90% lettings valuation accuracy
96% lettings fee satisfaction
Apr 20,2018
Apr 20,2018
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As a potential tenant for one of the properties managed by 1LET, I can't say that my experience has been anywhere near "easy and painless". Quite the opposite.
The only positive thing that can be said about this agency is that the staff appears to be rather polite. Everything else has been utterly unsatisfactory.
When I first inquired about the 1st floor Victorian villa conversion near Cameron Toll advertised for rent, I was asked to leave contact details for the manager to call me back 'soon' to arrange a viewing. I waited one week before redialing their number. As before, I was asked to leave my name and phone number. Waited another week - exactly the same scenario. Nearly a month after the initial call, the managing agent eventually contacted me to find out if I was available to come and view the property the next day.
Despite the short notice and flu from which I didn't fully recover by then, I made it to the viewing, met the agent, explained my financial situation and the intentions of becoming a long-term tenant. Out of pure curiosity, I asked him why the flat has been re-advertised less than half a year after it was put on market, to which he said that it was the original plan agreed by the landlord. A very strange decision taken that the property is offered unfurnished. Wouldn't the landlords be worried about the possible damage caused by taking furniture in and out? I would.
On the same day, I submitted the application form and within two days emailed the required documents (a scan of my ID, recent utility bill, bank statements of the last 3 months and a letter from my manager confirming the employment status). The administration trainee responded by asking to also provide them with payslips of the last two months. According to information on their website, under reference section, tenants are required to provide only TWO employment references and not three. Well, I decided not to argue and asked the company I work for to generate predated payslips, which I normally receive twice a year. I obtained those and emailed them to Julia who got back to say that the application had been passed on to the landlord and that she 'will be in touch shortly with the outcome'. I waited 5 working days before calling the office for an update. Julia apologised for the delay and asked me to go into more details about the nature of my job and how long I wish to rent the flat for. I had to retell her all that was previously told to the managing agent on the day of viewing all because Craig happened to be on holiday and, evidently, failed to pass the info on to his colleagues or the landlords, which resulted in a further unnecessary delay.
This afternoon I received a call from a different manager who informed about the landlords' decision not to proceed with my application. This was due, I was told, to the many applications received for this flat (the day before, however, there were only two, myself and another applicant). I thanked him for the call and hung up thinking to myself: how strange, this property has been put on market THREE times in the past 1.5 years and each time the picky landlords fail to select a committed tenant for their unfurnished flat. Um, fishy...
I then sent the agency a quick email asking to delete from their system all the documents that I have submitted. No confirmation received.
I must say that I regret that I - against the recommendation of my bank - foolishly shared with this agency bank statements and other documents containing sensitive information naively thinking that an agency with such a great reputation online and many positive reviews can't be untrustworthy.
This was not the first UK letting agent that I attempted to rent a property from, and in my experience, no well-reputed professional in the business ever asks for bank statements or payslips, only dodgy private landlords do, nor have I ever been required to provide any documents BEFORE the landlords' approval of the application (with the salary, referees contacts and other relevant details included in it). Only THEN the tenant is required to provide supporting documents. This seems to be the only sensible code of practice expected from letting agencies. What can 'accidentally' happen with the hundreds of documents submitted by numerous applicants is very disconcerting when you come to think of it...
Long story short, after the phone call, I contacted the other landlord of a different property I had applied for just to find out that the property has been given to someone else as I couldn't make my mind in a timely manner when the flat was offered to me. Having given to my current landlord a notice to vacate by the end of this month, I find myself in the unfortunate situation of having nowhere else to move to at the moment.
I hasten to add that the overwhelming number of positive reviews here and elsewhere makes me question the authenticity of the reviewers.
The only positive thing that can be said about this agency is that the staff appears to be rather polite. Everything else has been utterly unsatisfactory.
When I first inquired about the 1st floor Victorian villa conversion near Cameron Toll advertised for rent, I was asked to leave contact details for the manager to call me back 'soon' to arrange a viewing. I waited one week before redialing their number. As before, I was asked to leave my name and phone number. Waited another week - exactly the same scenario. Nearly a month after the initial call, the managing agent eventually contacted me to find out if I was available to come and view the property the next day.
Despite the short notice and flu from which I didn't fully recover by then, I made it to the viewing, met the agent, explained my financial situation and the intentions of becoming a long-term tenant. Out of pure curiosity, I asked him why the flat has been re-advertised less than half a year after it was put on market, to which he said that it was the original plan agreed by the landlord. A very strange decision taken that the property is offered unfurnished. Wouldn't the landlords be worried about the possible damage caused by taking furniture in and out? I would.
On the same day, I submitted the application form and within two days emailed the required documents (a scan of my ID, recent utility bill, bank statements of the last 3 months and a letter from my manager confirming the employment status). The administration trainee responded by asking to also provide them with payslips of the last two months. According to information on their website, under reference section, tenants are required to provide only TWO employment references and not three. Well, I decided not to argue and asked the company I work for to generate predated payslips, which I normally receive twice a year. I obtained those and emailed them to Julia who got back to say that the application had been passed on to the landlord and that she 'will be in touch shortly with the outcome'. I waited 5 working days before calling the office for an update. Julia apologised for the delay and asked me to go into more details about the nature of my job and how long I wish to rent the flat for. I had to retell her all that was previously told to the managing agent on the day of viewing all because Craig happened to be on holiday and, evidently, failed to pass the info on to his colleagues or the landlords, which resulted in a further unnecessary delay.
