50% lettings valuation accuracy
56% lettings fee satisfaction
Jan 13,2017
Jan 13,2017
37
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this helpful
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Another poor review... I'd give zero if I could. From the off, I wasn't satisfied with the conduct. I'll list my issues as its easier to write.
1) Sales tactics purely to put you under pressure to sign - its first come first served policy... common tactic employed designed to make the buyer feel like they'll miss out if they don't commit. Terrible attitude to have from an estate agents.
2) Over-priced reference fees. I had to pay to reference my wife even though I was the one committing to the rent. All over 18s subject to a couple of hundred £ referencing policy? Why no joint applications? Looking forward to the day this process is regulated!
3) A bizarre policy of offering a 6 month initial rental which was apparently for my benefit as then I could see if i liked the property. How does that work when I only experience half a year - summer may be lovely so I renew but winter awful and it costs me £50 to find out! Only actual benefit was to ML and the renewal fee and the cut of the rent increase...
4) Was told the 6 month rental was the landlords decision. Landlord firmly told me this wasn't the case! Doesn't look great from ML perspective...
5) Was told during viewing that the building had listed status - this positively affected our decision as we liked the idea. Turns out the building isn't listed at all...
6) On move in day, was refused access to keys because despite meeting all other requirements, everything hinged on a *written* reference from the landlord?! But in the end it was ok for previous agents to write something... so why the fuss? The previous agents simply had to fill in a form which merely confirmed what was already confirmed by my other paperwork.... so why the fuss!?
7) Fees - quite happy to make it known that ML are open on fees but that doesn't make them fair. By being 'competitive' doesn't make it fair to landlord or tenant. It has cost a fortune to rent this property and in return there has been very input from ML.
8) Renewal fees - utterly pointless considering the effort involved. The only amendment to a renewal is a change of dates, the signatures done online yet still somehow costs £50 to the tenant! Probably costs the landlord too...Should be part of the service!
To summarise, it feels as though the tenant is simply seen as a cash cow. Misleading advice from day one, too many (over priced) fees to pay and very little back in return has left me feeling a bit taken advantage of and victimised to be quite honest. I dread to think the cost to the landlord was well!
1) Sales tactics purely to put you under pressure to sign - its first come first served policy... common tactic employed designed to make the buyer feel like they'll miss out if they don't commit. Terrible attitude to have from an estate agents.
2) Over-priced reference fees. I had to pay to reference my wife even though I was the one committing to the rent. All over 18s subject to a couple of hundred £ referencing policy? Why no joint applications? Looking forward to the day this process is regulated!
3) A bizarre policy of offering a 6 month initial rental which was apparently for my benefit as then I could see if i liked the property. How does that work when I only experience half a year - summer may be lovely so I renew but winter awful and it costs me £50 to find out! Only actual benefit was to ML and the renewal fee and the cut of the rent increase...
4) Was told the 6 month rental was the landlords decision. Landlord firmly told me this wasn't the case! Doesn't look great from ML perspective...
5) Was told during viewing that the building had listed status - this positively affected our decision as we liked the idea. Turns out the building isn't listed at all...
6) On move in day, was refused access to keys because despite meeting all other requirements, everything hinged on a *written* reference from the landlord?! But in the end it was ok for previous agents to write something... so why the fuss? The previous agents simply had to fill in a form which merely confirmed what was already confirmed by my other paperwork.... so why the fuss!?
7) Fees - quite happy to make it known that ML are open on fees but that doesn't make them fair. By being 'competitive' doesn't make it fair to landlord or tenant. It has cost a fortune to rent this property and in return there has been very input from ML.
8) Renewal fees - utterly pointless considering the effort involved. The only amendment to a renewal is a change of dates, the signatures done online yet still somehow costs £50 to the tenant! Probably costs the landlord too...Should be part of the service!
To summarise, it feels as though the tenant is simply seen as a cash cow. Misleading advice from day one, too many (over priced) fees to pay and very little back in return has left me feeling a bit taken advantage of and victimised to be quite honest. I dread to think the cost to the landlord was well!
