100% sales valuation accuracy
100% sales fee satisfaction
93% lettings valuation accuracy
83% lettings fee satisfaction
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2024
allAgents People Awards
Oct 13,2019
Oct 13,2019
9
people found
this helpful
this helpful
This company are a flock of vultures as far as tenants are concerned. Having been a tenant with them for over 3.5 years, I have been treated appallingly throughout. Examples include:
1. I had a leak in my upstairs bathroom, which was coming through the light fitting in the living room and several patches in the ceiling. Leaders sent out a plumber who came multiple times over the course of several weeks, each time failing to find the fault. Eventually I sent a letter, including photos of the damage and asked Leaders to pass it on to the landlord- finally at this point they sent out another plumber who fixed the fault.
2. I became a single parent when my child was 6 months old, I informed Leaders that I would be living in the house alone but would be working as a qualified nurse and in receipt of tax credits to cover the shortfall of losing the wage of my child’s father moving out. I was immediately served with an eviction notice, and not even 24 hours had passed for me to absorb this news when Leaders begun harassing me about taking re-marketing photos and house viewings, stating at one point ‘there is a high interest in the house’. I contacted the landlord directly, and she informed me that Leaders had advised her to serve the eviction notice following me becoming a single parent. Following discussions with the landlord directly regarding my income and situation etc, she agreed that I could stay put. The landlord informed Leaders that I would be staying, however they attempted to cause yet more problems at this point when they lied to the landlord, and told her that I had informed Leaders that I wanted to move out!! Luckily I was in contact directly with the landlord at this point, and able to bypass Leaders, due to the fact that they were being so disgustingly obstructive, tantamount to bullying. She also disclosed that Leaders continually advised her to increase the cost of the rent.
3. Over the term of my tenancy, I NEVER missed/defaulted/was late to pay my (ever increasing) rent. However, I received a letter stating that I was in arrears! I queried this and after several days of worrying they stated that it was their error.
4. When I renewed my tenancy agreement, Leaders stated in the tenancy contract that the deposit held by Leaders was £0. In actual fact, my deposit was £1500 (error was rectified when I highlighted this to them).
5. My ordeal with Leaders came to an end when my landlord decided to sell the house. She sent me a letter directly approx. 4 months before the end of my tenancy agreement explaining that she was contacting me privately due to the poor customer service experience both parties had received from Leaders. Within a very short time of receiving this letter, Leaders were on the phone asking when they could come and take photos and a floor plan, I was very unwell at the time and requested that this be arranged when I felt better. Throughout the week, the same person was on the phone requesting the same thing, despite me still being unwell. Meanwhile, I checked my tenancy agreement, and found the clause stating that I must allow access to the landlord/agent/potential buyers during the final 8 weeks of the tenancy - at this point it was nowhere near 8 weeks until the end of the term.
Within a week, he called again stating that he was very keen to show a potential buyer around the house! I told him I was uncomfortable with this and reminded him of the clause within the tenancy agreement. I explained that I am still an active and paying tenant, within my rights to refuse this for the next 4 weeks. I explained my reasons for being uncomfortable with this, including it being mine and my child’s home which was filled with my personal belongings, photos of my child etc and asked him to wait until the point specified in the tenancy agreement. He argued with me multiple times and was extremely pushy in attempts to persuade me to change my mind, he was also heard muttering rudely about me to a colleague during the phone call. He made it quite clear that they didn’t want the house vacant at any point, obviously to make as much money as possible from it with no regard, thought or consideration for me whatsoever, no gratitude that I have been a good tenant who has maintained the house and always paid my rent on time and only seeking to shamelessly squeeze every penny from the house.
In the past I rented a flat through Fenn Wright, I would highly recommend them for tenants. They were far more professional, fair and reasonable.
I have now bought a house through another agency, and am glad to never have to deal with Leaders again!
1. I had a leak in my upstairs bathroom, which was coming through the light fitting in the living room and several patches in the ceiling. Leaders sent out a plumber who came multiple times over the course of several weeks, each time failing to find the fault. Eventually I sent a letter, including photos of the damage and asked Leaders to pass it on to the landlord- finally at this point they sent out another plumber who fixed the fault.
2. I became a single parent when my child was 6 months old, I informed Leaders that I would be living in the house alone but would be working as a qualified nurse and in receipt of tax credits to cover the shortfall of losing the wage of my child’s father moving out. I was immediately served with an eviction notice, and not even 24 hours had passed for me to absorb this news when Leaders begun harassing me about taking re-marketing photos and house viewings, stating at one point ‘there is a high interest in the house’. I contacted the landlord directly, and she informed me that Leaders had advised her to serve the eviction notice following me becoming a single parent. Following discussions with the landlord directly regarding my income and situation etc, she agreed that I could stay put. The landlord informed Leaders that I would be staying, however they attempted to cause yet more problems at this point when they lied to the landlord, and told her that I had informed Leaders that I wanted to move out!! Luckily I was in contact directly with the landlord at this point, and able to bypass Leaders, due to the fact that they were being so disgustingly obstructive, tantamount to bullying. She also disclosed that Leaders continually advised her to increase the cost of the rent.
