In May 2011 my wife and I have decided to move to Somerset from Sussex, where we were living for many years. We've found a property in Frome - a small town on the eastern edge of Somerset.
The representative of Lettings R Us (letting agency) - Richard has explained that the property is very energy efficient, that everything will be professionally clean before we move in etc. We did like the property and have decided that this is going to be our new home for the next few months until we find out more about the surroundings and the property we would like to purchase.
In December 2011 - a couple of days after giving Richard our notice of vacating a property - more than a month in advance, he has sent a text message to my wife at 4PM on Tuesday that the next day they are going to come over with the potential tenants to view the property.
We received the message at 4PM and they have ANNOUNCED - rather than asking whether it is convenient for us - that they are going to come over at 3PM, which is a notice of 23 hours and according to our contract with them they have to give us a reasonable notice of 24 hours.
I'm not that picky, but the fact that they do not ask whether it is convenient for you or not have made me really anxious about the way they have handled this.
Some time after the text my wife has received a phone call, which is when she has realised that she's received a text message and have agreed with one of the ladies working for Richard that it is not convenient for us to have anyone around as we will have some guests over and right before Christmas we have a lot of things to do at home and agreed to re-schedule for the following day at 10.30am.
This evening I have received the same text message (which is what I realised after checking my mobile - what a convenient and effective way of communication between the letting agents and tennants?). I have replied:
"I think you've already spoken to my wife - tomorrow we cannot do - Thursday is ok"
Shortly after sending this message I have received a reply:
"Hi that's ok as we have a key so you do not have to be in tomorrow. Kind Regards ... Lettings R Us."
I have straight away replied with the following:
"We are in, but we cannot have anyone in tomorrow".
Next day (the day they wanted to come over) I have received the following text:
"Hi they are coming from far away can they just pop in for 15-20mins is that ok regards..."
my reply was:
"Not today I'm afraid - tomorrow is fine".
After my last reply I got a phone call form Richard - saying that they are coming over at 3PM to show the property. I was a bit pissed off at this stage - I mean how can you explain it to them if they are not listening and have already decided for you?
I said that I'm sorry, but we have already inform you that we cannot have anyone over this day and this is when I've heard from Richard:
"Ok - we can hold your deposit for a year or longer" after which he's added "I'm coming over at 4PM" and hang up.
Now, he's a great salesman - he knows exactly how to make your feel like you've found the perfect home - it's only when you have to face the truth, after you paid your deposit and signed the papers - that you realise, that all he was tell you is a one massive bullshit.
We have purchased a new property - hence the reason for us to move out, and I'm really not going to let him treat us like this.
Sadly, the agreement we have signed did not mention anything about our 'convenience' - only stating 24 hours - so if you're planning on renting the property - check this clause carefully before signing - and most importantly - DO NOT rent from Lettings R Us in Frome (Somerset) or make sure you have a good solicitor before you do.
Disclaimer
The purpose of this blog is to warn the potential tenants who are looking to rent a property in Forme, Somerset.
We have been badly stung by the Lettings R Us and I hope no-one else will have to experience this the way we did. There are many genuine letting agents out there - Lettings R Us is just not one of them.
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