This afternoon I received a call from a different manager who informed about the landlords' decision not to proceed with my application. This was due, I was told, to the many applications received for this flat (the day before, however, there were only two, myself and another applicant). I thanked him for the call and hung up thinking to myself: how strange, this property has been put on market THREE times in the past 1.5 years and each time the picky landlords fail to select a committed tenant for their unfurnished flat. Um, fishy...
I then sent the agency a quick email asking to delete from their system all the documents that I have submitted. No confirmation received.
I must say that I regret that I - against the recommendation of my bank - foolishly shared with this agency bank statements and other documents containing sensitive information naively thinking that an agency with such a great reputation online and many positive reviews can't be untrustworthy.
This was not the first UK letting agent that I attempted to rent a property from, and in my experience, no well-reputed professional in the business ever asks for bank statements or payslips, only dodgy private landlords do, nor have I ever been required to provide any documents BEFORE the landlords' approval of the application (with the salary, referees contacts and other relevant details included in it). Only THEN the tenant is required to provide supporting documents. This seems to be the only sensible code of practice expected from letting agencies. What can 'accidentally' happen with the hundreds of documents submitted by numerous applicants is very disconcerting when you come to think of it...
Long story short, after the phone call, I contacted the other landlord of a different property I had applied for just to find out that the property has been given to someone else as I couldn't make my mind in a timely manner when the flat was offered to me. Having given to my current landlord a notice to vacate by the end of this month, I find myself in the unfortunate situation of having nowhere else to move to at the moment.
I hasten to add that the overwhelming number of positive reviews here and elsewhere makes me question the authenticity of the reviewers.
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Apr 23, 2018
Dear Martin, As previously advised, I note your frustration and disappointment that despite your best efforts your application did not result in a tenancy in this instance. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your application, the processing of your application, our GDPR policy, or any other matter, I can be contacted on 0131 476 5500. Ewan Foreman (Director)
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Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettings | 90% | 96% | £475 | £2,495 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | 1 | 135 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
Areas covered
- EH1
- Edinburgh & Lothians
- EH2
- Morningside EH10
- EH3
- Stockbridge
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- EH5
- EH6
- EH7
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- EH10
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Oct 28,2024
Oct 28,2024
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I had a truly exceptional experience with 1Let, and Kornelia Niedzieska in particular was fantastic to work with. She handled everything with professionalism, care, and attention to detail. From the initial viewing to the application process and the final move-in, 1Let have been a wonderful ...
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Oct 23,2024
Oct 23,2024
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Really pleased with the service from 1Let as a renter. We moved from abroad and they did a phone viewing (which many other companies do not do) and we felt the communication was always great given we were moving from abroad.
Also when we arrived ...
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Jun 04,2024
Jun 04,2024
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I rented my flat for 2 years - I found 1 Let to be really professional and responsive and they always got back to me really quickly- for example when I had minor maintenance issues that needed to be resolved. Everyone I spoke to at 1let was ...
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May 19,2024
May 19,2024
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The 1 Let Team made our first experience of renting a home in Edinburgh an absolute pleasure. You're in good hands when you're working with them and the additional services they have partnered with to ensure that everything goes smoothly....
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Jan 25,2024
Jan 25,2024
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Awful communication. Many missed emails in critical times. Seem to have high turnover of staff and chaotic processes....
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Jan 29, 2024
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Hi Mark, thank you for working with us and I am glad we were able to resolve the issue.
Kind Regards
Beata ...
Nov 09,2023
Nov 09,2023
0
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My first letting agency when I moved to Scotland. 1Let is the best letting agency I would say, the response time is quick and will ensure that your concerns are being addressed accordingly. I would definitely recommend them and choose them again. Tina, Beata, Rebecca ...
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Sep 09,2023
Sep 09,2023
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In the past year, 1 Let have been a really efficient and thorough letting agency. Our agent, Rosalind has always been available to help us promptly and we are very grateful for their support....
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Aug 22,2023
Aug 22,2023
1
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1Let are thoroughly professional and dedicated people. In my 10+ years of experience with property, I would rank them at the very elite flight of agencies due to how they possess a rare combination of eye for detail, finesse, due diligence and ultimate care for the ...
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Aug 04,2023
Aug 04,2023
1
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Excellent service again from 1Let. A new tenant secured quickly and smoothly and quick dates agreed to suit the new tenant. Great to know 1Let are working so hard for both parties to ensure a succesful transition. Very happy with all Rebecca's efforts, thank-you...
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Jul 16,2023
Jul 16,2023
1
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Very happy with 1let service. They quickly resolve the issues. Kim is very professional and approachable. She is very polite and helpful....
