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City East, London W9
1.7/5, 27 Reviews
22% Recommended
41% sales valuation accuracy
43% letting valuation accuracy
30% sales fee satisfaction
30% letting fee satisfaction
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"Rented a 2 bed flat in E1 and ..."
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1 Star Review
Ibrahim
Ray
By : 'F.C.'
Services : Letting(As a Tenant)
Rent PCM : £1500
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E1
13 Apr 2015
People found this helpful17
Rented a 2 bed flat in E1 and have a poor experience with them. Our experience is similar to many others documented on here - pushing back move in dates, failing to follow through on agreements, avoiding any correspondence in writing, ignoring emails or calls etc. Our landlord contacts us direct when he needs something to happen and it was him that alerted us to the fact that Crestons had not renewed the deposit protection scheme which allowed our deposit to become unprotected. He suggested that we be careful as he was not certain he was receiving the correct rent each month after their percentage fee was removed. We should have been more wary as we spoke to the previous tenants and they told us that Crestons had a habit of letting themselves into the flat, and this is something I have also seen on reviews online. We have had the following problems after 6 months renting with them: - Repeated delays in moving in which led to costs for us which Crestons would not assist with. - Promise that a bed would be removed before we signed (as we have our own beds) which was then reneged on. Ultimately, they agreed for the bed to be moved to another flat if we did it. We moved it to another area of London in a van to find that the tenant was not in and had not been told about the move. It then took Crestons about a week to remove the extra bed from our small flat (and they are quite comically inept - I looked out the window to see the Crestons team trying to bend the mattress in half to go in the back of an Astra). - Constant problems with damp in the flat - some of which is out of their control to be fair and seems to be structural - but they hid this before we moved in (insisting on two days to 'turn it around' before we moved in which I now assume was repainting). Any inspection always results in them suggesting that it is our fault, even in the face of quite severe damp problems leading to us having to throw things away. We did get a reduction in rent one month but via the landlord direct. I suspect that there will be attempts to take some of our deposit when we inevitably move, even though in reality, we have had to pay far more than we expected as we run a dehumidifier everyday, open the windows and lose heat etc. - Through damp, the wardrobe and dresser had to be thrown away and replaced. They did not remove the old ones when they brought the new ones (although the furniture people told me they could if Crestons agreed it) so I had two of each - one of which was rotten. At their request, we moved these down six flights of stairs on the understanding that they would be collecting them. It took them two weeks to collect the furniture, which caused problems with neighbours as it was a communal area. - Any repairs take an age to be achieved - our oven stopped working three weeks ago when the flat above leaked (not the agents fault - although when the landlord contacted them to ask them to visit and replace the buckets whilst we were at work, it transpired that they had lost the keys to the flat). The bathroom door handle came off in our hands through rot but has not been replaced etc. - They are very swift on the rent - we pay a day before the agreed date on the contract to make sure the rent is received on time so on the day when one of us paid on the contract date (a day later than usual but still on time) we had calls and emails asking about the rent. This is fine and clearly they work for the landlord and us, but is in stark contrast to the weeks and months you wait for replies to emails, returned calls, repairs etc. - They use particularly shoddy workmen - paint all over your things, putting dents in walls etc. I would urge real caution if considering letting from them. Both of us have been private renting for the last 10 years and have never had such a poor experience, particularly where we really felt that there was an agenda and a likelihood of being ripped off. I think that if you had no reason to need their help beyond negotiating the letting, you could have a personable experience - they are quite a slick sales team - but if you are likely to need any help with the property then you will experience them as disinterested, hapless and potentially outright predatory.
What agent could do to change your mind?
Fees were initially given as £700 for two people. We refused to pay this and they were halved, which does cause me to question how they calculate the fees at the outset. Fairly standard costs for contracts, renewing contracts etc of around £100.
Comments on Agent Fees
Fees were initially given as £700 for two people. We refused to pay this and they were halved, which does cause me to question how they calculate the fees at the outset. Fairly standard costs for contracts, renewing contracts etc of around £100.