Comment on agent fees
Overpriced, unnecessary and not value for money.
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7th Jul 2021
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Opening Hours
Address
Maxine Lester Residential Lettings
12 Station Road
St Ives
Cambridgeshire
PE27 5BH
01480494939
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettings | 50% | 56% | £625 | £1,395 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0 | 5 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Areas covered
- PE27
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
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Latest Properties
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Jan 09,2024
Jan 09,2024
1
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Olivia was fabulous throughout the course of my interaction with her. The first viewing of the property was secured within 30 minutes from when I made the first call. When I thought I needed to view the property again with my partner, Olivia happily secured an ...
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Nov 03,2023
Nov 03,2023
0
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A very big thank you to both Olivia and Benjamin for helping me secure a beautiful rental accommodation. They kept me informed at every step of the process and were great to deal with....
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Sep 22,2023
Sep 22,2023
3
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Unprofessional and dishonest estate agent!
When they ask about our income, we told all our income. They ask you to give holding deposit. Then they told you that they don’t count any overtime, bonus or other income. Finally they don’t let to you ...
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Apr 12,2022
Apr 12,2022
2
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this helpful
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Very discriminatory and dishonest. They will keep telling you lies like a perfectly sized 3 bedroom is too small for a family of 5. Sad!......................If you dislike injustice, spare yourself and use another letting agent. Seriously....
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Apr 13, 2022
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(1)
I am sorry to receive your feedback, particularly as we have no record of speaking with you. If you let me know who spoke with us I can listen to the call recording to see how we may have been discriminatory or dishonest.
If you applied for one of the 3 bed houses we’ve advertised that is too small for a family of 5, we would tell you that. That honestly ensures we match you to an appropriate property that is not at risk of over-crowding. That protects you and is not dishonest or a lie.
...
Jan 05,2022
Jan 05,2022
0
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this helpful
Absolutely professional , caring and helpful. Go out of their way to help and resolve any problems.
Cornavirus proved there expertise and professionalism....
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Jul 07,2021
Jul 07,2021
2
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this helpful
this helpful
We have been a long standing tenant at the property (10-15 years). An ongoing fault with the flooring/tiling at the property has been continuously quick fixed for about 6-8 years (for example coming in, applying filler, filler disintegrates 2 days later). The problem was inheirted ...
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Jul 07, 2021
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We are so sorry you feel as you do. As you know we have tried hard to reach an agreement between you and your landlord to achieve a cost-effective solution. Your landlord invited you to choose the floor covering, and agreed your choice. Whilst we appreciate you want a more costly approach to laying the floor, the approach taken is safe, effective and agreed by your landlord. We are so sorry you disagree with this approach. ...
Nov 30,2020
Nov 30,2020
5
people found
this helpful
this helpful
When we first visited the property, we were promised that certain things will be replaced or fixed such as new carpet, the downstairs toilet/bathroom. They already replaced the hallway carpet and told us every carpet will be replaced upon move in. They also had ...
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Mar 30,2020
Mar 30,2020
4
people found
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this helpful
I would strongly urge every prospective tenant to carefully read through the contract before signing. Their verbal explanation of the contract is not always the same as the written contract.
Maxine Lester work very well for the landlord, but not as well for the tenant....
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Apr 01, 2020
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I feel very strongly that as a letting agency you do not give this advice to every prospective tenant. I think your contract should be worded so that the get out clause is highlighted and verbally told to everyone. It can easily be overlooked. I also found very little communication from your staff. All in all, I was vey disappointed in the service from a letting agency which advertises itself as Award Winning. ...
Mar 26,2020
Mar 26,2020
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
When we were finacially in trouble because of the coronavirus, there was literally no help from the staff at maxine lester estate agents. Infact they were opposite, very rude, patronising, sarcastic and unprofessional. Even though they was holding the deposit which was more money than ...
