Anthony James Estate Agents

I rented a flat in Southport's Marine Gate Mansions through Anthony James in December 2013. The sales team were very polite and accommodating - up until I signed the lease agreement. Then things changed. My rental agreement was signed on 2/12. On inspecting the standing order I was informed I had to pay the rent on 27th of each month to ensure payment went in before 2nd each month. This would have been 3 months rent I would need to pay in December (including deposit). When I queried this (having that morning transferred the deposit and it being credited to Anthony James Account within one hour) I was advised curtly it was in the contract. It wasn't, but the matter was not up for debate. During the property handover I felt I was interrupting the agent from something more important to her. On moving in I was given key one fob to operate the electronic security system, 2 is supplied as a minimum. I requested an additional one. This would be 3rd December. Three months and numerous phone calls later with none forthcoming, I was advised that these were difficult to get hold of and will take some time (more than 3 months!!). I later explained this to the site concierge and was supplied with the fob within a week. The bathroom ceiling had a leak which had gone mouldy. Reported to Anthony James 3/12/14 - unresolved on my leaving 11/8/15 - again unreturned calls and basic fob offs. Overall, I was left feeling I was an inconvenience to Anthony James in relation to any issue during my tenancy - it became easier to tolerate these issues than waste time calling. Upon my tenancy expiring and locating an alternative property I left the flat vowing never to deal with Anthony James again. As an interesting post script - the gentlemen who took over residency of the flat obtained my number and rang me as he was unsure of the location on the reserved garage space for parking. I asked if he had contacted Anthony James. He had, they did not know and was advised to contact me. That, is the level of service is property owners and tenant pay Anthony James for.