“I called Sam Alexander Lettings to enquire about some studios ......”
1 Star Review
Aug 21,2014
By:
'Prospective'
Aug 21,2014
Branch: London, 220 The Vale
Services: Lettings (Prospective customer)
Rent PCM: £888
Would you recommend?: No
Postcode: NW3
Branch: London, 220 The Vale
Lettings (Prospective customer)
Rent PCM: £888
Postcode: NW3
1
people found
this helpful
I called Sam Alexander Lettings to enquire about some studios in London advertised, and was told there was another coming up available from 20th October at 57 Roderick Road, Belsize Park which was not actually on the market yet. I spoke to Dean Bedford from Sam Alexander Lettings who told me that the rent was £205pw and all bills were included except internet, which I would have to arrange myself. I have lived in this area before and thought this was a very good deal. I asked again if ALL bills were included and was there a catch?! I was assured that the only extra cost would be internet.
I was immediately interested however Dean informed me that he had no pictures to post online as the landlord didn't like them taking photos of tenants posessions while they were still living in the property, this was due to an apparent theft recently and the agency involved was sued by the tenant. He then said knew the tenant was at work so he would go there and take some photos and email them directly to me. He sent around 10 photos with a email:
''Please find the pictures for Roderick Road, please bear in mind that there is a current tenants stuff there and the property will be repainted.''
I decided to take the flat based on the photos, the area and the fact all bills were included. As I am currently in Spain, I had arranged to transfer the holding deposit of 2 weeks rent, 2 days later. I asked for all the details to be confirmed by email - I received an email with some information and I had to clarify a few things and also request that they state that all bills were included. Eventually I received an email stating that all utilities were included 'exc council tax'. I enquired why this was, when I asked twice and was assured there was nothing extra to pay except internet? I was informed that each flat was responsible for it's own council tax. I replied to express how I would have preferred to know this from the start, also about the £250 hefty admin fee which they didn't mention until it was time to do the paperwork etc!
I asked for a reduction on the rent of owing to the fact I had been misinformed but was told this wasn't possible and instead of any type of apology I was only asked if I wanted to proceed or not.
The council tax amount wasn't the issue, actually my preferred budget is £200pw as I have another property in Spain, but I can spend much more than that if it would be required. Based on being sinificantly misled about what was included despite clarifying this in total 3 times verbally, I would not rent from this agency. PLENTY of other flats in London and I have time to wait for the right place.
1
people found
this helpful
Was this helpful?
Yes