homes4u ltd

Reviewed by Zoe on 12th July 2007

Services: Lettings (as a Tennant)
Property: Residential
Experience: Would you use the agent again?  No

I don't think there is enough space on this page to describe how awful Homes 4 U are but I'll try.

1. Having paid deposit, rent, signed contracts, given references, set up a standing order and arranged a time and date to collect the keys, we arrived to find staff with blank faces. With our moving van sat outside we had to sit and wait for 1hr 30 mins while they faffed about. Not a good start.

2. Re-sign Fees. They charge one week's rent plus VAT for a resign fee (in our case this was a whopping £189.18). When asked what this is for they say references (even if they already have them) and a new standing order (even if there is no change).

3. We paid our re-sign fee last year as we love the flat. Two weeks later my brother (a policeman working nights) was woken 3 times in one week by different Homes 4 U agents showing prospective tenants around. It seems you might pay their ridiculouse fees but that doesn't guarantee they'll not mistakenly assume you are still moving.

4. Fraud. Homes 4 U called me to say they were no longer going to be managing the property as the owner had decided to manage it herself (sensible woman). They did however insist that if we wanted to remain in the flat we would have to pay the normal re-sign fee of £189.19 as they were still managing the contract. They were extremely keen for me to come in and pay this despite my contract not being up for another 2 months.

Thankfully I have a brain cell. Contacted owner and she had simply changed to another letting agency with immediate effect. So Homes 4 U were trying to take nearly £200 from me for absolutely nothing. Considering reporting them to Trading Standards.

5. General Incompetence. Will address letters to you simply as 'The Tenant' instead of your name. Will also send you student rental advice, despite the fact that you are a 34 year old professional.

Would advise anyone to look elsewhere when considering a letting agency. Homes 4 U are incompetent, inefficient, their staff appear to share one brain cell between them, their fees are unfair and extortionate, they are happy to commit fraud. Steer clear. There are many other good agencies in Manchester.

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