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		<title>AllAgents - Reviews of  cray-norton</title> 
        <link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/rss/Cray & Norton</link> 
        <description>We are an independent family run estate agents able to provide you with a friendly, professional service whatever your position, be it vendor, purchaser, Landlord or tenant.</description><item>
		<title><![CDATA[1/5/2012 - Ola rated Cray & Norton 1 star]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[i cannot believe how badly they handled my application. i paid a holding fee and waited for them to contact me at the end of my reference. they never did, till i emailed them and then they told me i failed referencing on the basis that i did not have a visa for the period of the tenancy. which i did. my passport was at the home office as i was changing my visa status. i contacted them and asked why i was not contacted to verify this and they kept lying that they tried to phone me but never got through. i am also in a customer business and if you cant get through by phone why didnt they e mail me or send me a text as they have all my details. they couldnt give me a direct answer. so they didnt return my holding fee and did not give me a chance to clearify my visa status. i think they are in a business of taking peoples money and this is fraudulent. they do business very badly. i will never recommend them. 

An advice, use another agency....<br />This person would not use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[24/4/2012 - Mr Crawford rated Cray & Norton 5 stars]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[They were efficient , reliable and made sure that all aspects of the let were dealt with.

I would not hesitate to use again, excellent service!<br />This person would use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[23/4/2012 - Wendy rated Cray & Norton 5 stars]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I was looking for a 2 bed property to rent in the Croydon area and was recommended to use cray and norton by a friend. They had previously dealt with basil and said he was great at his job... And they wasn't wrong! I would class myself as a picky customer as I have such particular things I needed. I found all the staff to be pleasant, helpful and Bas imparticular exceeded my expectations. He found me a 2 bed property with all the things I requested and more and cheaper. Bas helped with all my questions and made the move stress free and I would decently use cray and norton again! What a change from being hassled and bombarded with useless staff at other leading agents.<br />This person would use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[21/4/2012 - Liz rated Cray & Norton 4 stars]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I sold and bought through Cray and Norton and they were nothing but consistent throughout the whole process. They found a buyer for my property within a week of it being advertised. I had it on the market with 2 other agents however i didnt receive any feedback from them. I was very pleased with their service and due to the fact its a family run business i feel they had a better way of handling business.<br />This person would use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[21/4/2012 - Sam Holder rated Cray & Norton 5 stars]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I recently was looking for a 2 bedroom property in addiscombe for me and my 2 children. I must say i had an excellent service from Cray and Norton. They were very friendly and helpful and found me a property very quickly. I like them because unlike other estate agents I have dealt with, they gave me more of a personal service. I'd like to thank Robyn who works there for finding me my perfect home. I would recomend them to anyone looking in the croydon area