3. Over the term of my tenancy, I NEVER missed/defaulted/was late to pay my (ever increasing) rent. However, I received a letter stating that I was in arrears! I queried this and after several days of worrying they stated that it was their error.
4. When I renewed my tenancy agreement, Leaders stated in the tenancy contract that the deposit held by Leaders was £0. In actual fact, my deposit was £1500 (error was rectified when I highlighted this to them).
5. My ordeal with Leaders came to an end when my landlord decided to sell the house. She sent me a letter directly approx. 4 months before the end of my tenancy agreement explaining that she was contacting me privately due to the poor customer service experience both parties had received from Leaders. Within a very short time of receiving this letter, Leaders were on the phone asking when they could come and take photos and a floor plan, I was very unwell at the time and requested that this be arranged when I felt better. Throughout the week, the same person was on the phone requesting the same thing, despite me still being unwell. Meanwhile, I checked my tenancy agreement, and found the clause stating that I must allow access to the landlord/agent/potential buyers during the final 8 weeks of the tenancy - at this point it was nowhere near 8 weeks until the end of the term.
Within a week, he called again stating that he was very keen to show a potential buyer around the house! I told him I was uncomfortable with this and reminded him of the clause within the tenancy agreement. I explained that I am still an active and paying tenant, within my rights to refuse this for the next 4 weeks. I explained my reasons for being uncomfortable with this, including it being mine and my child’s home which was filled with my personal belongings, photos of my child etc and asked him to wait until the point specified in the tenancy agreement. He argued with me multiple times and was extremely pushy in attempts to persuade me to change my mind, he was also heard muttering rudely about me to a colleague during the phone call. He made it quite clear that they didn’t want the house vacant at any point, obviously to make as much money as possible from it with no regard, thought or consideration for me whatsoever, no gratitude that I have been a good tenant who has maintained the house and always paid my rent on time and only seeking to shamelessly squeeze every penny from the house.
In the past I rented a flat through Fenn Wright, I would highly recommend them for tenants. They were far more professional, fair and reasonable.
I have now bought a house through another agency, and am glad to never have to deal with Leaders again!
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Opening Hours
Address
Leaders
2-4 Head St
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1NT
01206 767673
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 100% | 100% | £23,200 | £335,000 |
| Lettings | 93% | 83% | £595 | £9,000 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 1 | 18 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
Areas covered
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
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Latest Properties
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Sep 25,2023
Sep 25,2023
0
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Rob Perry always responds quickly and efficiently to sorting out any repairs or problems that may occur. Good communication skills whatever the issue....
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Jan 05,2023
Jan 05,2023
0
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Antonia Weekes were excellent and helpful by making sure that I moved in and settled well. I will give her 5 stars....
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Nov 23,2022
Nov 23,2022
0
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Rob has been really helpful since the day I moved in to the unit. He is very easy to contact and does respond fast making the communication very smooth....
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Nov 23,2022
Nov 23,2022
0
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Joleen is always very helpful and professional. She always responds promptly to all my queries. As a landlord it is reassuring to know I’m being so well looked after...
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Nov 17,2022
Nov 17,2022
0
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thanks to the staff of leaders. Special thanks to Robert Perry of lettings making my experience moving from London to Colchester fast ,friendly and welcoming, presenting me with my renewal and protecting my safety as a tenant is much appreciated and very good to know .
...
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Nov 16,2022
Nov 16,2022
0
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I have known Rob Perry for many years. He always gets to the heart of the problem and sorts it out quickly. Can't thank him enough....
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Nov 03,2022
Nov 03,2022
0
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I will give Robert Petry 5 stars and I know its not even enough. I wish there was more stars to give him. He is so helpful and honest, and truly kind. I would 100% recommend him....
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Nov 03,2022
Nov 03,2022
0
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Joleen was very helpful and professional. She was quick to respond and get what was required arranged and in place...
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Nov 01,2022
Nov 01,2022
0
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Leaders, big name , i had a great experience with Leader, when I was looking for a house to rent, I called Leader, the wonderful Chloe Avery answered the phone, she helped me a lot until I got the house I wanted, even without a down ...
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Oct 06,2022
Oct 06,2022
0
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Joleen very efficiently not only sorted out a repair for my boiler, but managed to save. Me thousands of pounds.
