2012
Overall Review Performance
- Recommend :
- 4
- Disapprove :
- 86
Individual Services Review Performance
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommend:3 | Recommend:1 | Recommend:0 | Recommend:0 |
| Disapprove:27 | Disapprove:56 | Disapprove:0 | Disapprove:0 |
| Surveys | Conveyancing | Lettings (Prospect) | Sales (Prospect) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommend:0 | Recommend:0 | Recommend:0 | Recommend:0 |
| Disapprove:0 | Disapprove:0 | Disapprove:3 | Disapprove:0 |
| They manage our building | They are our factor | They manage our estate |
|---|---|---|
| Recommend:0 | Recommend:0 | Recommend:0 |
| Disapprove:0 | Disapprove:0 | Disapprove:0 |
Staff Members
Select a branch to see more details
-
Bath - 4 Princes Building
George Street, Avon, BA1 2ED
-
Birmingham - 3a Station Approach
Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8JA
-
Blackburn - 13 Preston New Road, Lancashire, BB2 1AR
-
Blackpool - 32-36 Topping Street, Lancashire, FY1 3AQ
-
Bolton - 70 Bradshawgate, Greater Manchester, BL1 1QQ
-
Bournemouth - 113 Old Christchurch Road, Hampshire, BH1 1EP
-
Bradford - 1-2 Arndale Centre
Market Street, West Yorkshire, BD18 3QQ
-
Brighton - 9 Queens Road, Brighton and Hove, BN1 3WA
-
Brighton - 20/22 Gloucester Place, Brighton and Hove, BN1 4AA
-
Brighton - 20 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FN
-
Bristol - 33 Badminton Road, Downend, BS16 6BB
-
Bristol - 108 Whiteladies Road, North Somerset, BS8 2RP
-
Bristol - 16 High Street, Thornbury, BS35 2AH
-
Bristol - 28 The Mall, North Somerset, BS84DS
-
Bromley - 4 West Approach
Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1DB
-
Bromley - 30 High Street, Greater London, BR1 1EA
-
Canterbury - 79 Castle Street, Kent , CT1 2QD
-
Chelmsford - 17 Duke Street, Essex, CM1 1HP
-
Chelmsford - Estate House
108 High Street, Billericay, CM12 9BY
-
Chester - 27 Pensby Road, Heswall, CH60 7RA
-
Chester - The Cross, Cheshire, CH1 1NP
-
Coventry - 161 New Union Street, West Midlands, CV1 2PL
-
Coventry - 24 Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EG
-
Coventry - 149/151 New Union Street, West Midlands, CV1 2RP
-
Croydon - 28 Norfolk House
George Street, Highlands, PH33 6NP
-
Darlington - 25 Skinnergate, County Durham, DL3 7NW
-
Darlington - 75/76 High Street, Northallerton, DL7 8EG
-
Derby - 8a Market Place, Derbyshire, DE1 3QE
-
Doncaster - 26 Hallgate, South Yorkshire, DN1 3NL
-
Durham - 15 Elvet Bridge, County Durham, DH1 3AA
-
Exeter - 12-13 South Street, Devon, EX1 1DZ
-
Gloucester - 3 Ormond Terrace
Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HR
-
Guildford - 177-179 Fleet Road, Fleet, GU51 3PQ
-
Guildford - 59 High Street, Alton, GU34 1AB
-
Guildford - 172 High Street, Surrey, GU1 3HW
-
Guildford - Alliance House
1 West Street, Farnham, GU9 7DW
-
Harrogate - 16 Albert Street, North Yorkshire, HG1 1JP
-
Kingston Upon Thames - 42 High Street, Esher, KT10 9Q
-
Kingston Upon Thames - 1 High Street, Epsom, KT19 8DA
-
Kingston Upon Thames - 2 Holly Parade, Cobham, KT11 3EE
-
Kingston Upon Thames - 9 Baker Street, Weybridge, KT13 8AE
-
Kingston Upon Thames - 13-15 Richmond Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5BW
-
Lancaster - 67-71 Market Street, Lancashire, LA1 1JG
-
Leamington Spa - 1 Euston Place, Warwickshire, CV32 4LW
-
Leicester - 44a Church Gate, Loughborough, LE11 1UE
-