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Mar 27, 2020
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I am so sorry that you feel aggrieved, however for the record I need to reply. As you have been told on many occasions you are in a legally binding contract until 5th May 2020. You decided to leave the property well before the situation with the virus was established. Therefore we struggle to understand how you claim this has all happened because of the virus. I am very happy to talk though the situation again. As I have previously explained your actions have put your Landlord into financial dif ...
Feb 13,2020
Feb 13,2020
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
They will try there best to keep your deposit, making up things to make you look like you were a bad tenant. Take pictures, keep your paperwork and fight it. Guaranteed win. Otherwise they WILL keep your money....
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Feb 14, 2020
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Thanks Jess. I am so sorry you are still not happy since you first gave a review for this issue in 2018. As before, we’d be happy to have a conversation to see how to make things right for you. We remain puzzled at your reviews as you clearly agreed the deductions made from your deposit against the clear photographs of the urine damage caused to the carpets by your dog, and despite being advised you could appeal to the independent TDS adjudication service, you chose to not appeal. We are sorr ...
Jun 18,2019
Jun 18,2019
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
They will try their best to eat your deposit, whatever it takes them they will make up things. You touch the wall in their house and that's £100 gone their. They work for landlord and not for tenants. Remember they charge you the rent to the ...
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Comment on agent fees
Extremely higher
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Jun 19, 2019
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Hi Jamie. I am sorry you feel this way. I am not sure who you are so I can't check the history to understand what happened and respond properly. I would be pleased to have a conversation with you so I can respond properly. I hope you get in touch. Matthew ...
Jul 31,2017
Jul 31,2017
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Maxine Lester Residential Lettings have managed our properties for over 5 years and we are extremely happy with the service. All the staff are polite, helpful and efficient. Compared to other agents we have used, they are first class and I would highly recommend them....
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Comment on agent fees
The management fees are very competitive and good value for the service provided.
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Aug 01, 2017
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Hi Amanda. Thanks for such a lovely review. We know you are disappointed with the agents you use elsewhere - we are truly sorry we do not work in those towns! Matthew ...
Jul 07,2017
Jul 07,2017
2
people found
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this helpful
Couldn't be happier with Maxine and Lester, the stuff is very helpful and professional at all times, any problems get solved promptly and they always happy to help....
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Comment on agent fees
Good
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Jul 08, 2017
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Thanks for the feedback Jo - were delighted you feel weve done our job properly! Matthew ...
Jun 23,2017
Jun 23,2017
4
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Having spent the last 3 years with Maxine Lester as my letting agent, I would definitely recommend these guys. Maxine Lester and all the staff have always provided a first class service and the odd times I needed assistance with issues they were sure to act ...
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Comment on agent fees
Good
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Jun 27, 2017
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Hi KC - thanks for the great feedback - great to know we sustained the service throughout the 3 years! Matthew ...
May 26,2017
May 26,2017
5
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Absolutely first class service. Throughout my long association with Maxine Lester, everyone I have dealt with has been friendly, professional and polite. Their customer service ethic, both to tenants and landlords, is second to none and they are extremely good value for money. Highly recommended! :...
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Comment on agent fees
Excellent value for money.
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Jul 29, 2017
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Thanks for the great feedback. We are delighted to know you are happy! Matthew ...
May 26,2017
May 26,2017
5
people found
this helpful
this helpful
The cottage I rented was lovely and the staff at Maxine's were both professional and personable. Problems and issues were solved promptly. Check in was efficient as was check out. All in all a good service....
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Comment on agent fees
Fees were competitive.
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Jul 29, 2017
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Hi Dc - thanks for your kind comment - the whole team work to ensure tenants are treated as customers. It sounds like they succeeded with you. thanks. Matthew ...
May 16,2017
May 16,2017
8
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Second Property just Let very promptly. Maxine Lester's team are; constructive, polite and unfailingly professional in finding Tenants and looking after properties. We have found the Business to be well known and respected in the area, has excellent Trades working in support. We were lucky ...