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By : Manager
14 Apr 2015Hello tenants, thank you for the review. seems like you didn't mention negligence from your self's for example : The water leak was coming from flat 18 and not from the flat above! In fact you informed the tenants below (13) that that Fred came late at night drunk and left the water running in the kitchen and for some reason flooded the flat below! Fred you even apologized and said that it was due to human error! also you will deal with compensation when it comes to that. I really don't have time to go in detail of what's been happening, we even deducted some monies from 1 months rent as a gesture of goodwill. Were as if you clearly read the contract it states tenants are recommended to insure their belongings. My view will be you have been a nuisance, we are currently investigating complaints from the neighbours, we have also advised you on what measures you should take on the damp issues. Best Regards
By : F.C. MacOxby
2 Mar 2016We had to wait until leaving the flat to respond to this comment for obvious reasons. We had a letter shortly after writing the review to state that we would be investigated for complaints spanning some months back from neighbours for noise and littering. We knew all the neighbours so assumed this to be false. Crestons agreed to visit us to discuss but never arrived. We rearranged and they didn't show the next time so the issue was just left. My view would be that it was intimidation. There were leaks from the above flat, but as stated in the review, we weren't saying it was Crestons' fault so I'm not sure what prompted the response above. We had to go through the Deposit Protection Scheme to get the deposit back because all our calls, emails etc were ignored. We had to wait the maximum amount of time (about 3 months) for the deposit to be returned because no evidence was submitted by the landlord or Crestons regarding the deposit. Just the worst experience over all and anywhere you look online you see the same. Even the industry itself seems to have had problems: https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/news_features/Agent-continued-to-claim-Ombudsman-membership-after-suspension-from-scheme. I've attached some photos of the extent of the damp, which was even when we had the windows open constantly and were using a dehumidifier everyday. This flat was Flat 18 Evelyn House - do not rent it; it is structurally compromised.
By : F.C. MacOxby
2 Mar 2016Clicking select files to upload just posted the comment so here is a link: http://imgur.com/a/D5YMp. When we pushed for them to come and see it, someone came round in the middle of the day when we were both at work, opened every window in the flat including the ones which are accessible to anyone, and sent an email with information they had copied and pasted from a website about managing damp, as if that level of damp would relate to the steam from cooking in the kitchen.
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Latest Reviews
DON'T USE THEM, DON'T PUT DOWN DEPOSIT!
amy P & colin F
DO NOT USE CRESTONS
Ripped Off by Crestons
Performance Statistics
| Services | Valuation | Fees | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 41% | 30% | £320,000 | £320,000 |
| Lettings | 43% | 30% | £400 | £4,600 |
Address
Crestons
46 Brick lane, London, Greater London
W9 1QJ
020 7426 2006
Services offered
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- Lettings
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Crestons Branches (View All 4)
They agreed a rent of �1300 ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'DON'T'
Services : Letting( As a Prospective Landlord/Tenant )
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E1
19 Sept 2016
People found this helpful6
They agreed a rent of �1300 with me, asked me to put down a deposit of �600 and then turned around said the rent is increased to �1400. I refused to take that number then asked for deposit back. There has no action of refund although senior management and accounts confirmed so. I took them... Read Full Review
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horrible experience me bf and ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'amy'
Services : Letting( As a Prospective Landlord/Tenant )
Rent PCM : £1516
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E1
7 Mar 2016
People found this helpful9
horrible experience me bf and i are now back living in me parents front room !!! we moved to london to find jobs setup in a hotel and started looking for flat. and saw lovely flat advertised by crestons. since hotel was expensive we told agent on spot we wantedit.went back to brick lane to sign ... Read Full Review
Comments on Agent Fees
we got no service for high fees paid
Comments (1)Was this helpful?:
By : Jason
7 Mar 2016Dear Amy, Please advise which propety this was as we do not even have you registered with...
Worst experience I've ever ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'DO'
Services : Letting( As a Prospective Landlord/Tenant )
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E2
20 Jan 2016
People found this helpful11
Worst experience I've ever had with this incompetent letting agency. I was told I could move in on the day it was available; two weeks later, they are still completing reference checks and gave me absolutely no information regarding anything. They told me when I called that I would need a guarantor ... Read Full Review
Comments on Agent Fees
Overpriced for an incompetent agency.
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DO NOT USE THIS AGENCY! I ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'London456'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E2
19 Jan 2016
People found this helpful0
DO NOT USE THIS AGENCY! I have had the most awful experience with Crestons. They have completely messed me around - I was told that flat would be available to move in on the day I wanted - I filled in a reference form etc. and two weeks later.. they claimed the process was still not complete. I... Read Full Review
Comments on Agent Fees
Overpriced for an appallingly run agency - wasn't told about the fees until the day before I was due to move.