Sam Holder x<br />This person would use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[20/4/2012 - formertenant rated Cray & Norton 2 stars]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Poor service received for the large 'administration' fee I paid. They kept moving the move-in date back, which made booking removals/time off work problematic. I still don't have a copy of the contract and they were confused about me asking for a gas safe certificate (legal requirement and a standard for all other agencies I have dealt with). 
When I arrived to get the keys, they made me sign an &quot;inventory&quot; before I could have the keys, even though I hadn't seen the property. The inventory consisted of a few badly printed photos of some of the rooms. Every other agency provides a professional detailed written inventory of everything. Poor value for the £70 paid for 'check in' (I've never had to pay an inventory fee for moving in before either). 
Very slow in replying to requests for maintenance - many of the original problems with the property have still not been sorted out, even though they were notified over a month ago.<br />This person would not use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[5/4/2012 - Dave rated Cray & Norton 5 stars]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[My property was on the market previously with another agent and I had an awful experience. Viewings not turning up no feedback from viewings that did take place. I then decided to go with another agent and after a number of conversations decided to go with this agent - thank god I did! They were so professional and really helped - even when the property that I was buying looked like it would fall through (due to the previous agent) the team ensured it didn't. due to keeping all parties informed, and working meticulously behind the scenes. I could not praise them enough! Thank you!<br />This person would use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[3/4/2012 - tenant rated Cray & Norton 1 star]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I completely disliked this agency. This is the worst agency i have ever seen. I was finding the house for rent and they were polite before i pay the money. but after getting their fees/money they completely changed. They didnt gave us keys on time and we got in trouble entering the property on the day of shifting, our luggage was on road but they didnt helped even in getting us the right keys. When i called them to get their help, they completely disconnected the phone. Also they didnt gave agreement on the day of shifting and took long time to give the agreement. I am expecting the baby so we needed agreement to register with GP but they didnt helped at all.When we asked for theit help , they said that its out problem not theirs. I request you not to go with agency otherwise you can be in trouble.<br />This person would not use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[2/4/2012 - Client rated Cray & Norton 1 star]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I had a terrible experience with this agency while looking for a house on rent. The people are completely unfriendly. Forget about unfriendly (this word is too small for their behavior), they even disconnect the phones in middle of the conversation when they think the customer is not getting convinced or the conversation is not going their way. I would term my dealing with them as pathetic and I would recommend you to keep away from such agents who are so uncaring about their customers. All this only happens when you have made their payment in full and they normally ask for payments in advance.<br />This person would not use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[27/3/2012 - Karen rated Cray & Norton 5 stars]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I recently let out my property in Croydon. After getting a number of estate agents around to value it I opted to use Cray and Norton due to the friendly attitude of the valuer. Viewings commenced straight away and I was impressed by the number of people that came around and within 24 hours they had found me a tenant. After we agreed everything the transaction went so smoothly and Molly and Basil were helpful and friendly throughout. Would have no concerns in recommending these to anyone. Well done to all!<br />This person would use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[9/3/2012 - caveman rated Cray & Norton 5 stars]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Agree totally with what my Mrs just said ... they know their stuff and are just a friendly bunch of people.  Darren - I Was on my travels last week and saw the new shop in Eastbourne - great to see Marcel back in the Cray &amp; Norton uniform, sure he's been missed in Croydon!<br />This person would use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[3/9/2011 - Nikki rated Cray & Norton 1 star]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I have been treated incredibly badly by this agency. After putting down a £300 holding deposit to move in asap, they held me off moving in the flat for 2 months by telling me at very short notice that the landlady is moving the date back. After speaking to the landlady myself toward the end, she explained they  had been lying to me, she had always given them the 2 month waiting date. As I had explained to them, I was currently homeless and needed somewhere in a hurry. I then signed the contract 2 weeks before final moving in date and told the landlady will be signing that week. 2 days before the move I transfered a considerable sum the Cray &amp; Norton's account for full deposit only to receive an email telling me the landlady is not signing and not letting me have the property. I'm at the stage now that I have been homeless and living out of a suitcase for nearly 3 months, they have still not given me back my deposit and I can't move in anywhere while they have all of my money. They are very unhelpful and very reluctant to give me my money back even though I don't have a property to live in. PLEASE DON'T GIVE THESE PEOPLE ANY MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />This person would not use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[4/8/2011 - Jjtte rated Cray & Norton 1 star]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Same as the previous review. The people there totally inefficient. When we saw the property there were no White goods, was told new goods were ordered only to enter the property with old second hand dirty fridge and an oven fit for the bin. 5 minutes after signing the agreement and  entering the property the agent denies saying anything new was promised. CHEAPOS. Made requests but were not carried out. No morals. Dont sign agreement unless totally satisfied with the condition of the house. Beware of your first visit, they promise you the world. Charge £285 admin fee for f***all. Stay away. Got to put up for the next six months. Will report to The Obudsman about this agency. Somebody should close them down.<br />This person would not use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[31/7/2011 - Shantya rated Cray & Norton 1 star]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[This agent is not a part of any scheme and thus you cannot go to anyone for dispute resolution.This agent forfeited my 300£ holding fees. I had confirmed news from other agents that viewings are still going on despite me having paid holding for a property. Another agent clearly had told that this property is not meant for tenants with kids.I was asked to go through referencing for a six month breakage clause i had asked for. The agent did a referencing for 12 months and the report mentioned to get a guarantor for me.However, i was never asked for one, no options given and my fees forfeited. This agent is not a part of any scheme, used to be a part of Ombudsman lettings but still circulating his pamphlets using their name.