I was recommended a boiler repair service who condemned the boiler and wanted to replace it. Noting my concerns she contacted the usual engineer who ...
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Sep 30,2022
Sep 30,2022
0
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Probably one of the worst companies I’ve ever dealt with, so unprofessional , rude , incorrect information on contracts ( make sure you read it properly before signing). The negotiators have the worst customer service training it’s unbelievable . I would never recommend this company to anyone ....
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Sep 30,2022
Sep 30,2022
0
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Happy with the service always helpful and resolve issues. I live abroad and have peace of mind that my property is in safe hands...
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Sep 30,2022
Sep 30,2022
0
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Rob is always very helpful and very prompt to respond to any query. Leaders accommodate my requests easily and respond quickly to any maintenance issues....
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Sep 06,2022
Sep 06,2022
0
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Very pleased with the accurate and professional service provided by the Property Manager Joleen Parker.Queries are fast replied to and advice given promptly. Leaders overall is an excellent estate agent....
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Aug 25,2022
Aug 25,2022
0
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Utter incompetence in losing my deposit after vacating the property and tried to fob me off. They failed to protect the money and now the landlord and the agency is liable for legal action. Never use them. Staff at the Colchester branch are 'pass the ...
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Jul 20,2022
Jul 20,2022
0
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Leaders in Colchester have been so helpful!
I relocated from London and was a first time private renter but with all my dealings they were very happy to answer all of my questions and arrange viewing that sometimes had to be cancelled last minute due ...
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Jul 04,2022
Jul 04,2022
0
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If there is any time that we have an issue Joleen is straight away on the case, massively appreciate this, always friendly on the phone too!...
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Jun 15,2022
Jun 15,2022
0
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For Peace of mind and professional support and guidance Leaders stand head and sboulders above the others. For such a large company they provide a bespoke service. Even through trying and difficult times there was always someone on hand. Joleens knowledge and expertise handling my ...
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Apr 25,2022
Apr 25,2022
0
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Joleen Parker provide great services for rental properties. Joleen listen and respond efficiently to landlord's need and also tenants' requests for property maintenance. Highly recommended!...
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Apr 07,2022
Apr 07,2022
0
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Renting our next flat in Colchester was an amazing experience. People at Leaders were professional and helpful at every step .Responsive and flexible. Thank you ....
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Feb 08,2022
Feb 08,2022
0
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I want to commend Robert and Adam for the services I have enjoyed so far from the process of moving-in and settling in Byron’s Yard, Colchester. They’ve been so kind, helpful and always responding to conversations (via email and telephone) without hesitation. In ...
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Jan 23,2022
Jan 23,2022
0
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I enquired about a property to rent and spoke to Robert Perry he was very helpful and when the time comes I feel that he will do me proud...
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Jan 18,2022
Jan 18,2022
0
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From the moment I viewed the property right up until I moved in Chloe Dance was so very helpful, attentive and nothing was too much trouble. She made the whole moving experience very easy even when I experienced hurdles she helped and advised to overcome ...
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Jan 10,2022
Jan 10,2022
0
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Great rent sign up experience from Chelmsford branch, efficient and friendly (relates to the two stars)
However, it took 7 weeks and Letter before court Action to receive my overpaid rent. Then needed a TDS Dispute application to secure my successful deposit refund 16 weeks later.
The ...
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Nov 24,2021
Nov 24,2021
0
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Very impressed with the customer service from Leaders, particularly Rob Perry who is so helpful and always responds promptly to any queries....
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Nov 11,2021
Nov 11,2021
0
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I rented a property through leaders within short notice and found them really professional. Property manager Joleen Parker assisted me courteously even when I was closing tenancy and moving into my own property. Keep up the good work Leaders....
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Nov 08,2021
Nov 08,2021
0
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I’ve dealt with Leaders for several years letting three properties out with them. Both Julie Preston and Robert Perry have always been really helpful, nothing is too much trouble. All the properties have lovely tenants carefully vetted by them. Any maintenance gets dealt with ...
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Nov 03,2021
Nov 03,2021
0
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Usually all good,although it does seem odd that to speak to the Clacton branch we have to connect first with Colchester....
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Sep 15,2021
Sep 15,2021
0
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We had excellent experience in Colchester with Leaders. Our property manager was Rob Perry and he was so helpful. We had lack of communication from landlord and he always made sure to help us get to landlord. Thank you Robert...
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Jul 27,2021
Jul 27,2021
1
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My contact point is Rob Perry. He is always very helpful, and quick to reply to emails. As a landlord living not living in the uk, I find this is very important, as is his helping to deal with repairs etc, that I cannot deal ...
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