Leicester - 48 Granby Street, Leicestershire, LE1 1DH
-
Liverpool - 26 Central Square, Maghull, L31 0AE
-
Liverpool - 20 Allerton Road, Merseyside, L18 1LN
-
London - 142 The Grove
Stratford, Waltham Forest, E15 1NS
-
London - 760 Leabridge Road
Walthamstow, Waltham Forest, E17 9HD
-
Manchester - 98 Barlow Moor Road
Didsbury, Greater Manchester, M20 2PN
-
Medway - 36 Earl Street, Maidstone, ME14 1PS
-
Medway - 93 High Street, Sittingbourne, ME10 4AJ
-
Milton Keynes - 58 St Loyes Street, Bedford, MK40 1HD
-
Newcastle upon Tyne - 92 Grey Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 6AG
-
Newcastle upon Tyne - 121 St GEorge Terrace
Jesmond, Tyne and Wear, NE2 2DN
-
Newcastle upon Tyne - Unit Z
First Floor
The Galleries, Washington, NE38 7SD
-
Nottingham - 65/66 Long Row, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6JN
-
Nottingham - 75 Westgate, Mansfield, NG18 1RT
-
Oxford - 18 Bath Street, Abingdon, OX14 3QH
-
Oxford - 14 Market Square, Bicester, OX26 6AD
-
Oxford - 12/13 St Clements, Oxfordshire, OX4 1YG
-
Peterborough - 1 Queens Street, Cambridgeshire, PE1 1PA
-
Peterborough - Bank Chambers
Tuesday Market Place, Kings Lynn, PE30 1JR
-
Plymouth - Estate House
1 Market Street, St Austell, PL25 4BA
-
Plymouth - Hyde Park House
Mutley Plain, Devon, PL4 6HP
-
Portsmouth - 30 High Street, Newport (IOW), PO30 1SS
-
Portsmouth - 127 London Road
North End, Hampshire, PO2 9AH
-
Portsmouth - 127 London Road
North End, Hampshire, PO2 9AH
-
Portsmouth - 5 Clarendon Road
Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 3DU
-
Portsmouth - 9 High Street, Ryde, PO33 2HN
-
Portsmouth - 35 North Street, Chichester, PO19 1LZ
-
Preston - 1 Winkley Street, Lancashire, PR1 2AA
-
Reading - The old Post pffice
17/18 New Street, Bracknell, RG12 7DN
-
Reading - 16 Bridge Street
Caversham, Oxfordshire, RG4 8AA
-
Redhill - Richmond House
Carfax, West Sussex, RH12 1AQ
-
Redhill - 45 High Street, Crawley, RH10 1BU
-
Redhill - 6 Church Street, Reigate, RH2 0AN
-
Slough - 34 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7DG
-
Southampton - 26 London Road, Hampshire, SO15 2SE
-
Southampton - 38 Portsmouth Road
Woolston, Hampshire, SO19 9AD
-
Southend on Sea - 21 Clifftown Road, Essex, SS1 1AB
-
Stevenage - 29 Market Square, Biggleswade, SG18 8AQ
-
Stockport - 17 Woodford Road
Bramhall, Bramhall, SK7 1JN
-
Stoke on Trent - 54 Merrial Street, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 2AW
-
Stoke on Trent - Bank House
Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2JB
-
Sutton - 54 High Street, Surrey, SM1 1HY
-
Swindon - 115/118 Commercial Road, Gloucestershire, SN1 5PL
-
Swindon - 14 Market Place, Chippenham, SN15 3HG
-
Taunton - 14 High Street, Somerset, TA1 3PQ
-
Teeside - 127 Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2PQ
-
Tonbridge - 5 Kings Parade
High Street, Ashford, TN24 8TA
-
Truro - 114 Kenwyn Street, Cornwall, TR1 3DJ
-
Walsall - 131 Lichfield Street, West Midlands, WS1 1TA
-
Warrington - 66-70 London Road
Stockton Heath, Cheshire, WA4 6HR
-
Watford - 10 Faircross House, Hertfordshire, WD1 2AW
-
Watford - 10 Faircross House
116 The Parade, Hertfordshire, WD1 2AW
-
Windsor - 8 High Street, Berkshire, SL4 1LG
-
Worcester - 21 Vine Street, Evesham, WR11 4RL
-
Worthing - 33 South Street, West Sussex, BN11 3AS
-
York - 37 Micklegate, Yorkshire, YO1 6JH
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