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4 months later and have not ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'Ripped'
Services : Letting( As a Prospective Landlord/Tenant )
Would you recommend ? : No
11 Dec 2015
People found this helpful27
4 months later and have not returned holding deposit of £ 1520, never had intention of letting the property or returning the money. Reported to both The Property Ombudsman and the Trading Standards, Manager is Ibrahim Ali, Brick lane was trading under Sirs Associates LTD but... Read Full Review
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DO NOT USE THIS AGENT. After ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'Andrew'
Services : Letting( As a Prospective Landlord/Tenant )
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E1
3 Dec 2015
People found this helpful14
DO NOT USE THIS AGENT. After paying a holding deposit of £840, the rental fell through as the landlord changed his mind. Fair enough. However over 3 months down the line, Crestons have still not returned the holding deposit. When contacted they always say it's up to the manager, however the... Read Full Review
What agent could do to change your mind?
The agent should have refunded my holding deposit immediately.
Comments (0)Was this helpful?:
We came to their office but ...
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4 Star Review
By : 'Meena'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Rent PCM : £1516
Would you recommend ? : Yes
Postcode : N7
26 Nov 2015
People found this helpful0
We came to their office but they didn't have anything that would suit us (I wanted to have a balcony - my partner smokes); but they called two weeks later and got us a nice place. Overall... Read Full Review
What agent could do to change your mind?
standard
Comments on Agent Fees
standard
Comments (0)Was this helpful?:
OMG!! I cannot believe how ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'S.'
Services : Letting( As a Owner )
Rent PCM : £2700
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : SE1
7 Nov 2015
People found this helpful18
OMG!! I cannot believe how such a terrible business can actually continue trading. I am a landlady and avertising my own properties on different wesites and Crestons contacted me claiming that they have tenants for me...the best tenants in the world...they are willing to pay more than the rent... Read Full Review
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This is the second time that ...
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4 Star Review
By : 'Alamea'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Rent PCM : £160
Would you recommend ? : Yes
Postcode : E1
3 Nov 2015
People found this helpful0
This is the second time that I have rented using Crestons. The first time I was new to Shoreditch; I would like to mention Stefano – he was really helpful and got me a lovely studio; I don't remember the agent I used the first time but he was helpful... Read Full Review
What agent could do to change your mind?
fees ok
Comments on Agent Fees
fees ok
Comments (0)Was this helpful?:
Avoid business with these ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'Avoid'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Rent PCM : £800
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E1
1 Oct 2015
People found this helpful13
Avoid business with these agents at all times! At first it started off okay, the viewings were normal and the agency looked fine. After having viewed a place, we paid a holding deposit. This is where it all began. They wanted us to do things quickly and sign things that were in their favour. On the ... Read Full Review
What agent could do to change your mind?
The agent did not disclose all fees from the beginning, even though he is legally obligated to disclose all fees from the beginning. Also, the admin fee turned out to be remarkably high.
Comments on Agent Fees
The agent did not disclose all fees from the beginning, even though he is legally obligated to disclose all fees from the beginning. Also, the admin fee turned out to be remarkably high.
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Absolutely Crooks! The worst. ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'Emanuele'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Rent PCM : £1278
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E1
22 Sept 2015
People found this helpful14
Absolutely Crooks! The worst. I have paid in advance three months rent plus the deposit plus their fees from Italy. Once arrived, they told me that the house I have chosen from Italy was not available due to a safety problems (?????). The gave me the key of another house, old and noisy. Now the... Read Full Review
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Started out so promising, ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'Irene'
Services : Letting( As a Owner )
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E1
15 Jun 2015
People found this helpful11
Started out so promising, secured high rent but about three months into tenancy problems began Crestons late paying rent to me every month, once almost four weeks late. Emails ignored, promises made during phone calls broken, reception staff clearly instructed to take a message - contacts never... Read Full Review
What agent could do to change your mind?
Operate like a proper British business.
Comments on Agent Fees
High
Comments (0)Was this helpful?:
Never use this ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'Do'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : EC1
4 Jun 2015
People found this helpful12
Never use this comany. These where by far the worst company i have ever dealt with. They never respond to emails, and trying to get our deposit back was like tryig to draw blood from a stone. It was only when we threatened legal action and the landlord also threatened legal action was it finally ... Read Full Review
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My daughter rented a room ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'Elena'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Rent PCM : £800
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : NW1
27 May 2015
People found this helpful11
My daughter rented a room (crowndale Court), they wanted her to pay in advace (because she is a student), right after that they said the appartment should be renovated, she left and never got here Money... Read Full Review
What agent could do to change your mind?
return money
Comments (1)Was this helpful?:
By : Private Rental Inspector
27 May 2015Advice to all prospective tenants, Do not pay any money to this agent. Demand to make payment direct to Landlord. During our investigations we have been informed by Landlords that they are not...
