AVOID AT ALL COST
Ive lived all over the world (Sweden, Norway, New York, San Francisco) and had my fair share of unprofessional landlords and letting agents, but nothing compare to Robert Manning. From day one I received nothing but poor communication, rude attitudes, unwillingness to help and extremely incompetent agents.
It started already at the showing. I asked if the kitchen table and chairs could be removed, the agent called the office and got a thumbs up saying it was totally fine. I decided to move forward and sign the lease after that.
Once it was time to move in, the agent did not even want to meet me at the property so after being on the phone several times and a lot of complains from the agent, I finally managed to have someone come down to “check me in”. Once inside the old table and chairs were still there, I pointed that out but was just told they'd change their mind and I was under no circumstances allowed to change or replace it. I noticed that pillows/ comforters etc were still on the bed, I was told it was left from the showings and they would remove it “whenever they had the time”, there was dirty glasses thrown into the refrigerator and the shower was so dirty that I didnt even wanna step into it.
A few days in I tried to use the washing machine but it would not turn on. Im pretty handy and tried to fix it myself but realized it was an electrical issue so did not feel comfortable fixing that (+ I should not have to start my tenancy fixing something that was supposed to be working). It took Robert Manning SIX WEEKS to have a handyman come and take care of it. And that after multiple phone calls/ written messages from my side where initially I was just told to “go to the hardware store and buy the tools to repair it myself”, not until I threatened to talk to a lawyer did they send someone over. During these 6 weeks I had to take all my laundry to a cleaning service which required both time and money that I could have used for something better.
During the last couple of months the building was up for sale, so almost weekly would an agent show up with clients, touring around in my flat, and later on I noticed they had also taken pictures without informing me, that they used when putting up an ad for the flat online.. pictures in which there was private photos of me and my family displayed for anyone to see.
After moving out, I was informed I’d get my deposit back after mailing the keys to them. Considering their bad trackrecord I decided it was more safe to deliver the keys to them in person so they couldn't claim that they didn't receive them. I took the afternoon to go to their office and was also informed by them that they would release my deposit the next day and I should have it on my account within 10 days. ITS BEEN THREE WEEKS NOW AND STILL NO MONEY. I checked with the deposit company and found out that Robert Manning never reached out to them to release my deposit. After that ive been on the phone trying to get in touch with them every single day for the past 5 days. Multiple calls every day but never any reply. Ive also sent written messages through their internal portal but no response.
Today I was able to get through but the receptionist was unable to connect me to any agent (this was at 2pm in the afternoon) and claimed that all of them would be busy in meetings for the rest of the day and would be unable to speak with me, and that I could try phone back on Monday again.
I am so happy I managed to get out from my lease and just want to be done with this “so called” letting firm. I cant believe how they are even in business considering their horrible customer service approach and lack of professionalism. I would strongly urge anyone considering this firm to STAY AWAY.
I am now happily renting an amazing place in Holland Park and im so pleased with the service I have received from my current letting agency - March & Parson. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND anyone looking for a flat to reach out to them, they have been nothing but helpful and I cant thank them enough for giving me such a nice experience.
1 November 2019
Unprompted review