“A week had lapsed after signing the contract and only ......”
1 Star Review
May 13,2013
By:
'Tenant'
May 13,2013
Branch: Reading, 9-11 Bridge Street
Services: Lettings (as a Tenant)
Would you recommend?: No
Postcode: RG4
Branch: Reading, 9-11 Bridge Street
Lettings (as a Tenant)
Postcode: RG4
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A week had lapsed after signing the contract and only two days before the move, Walmsley changed their mind about the agreement saying that the potential tenant, who had just come out of hospital, was not a suitable source of rental income. They could have decided this on the day that they met her when they saw she was in crutches, and she had in fact told them about her operation, but instead they accused her of being evasive about the nature of her working status. Even though her children, earning well above average income, would sign surety for her or offer a 6 month upfront rental payment, this agency did not bother to consult with the land-lord to communicate the opportunity, and took it upon themselves to judge the tenant's character.
Walmsley is inefficient as they were not available to open the door on the 1st of May - a house which had already been standing empty for weeks, increasing opportunity costs for the land-lord and extra discomfort for the tenant who had to live in a limbo between residences until they could give her the keys.
Within this period Walmsley wasted resources for credit checks which has now affected the tenant's record, and not to mention the cost of the deposit that would not be returned because of this 'admin' process.
Waste of time and money!
What agent could do to change your mind?
Walmsley could have taken the time to discuss the issue further; we offered a 6-month upfront rental payment which was not communicated to the land-lord. For surety it is stipulated that the tenant should earn 2.5 times the amount of rent per annum, the tenant was fully covered by her own salary and on top of this her children would also sign as guarantor.
Walmsley staff could process a little faster so that their tenants could know in advance whether they will be moving or not.
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1. The flat was not available for 'weeks' as the client in question had not completed the refurbishment until a couple of days before the agreed move in date.
2. We could not agree to go ahead with the tenancy with a guarantor as the applicants put forward to us did not prove to be sufficient.
3. No Tenancy Agreement was signed.
'Thank you for your recent letter, the content of which I have noted.
Although we act with a duty of care to each party, we are engaged by our client to locate the best suitable tenant for them and we have strict policies and procedures in respect of referencing.
In your particular case speed was critical and unfortunately the information and transparency we obtained during the timeframe did not satisfy our financial requirements.
These situations are always difficult and unpleasant. It is never easy to turn a tenant away, however in this particular case the letting department acted correctly.
I appreciate you have spent money in good faith for the referencing. I understand that monies paid have been refunded which I hope you have seen in your account.
Yours sincerely
Simon Walmsley'
'Dear Mr Walmsley,
Thank you so much for your reply to my email.
I have to say that you have very polite and likable staff at your office! Kim had apologized for the failure of my acceptance as a resident, and by doing so, she softened the disappointment and the low self esteem that I had felt as a result of not being accepted.
I appreciate that my deposits have been returned and thank you for this.
Kind regards,
The Tenant'