Rented a 2 bed flat in E1 and ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'F.C.'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Rent PCM : £1500
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E1
13 Apr 2015
People found this helpful17
Rented a 2 bed flat in E1 and have a poor experience with them. Our experience is similar to many others documented on here - pushing back move in dates, failing to follow through on agreements, avoiding any correspondence in writing, ignoring emails or calls etc. Our landlord contacts us direct... Read Full Review
What agent could do to change your mind?
Fees were initially given as £700 for two people. We refused to pay this and they were halved, which does cause me to question how they calculate the fees at the outset. Fairly standard costs for contracts, renewing contracts etc of around £100.
Comments on Agent Fees
Fees were initially given as £700 for two people. We refused to pay this and they were halved, which does cause me to question how they calculate the fees at the outset. Fairly standard costs for contracts, renewing contracts etc of around £100.
Comments (3)Was this helpful?:
By : Manager
14 Apr 2015Hello tenants, thank you for the review. seems like you didn't mention negligence from your self's for example : The water leak was coming from flat 18 and not from the flat above! In fact you...
We gave this estate agent ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'LCC'
Services : Letting( As a Prospective Landlord/Tenant )
Rent PCM : £1581
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E3
1 Apr 2015
People found this helpful11
We gave this estate agent �730 administration fee to take a property off the market for us to rent. Three days later they called us back to say the property had already been rented before we put the deposit down. Over one week later I am still waiting to get my deposit back. I must have... Read Full Review
What agent could do to change your mind?
See above again!
Comments on Agent Fees
See above again!
Comments (2)Was this helpful?:
By : Private Rental Inspector
30 Apr 2015This agent is extremely poor on service. Do not use under any circumstances, and certainly do not make any advance payments- unless you wish to consider them as a charity for donations. They have a ...
I paid £1600 to Crestons as ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'Heneage'
Services : Sales( As a Buyer )
Sold price : £320000
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E1
20 Nov 2014
People found this helpful9
I paid £1600 to Crestons as a sales resevation money for a flat in East Lodnon. But Crestons sold the property to someone else and unbelievably they don't want to refund my reservation money of £1600. The detailed story is as per the below: I offered £320K for 1 bed property and accepted... Read Full Review
What agent could do to change your mind?
I\'d like to have my reservation money back.
Comments (0)Was this helpful?:
I have dealt with Shay on ...
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4 Star Review
By : 'fjennings'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Rent PCM : £850
Would you recommend ? : Yes
Postcode : E1
14 Oct 2014
People found this helpful9
I have dealt with Shay on three separate occasions: initially for a short-term let on a flat, which I later took up a long-term tenancy on and then renewed recently. Shay has been succinct and flexible in his dealings with me: he has quickly dealt with requests from myself and from... Read Full Review
Comments on Agent Fees
I understand that fees are high in London, however (as previously mentioned) I believe that Shay is committed to providing his dedicated clients with the best service possible without a premium and I have not felt ripped off by him at any point. I see the agency fees as a guarantee that I have a safety net of a committed agent and a pleasant tenancy.
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BE VERY CAREFUL, I WOULDN'T ...
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1 Star Review
By : 'Mehdi'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Rent PCM : £1734
Would you recommend ? : No
Postcode : E1
10 Oct 2014
People found this helpful8
BE VERY CAREFUL, I WOULDN'T EVEN GET NEAR THOSE GUYS, now you can have some reading: Looks cheap but ends up being an extremely expensive and unpleasant agency. This is the description of my full experience: Before getting into the flat - Was promised an additional sofa, did not happen -... Read Full Review
Comments (0)Was this helpful?:
Shay was very polite and ...
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5 Star Review
By : 'Max'
Services : Letting( As a Tenant )
Rent PCM : £1885
Would you recommend ? : Yes
Postcode : N1
8 Oct 2014
People found this helpful11
Shay was very polite and helped us find the property that we were looking for! As we were looking to get our foot into London as soon as possible, Shay went through every step and held our hand through the process. Any time I have a query Shay gets back to me instantly. I highly recommend his... Read Full Review
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