Sequence of Events

1. On 29th May, I went on findaproperty.com and sent relevant contact details to several agents for contacting me for suitable rental properties. Please find confirmation mails from findaproperty attached. Both Bairstow eves and Cray and Norton were sent a mail for this property by the website. 
2. On 31st May, I got a call from Lauren from Cray and Norton about Elgin Road property and asked me if I would be interested in viewing it. I confirmed to view it on the same date along with another property they had for viewing in South Croydon.
3. I reached there on time at 5:15 p.m. and had a close look at the property and was happy with it.
4. In the car on our way to South Croydon property, I asked all details regarding the process of this since I was new to the country. I clearly communicated my term status and asked the process for a six month breakage clause.
5.  I did not like the South Croydon property and there itself I told Lauren that I like the Elgin road property and would like to go ahead with the tenancy process with this. This is after I asked her if the landlord is willing to have 700£ per month as rent instead of the 725£ that Lauren had communicated to me earlier. She communicated to me in positive.
6. I went to the Cray and Norton Office with her directly from there around 6:25 p.m and the process of filling the receipt and paying holding deposit completed very quickly within 3-5 minutes. I signed the document without even reading it as I trusted the agents the way I trust everyone. Even though I would have read the clause that holding fee is forfeited if referencing fails, I would have signed. This is because I had told every fact, I work for a very big and established firm and have no credit history here and have an immaculate status back home. It was not even once mentioned to me verbally that the holding fee is non refundable. I was told then that I would get an online form and just put details of my HR. Wife's referencing is not a problem because anyway she is still in India and will not work here / is your dependent, but nonetheless get details filled for both. I had no idea what referencing means; Lauren just told me to fill online forms and just put HR names there.
7. On the 2nd of June, I received a call from Marcus from Bairstow eves to know if I was interested in another property. I said thanks, I have paid holding fee and am no more interested. We had spoken on phone on about two properties and hence when he asked me where I got it, I said Flag G 25 Elgin road. He expressed disbelief and said this cannot be possible because I have some viewings lined up there today evening and Cray and Norton too is still doing viewings there. I was shocked to learn this and immediately called up Lauren. She said she believed Hannah had spoken to the landlord and this should not happen. She said she will call me back but said not to listen to another agent because he may be trying to scare me in going for his property.
8. I got the referencing on line forms on 1st June late in the day and filled them as soon as possible on 1st June Evening.
9. On 3rd June I received a message in my mailbox and voicemail from Chelsea from FCC Paragon that she needs my assignment or contract document. This is because my HR representative Laura Everitt was away and did not respond to her referencing request. I immediately sent her a scanned copy of my assignment document enclosed herewith.
10. Concerned still with what Marcus had said, I visited Cray and Norton office along with a friend on 4th June and spoke to Lauren. The director interrupted our discussion and said he cannot control it if other agents are still doing viewings, but he is not. He said I can be the tenant of the flat if my referencing does not fail.
11. On 5th June, I called Lauren to again understand if there were any updates on referencing and my tenancy and she said she did not have any.
12. On 6th June, Lauren called me and informed me that my referencing had failed because the document that I had shared shows my end date in UK as January 2012. When asked about my holding she said to refer the signed document which clearly mentions that it is non refundable. On expressing my disappointment, she said please make a complaint with the Director and she cannot do anything in it. I kept on calling for giving me options but every time I got the same answer.
13. On 8th June, I got a call from Chrissie from Streets Ahead to enquire about another property. Again, I had been talking to her and also had done a viewing on Ashburton road with her which I did not like. On knowing about my Holding fee for the Elgin road flat, she too was in disbelief because she said this landlady does not want children in her property. She also helped me by telling that if the landlord has turned down tenancy, the agent should refund the holding fee.
14. I talked to my HR and informed this to her, she was back in office. She asked Chelsea on mail if she needed anything from her on 6th June. On this, Chelsea contacted her and got the relevant phone number in our organization which does referncing. She sent me the authorization form which was sent to her by my company and I sent the authorization form to my company to release my personal data to Chelsea. Thus now, official process was done to send referencing from my Company on 8th June.
15. I enquired a couple of times in the week on phone about the re referencing but never got any response from both Lauren and Hannah, apart from asking me to talk to the director after he returns from vacation
16. I again visited the agent's office on 11th where I spoke to Hannah as rest were off that day. I requested her to refund money or else give me any other options or search another property for me. Again I got the same answer that I should make a complaint only to the director. Here I kept a business card, noted email addresses of the manager Kevin and the director Darren.
17. Sent a complaint to all in Cray and Norton guys on 14th June and received the final viewpoint from Darren as seen in the mail communication attached.

