avoid at all costs. These are a TERRIBLE estate agents. The staff (most, not all) are rude. We have had a broken gutter for a year and a half AND a leaking roof for 3 years (although it was partially fixed). It took us 6 months for them to sort out the roof with the landlord AND they lied about it to begin with. Basically with the roof, we reported it as soon as we noticed, within a couple of days we heard nothing so we rang them and we were told to deal with it because the landlord couldn't afford to fix it. Literally, That is what we were told. We obviously did not accept that response so threatened them (and landlord) with legal action. This went on for about 6 months. Then eventually we got hold of the actual landlord (by letter), and to our shock, he knew nothing about it. The estate agents NEVER even got hold if him. (there is a chance the landlord is lying but I honestly believe him, especially after reading many reviews on john german). Anyway, the Landlord did get someone out as soon as we wrote to him personally. Only problem is the roofers (or whatever they are called) didn't completely fix it. Half a job team. Its not a huge deal though, nowhere near as bad as it was and livable. As for the gutter, its not life threatening and as we have been looking to move for a year or so we never bothered reporting it to the landlord directly, only john german, who have done NOTHING. but again, im not to fussed on the gutter. now, lets talk about the dreaded inspections. for the first year and a half everything was ok. they rang and made appointments, but every single time since they no longer bother ringing and simply let themselves in if no one is home. WITHOUT our permission. We are currently looking into this and I am almost certain this is illegal. They make up lies saying they 'email' us. Which IS a lie as we have never given them our email addresses. They have said they no longer ring people, its all over email. hmmmm. righto Oh, and they moan about every little thing. We have a small child so obviously the garden has toys in. swings, slide, sea-saw etc. According to john german. This is no acceptable and is classed as, and I quote 'clutter'. Needless to say we ignored this. Oh and they constantly have a go at us for a hole in the bedroom ceiling, which happens to be from when the roof leaked badly. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is NOT our responsibility to fix. We have said this many times. Now to our last problem. ie. 2 days ago, 12/2/14. Thankfully we have got a another house. So naturally we rang up to hand in our months notice... only one problem. For some unknown reason you are not allowed to do this unless it is within 3 days of your rent due... what? Yeah seriously. For example. our rent goes out on the 7th. the ONLY time you are allowed to do this is either the 6th 5th or 4th. I am certain this is a lie and they are trying to get more money off us. Well, they won't. as soon as we are packed and the last thing out, we will hand int he keys and cancel the direct debit. I am NOT paying an extra month for no reason. I just want to quote word for word what we were told too bu a rude woman. 'You should have told us your leaving as soon as you decided to look for another house'. That is a direct quote. Quick mention too, they CHARGE FOR A REFERENCE. £25 to be exact. Obviously when you have a new house, you need a reference from your last to prove you have kept up with rent and that. THEY CHARGE YOU FOR IT!!! ABSOLUTE DISGRACE!! Now I know for a fact most estate agents do NOT do this. Our new ones don't. We asked. Now my last thing, having spoke to, and read numerous reviews, john german will find ANY excuse to keep your deposit/bond, and legally, there is nothing you can do about it. So here is my last bit of advice. You more than likely WILL lose your bond with these creatures. so simply cancel you direct debit as soon as you can and let them keep that as your last bit of rent.. Read around the internet and talk to others who have used john german. Most will say the same thing. They honestly will find every little thing to keep the money for the landlord. They do not care about tenants. Only the landlord. They will do whats best for them. ALWAYS.