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Apr 04,2023
Apr 04,2023
1
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1LET has been excellent!
One of the best-letting agents I have ever dealt with after 12 years of living in rental properties. The property was clean and in great condition on arrival which coincided with an extremely thorough inventory conducted by a third party. This for ...
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Mar 28,2023
Mar 28,2023
1
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I had a great experience with 1Let Property Management company. They were fast and really nice to chat with. They helped me find a suitable property in no time and handled all the paperwork smoothly. 1Let agents have responded to any queries or issues I ...
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Jan 05,2023
Jan 05,2023
2
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1Let is the best, most efficient letting agency I have ever used. I have used 6 or 7 letting agencies in the past and my experience with 1Let is most definitely the best. Landlords are ultimately responsible for what their agent does or does not do so ...
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Nov 29,2022
Nov 29,2022
2
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As first-time renters in Edinburgh, we are truly delighted to have chosen 1Let as our letting agency. 1Let has made the entire process straightforward, minimizing any frustration in navigating the rental market. Tina-Dawn Hopking, who handled our application, made prompt contact with us concerning any ...
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Jul 22,2022
Jul 22,2022
1
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Our experience with 1LET has been nothing but positive since the agency took over the property we had been renting. 1LET has addressed all the issues we raised regarding the flat, beginning with leaky windows and a broken window curtain rod, up to loose light ...
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Jul 22,2022
Jul 22,2022
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1-Let have been an excellent letting agents, proactive and caring for the tenants. As a landlord I have been kept informed. Efficient and trustworthy agents. I will recommend them to future landlords and tenants....
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Jul 19,2022
Jul 19,2022
1
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I rented with 1Let for just over 3 years and overall it has been a positive experience. Our flat was newly refurbished and so we didn’t have many issues. Nonetheless, whenever I contacted our agent, they were quick to respond to queries by telephone and ...
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Jun 30,2022
Jun 30,2022
1
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Excellent experience with the 1 Let Team. They found us excellent tenants. No issues always helpful and timely in any matters to be managed....
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Jun 09,2022
Jun 09,2022
1
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1LET have been amazing letting agents to deal with! Kim who is the property manager for the flat we rented was always quick to reply and made sure everything was perfect and easy for us moving in! I would highly recommend 1LET to other renters....
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Feb 15,2022
Feb 15,2022
1
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I am now selling my flat after using 1Let as a letting agent for 5 years and cannot fault them. Ken Bell came out to the flat and gave an honest appraisal of the flat, managed expectations and informed us what he looked for in prospective ...
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Feb 04,2022
Feb 04,2022
1
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All went smooth from day 1, all my problems and queries answered and can only say they made the process much easier than what I thought it would be, specially Kim alwayson top of things....
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Nov 10,2021
Nov 10,2021
1
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The agency especially Kim Reid was very good at responding to my emails and sorting any problems I have had such as changing door locks, or having radiators fixed during the tenancy promptly. The agency is good. The only reason I have given 4 stars is ...
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Nov 10,2021
Nov 10,2021
2
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We had a wonderful experience with 1Let -- my first time being able to say that about rental experiences in Edinburgh. Kim and her colleagues were personable and responsive and we felt in good hands from start to finish. I would recommend 1Let to other ...
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Sep 10,2021
Sep 10,2021
1
people found
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We wouldn't be where we are now without Ken's help 3.5 years ago when we were moving to Edinburgh from Manchester. As we were looking for a flat to rent we had seen many properties advertised by many agencies. After viewings, applications and fails we were ...
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Sep 09,2021
Sep 09,2021
1
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Just a quick note to say thanks to the 1Let team, especially Ken, Tina & Kim who recently re-let my property super fast, so impressed with the speedy service & professionalism! Such peace of mind that you have people like this managing your property!...
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Aug 05,2021
Aug 05,2021
1
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I was a tenant with 1Let for a number of years, they are easily the best letting agents I've ever dealt with! The whole team is pleasant and professional, and any issues I experienced with the property were always resolved straight away.
Can't rate the ...
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Jul 22,2021
Jul 22,2021
1
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For the most part, I've had a positive experience with 1Let throughout my tenure. Generally, they are quick to respond if an issue arises and staff have always been friendly and professional....
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Jul 09,2021
Jul 09,2021
1
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We have water damage caused by nine leaks in under three years. This is due to 1Let's incompetence in employing an adequate tradesperson to diagnose and fix a leak in the bathroom of the rental property upstairs, which they administer. We are beyond disgusted at ...
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Feb 10,2021
Feb 10,2021
1
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Living overseas I was worried that it would be difficult to get my property on the Lettings market. I contacted Ken at 1LET and I am very happy to say he guided me through the process every step of the way and was extremely helpful ...
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Feb 04,2021
Feb 04,2021
2
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I have just handed back the keys of the flat I have been renting from 1Let, reflecting that from my very first enquiry to them, through to all the processes of moving in, managing utility bills, effecting minor repairs etc I had an excellent experience ...
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Last updated at 11:41 AM 25/01/2016 by allAgents
Best Letting Agent in EH3 
Best Letting Agent in EH3 