To recap, following paragraphs summarize what I want to say again- 

I had clearly stated that I want to go with six month breakage contract before giving holding fee after viewing this property. I had even discussed six month breakage clause with Lauren - the representative of the agent. The agent said after referencing that the landlord has turned down your tenancy because my  stay in UK is till Jan 2012 and forfeited my 300£ holding fee.

Couple of other agents who were in touch with me regarding my search expressed disbelief on hearing that I had given holding fee for this property. Marcus from  Bairstow Eves said, his agency and even Cray and Norton are still doing viewings for this property. Also he along with Chrissie from Streets Ahead clearly  
mentioned that this property is not intended for tenants with Children, so itâ€™s not possible to take holding from you for this property. When I told this to the agent, Hannah, another representative from Cray and Norton said that these are typical games agents play and do not trust what 'other' agents say. 

The HR representative of my company was out of office and even before taking a reference from her, referencing for me was done only on basis of an internal  assignment memo of my company which was asked to me. I was only sharing a document (Foreign Assignment Memorandum) which enforced the things I had already told them with complete honesty, had told upfront my type of Company travel policy type,  my current official term, visa validity, my prospective stay, my family visa status and information on them. I am so new to the country that I do not have any credit history too. 

I got the referencing report on 28th June when I asked for it. However it clearly advices the tenant to produce a guarantor, however I was never asked to produce one but my tenancy was rejected straightaway without giving me any options and for no fault of mine. In the first place, the agent shouldn't have taken holding from me since I had very very clearly communicated that I have a 2 year old kid and that I need a six month breakage and if they knew  landlord is not OK with this. In any case I did not turn back on anything I had communicated and since the landlord turned down my tenancy, I should get my  money back. 

When I thought what has happened is really unfair to me and I asked for my rights, the Director clearly mentioned in his communication that his company is  not a part of any Ombudsman Scheme and I can go to Citizens advice or Legal advice. However two days later, I received a pamphlet from the agent for  advertising his agency, which clearly mentions that this company is covered under the scheme. Ombudsman later informed me after receiving my complaint that the agent is no more their member and this will be taken up separately with the membership department but they canâ€™t help me with this complaint and I should go to ARLA.<br />This person would not use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item><item>
		<title><![CDATA[29/12/2010 - Manish rated Cray & Norton 1 star]]></title>
		<link>http://www.allagents.co.uk/cray-norton/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We took a house from Cray and Norton. When we moved into the house, the house was dirty. The previous tenant had not cleaned the house and the agent didn't get the house inspected before handling the keys to us. Post moving, along with the cleaning we found multiple issues with the house and we raised the complaint with the agent and none of them have been resolved even after 4 weeks. The excuse from the agents have been always - we are on leave, landlord has not replied, plumber is not available or is sick, we are working on it, we are checking with previous tenants. Every other day I am trying to contact them and each time the person picking the phone mentions that the previous staff I was working with is on leave and I need to explain the problem to him/her. The agents are totally inefficient with no consideration for the tenants and their living conditions. We will not suggest anyone to deal with them. <br />This person would not use Cray & Norton again.]]></description></item>
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