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Comment on agent fees
Sensible level of Fees, proactive in reducing our costs.
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May 17, 2017
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Hi Charity. Thanks so much for your review. We try to serve our landlords and tenants well, it is lovely to hear when the team have hit the spot. Thanks. Matthew ...
Feb 14,2017
Feb 14,2017
27
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Horrendous Experience. Lied to by the letting agent prior to move in, when we challenged on what was told to us at our initial viewing the letting agent rang me (at work) crying saying we'd clearly misunderstood.
Had several occasions in which the Washer (provided ...
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Mar 09, 2017
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I feel it important to highlight my reasons for not wanting to meet rather than it being made to look like I've refused outright. In order for transparency I made the choice to communicate via email to ensure a record is maintained and no denials can be made as I've experienced when using telephone as means of communication with you. ...
Jan 13,2017
Jan 13,2017
37
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Another poor review... I'd give zero if I could. From the off, I wasn't satisfied with the conduct. I'll list my issues as its easier to write.
1) Sales tactics purely to put you under pressure to sign - its first come first served policy... common ...
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Comment on agent fees
Overpriced, unnecessary and not value for money.
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Jul 27,2016
Jul 27,2016
43
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Another dissatisfied tenant.
Like all other previous reviews, this is going to be another negative one.
Property on our arrival had no hot water and no gas which wasn't fixed for a few days. When asked how this could happen Maxine Lester advised that they ...
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Comment on agent fees
Horrendously bad. ‚£80 check out fees and ‚£50 mid-tenancy fee. For what? who knows. Plus the crazy financial background check fees...
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Feb 19,2016
Feb 19,2016
41
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Worst letting agents I have ever had the mis-pleasure of dealing with. Utterly incompetent in dealing with any kind of query, issue or complaint and very antagonising and aggressive when the blame falls at their feet as the landlords realise they are in the wrong. ...
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Mar 19,2015
Mar 19,2015
44
people found
this helpful
this helpful
The most horrible letting egancy ever. On the first day walked in dirty home. In the house there were various things wrong. Phoned them up to complain was told to contact landlord. Went to citizens advice Beuro after many phone calls, emails massages and recorded ...
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Mar 20, 2015
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Dear Dino
Thank you very very much for you feed back even though it is for what we have not done. However I would appreciate it if you would give me your contact details and the property you live / lived in as we have no records of your name ( I understand this may be a nick name) . Given the severity of your feelings I am concerned that your issue is not one that the team or myself are awre of . My direct email is [email protected]
Kind regards
Maxine Lester ...
Jan 08,2015
Jan 08,2015
42
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Property stunk on arrival, nothing was clean, carpets had not been cleaned, although told it was by maxine lester, once they get your deposit and contract signed they don't give a crap about any problems or anything, Mold in bedrooms and windows don't shut in ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Get your money then don't give too hoots about the property after!!!!Attached Filesnbsp;
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Nov 20,2013
Nov 20,2013
43
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Maxine Lester are useless, not helpful, staff turnover is high, staff and management are rude. Avoid this place as unless u have it in writing they will try by any means to screw you over. They give your keys to workmen without asking permission. Downright ...
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May 29,2012
May 29,2012
45
people found
this helpful
this helpful
If I could give zero stars I would.... I have been with them for 18 months and had nothing but problems. I have rented for over 15 years and never had a problem and always get on well with agents/landlords.
From day 1 I have had issues ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Absolutely not!!!!! would rather make myself homeless and live in a tent than rent from this bunch of jokers!!! you have been warned stay well clear!!!Attached Filesnbsp;
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Vendor Fees
No fees set.Landlord Fees
https://www.maxinelester.co.uk/landlord-service-overviewTenant Fees
https://www.maxinelester.co.uk/tenancy-costs Last updated at 20/05/2024, 2:11 PM by Matthew LesterComplaints Procedure
https://www.maxinelester.co.uk/complaints-what-if-things-go-wrong
Last updated at 1:11 PM 20/05/2024 by Matthew Lester
