“Unfortunately, I cannot recommend Josh or Helliwell & Co. Properties. Our ......”
1 Star Review
Jul 05,2016
By:
'aflevin'
Jul 05,2016
Branch: London, The Clock House, 58 St Mary's Road
Services: Lettings (as a Tenant)
Would you recommend?: No
Postcode: 2DW
Branch: London, The Clock House, 58 St Mary's Road
Lettings (as a Tenant)
Postcode: 2DW
9
people found
this helpful
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend Josh or Helliwell & Co. Properties. Our experience was that the agency did not meet its obligations and did not communicate adequately.
My husband and I found Helliwell when seeking a short-term let in Ealing. On a Monday, we saw a flat that was under construction, and it seemed to meet our needs. We signed and were assured that all of the works would be completed by Thursday evening. On Saturday morning, we arrived at the flat with our luggage, and everything was exactly as it had been on Monday (no toilet, dust and plastic covering furniture, etc.). Also, we had stopped at Helliwell on the way to get keys, and Josh had assured us that the landlady would have them, but upon arrival, the landlady said that Josh had the only spare keys.
On Monday, we went to Helliwell, and Josh was apologetic; he drove us to the flat, gave us keys, and had a conversation with the landlady about the condition of the flat. He stated emphatically that we would not pay for any days during which the flat was not hospitable, which was what our written contract guaranteed (e.g. a functioning toilet, a full cleaning). He even mentioned that the agency hadn't yet given the rent to the landlady, so he could apply pressure this way. We chose to move-in despite the condition, because we needed a flat, and we used a communal toilet elsewhere in the building while workers continued to install ours. Works were completed by Tuesday night, but no cleaning was done until a week later - to be fair, at Josh's insistence, since the landlady had promised previously for several days.
However, Josh would not issue us a refund for the time period during which the flat did not meet the conditions guaranteed in our contract. We considered this a breach of contract, but could get nowhere with him on it. He claimed that it was our responsibility to take it up with the landlady, though he was the agent and he had been the one to deal with the contract. Several times throughout the process, he would not respond to email, which was also frustrating. Other incidents occurred as well, like when Josh brought by a potential tenant (for after our move-out) without the contractually-required 24 hours notice.
I cannot, in good conscience, recommend Helliwell's services, based on our experience.
Comment on agent fees
Fees seemed par for the market, according to our local friends
9
people found
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Firstly, we would like to sincerely apologise for the negative experience you have had with the Property and in turn, with Helliwell & Co. As a professional Agency, I'm sure that you can appreciate that it is not our intention to cause distress or upset for any of our clients, regardless of who lies at fault. Unfortunately, it is with great disappointment that we must confirm this is a genuine review. Our team remember this incident very clearly, as it was completely far from the norm and due to this incident we refused to accept any further business from this Landlord. We completely understand that as your Agent, you had hoped that there was more that could be done from our end – unfortunately in rare cases such as these, there is little that we can do when a Landlord has advised us (in writing and verbally) that all of your requirements have been carried out and that the property is fully ready for you to move into. Should you have not needed to move in on this specific date, we would have called off the Tenancy straight away, at no cost to you and found you an alternative property. Again, whilst we appreciate your comments and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this caused you, I can assure you that this is not a common occurrence with Helliwell & Co. at all – our reputation means a lot to our Agency, which is why we no longer conduct business with this property or Landlord. If you wish to discuss the above in further detail, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Kind Regards
Joshua Helliwell
Director