Useless Estate Agent - advice please

[evoesque]

I recently moved into a new flat and I have been less than impressed (read fking livid) with the service I have received from the estate agent. I paid a lot of money in fees, deposits etc. and now they have the cash they seem to have shut up shop. It's a main hight street estate agents as well!

From a broken window (it doesn't shut) to dodgy ariels and requests being put forward to put up curtains I have never had a call back from them. I must have called them 10 + times and all they ever say is they will call me back.

I have sent a formal complaint to the only e-mail address I can find and still nothing.

Starting to get hacked off with it.

What are my options?

Any formal body I can go to with my complaint?
Can I stop paying my rent until they rectify the problems (I don't want to affect the landlord so this is probably out of the question).
Pay for the work to be done and deduct it from my next rent payment?

They aren't based near me so physically going into the agents and shakng someone is a no no.

[zippy500]

Write to head office of said company. Might get better responce if its done formally.
Looks like they have been punished enough anyway going bust. Greedy s, hate estate agents. Parasites!

[evoesque]

Sorry, renting.

[Road2Ruin]

mickken said:

Renting or brought this place?

Read the post again it specifically mentions rent.

[evoesque]

zippy500 said:

Write to head office of said company. Might get better responce if its done formally.
Looks like they have been punished enough anyway going bust. Greedy s, hate estate agents. Parasites!

I can only find one e-mail address for the head office and I have had no reply.

[evoesque]

Wow, the power of pistonheads!!!

Just had a reply from them. Getting a phone call in a mo from the lettings director.

Thanks all, I'll let you know what they have to say for themselves.

[OllieBirmingham]

I had a similar problem recently, having just moved into a rented flat. Got SWMBO to phone them to tell them the plumber couldn't install the washing machine because the water inlet was bent and needed replacing. She called them 4 times in one day, only to be told someone would call her back. The last time she called the person who was supposed to be calling her back had gone home. I phoned them up at 9am absolutely livid and asked to speak to the manager, and was told she would phone me back. I'll hold thanks I said.....

You'd think with the industry on the bones of its arse they would be making a bit more of an effort TBH.

[minimax]

evoesque said:

I recently moved into a new flat and I have been less than impressed (read fking livid) with the service I have received from the estate agent. I paid a lot of money in fees, deposits etc. and now they have the cash they seem to have shut up shop. It's a main hight street estate agents as well!

From a broken window (it doesn't shut) to dodgy ariels and requests being put forward to put up curtains I have never had a call back from them. I must have called them 10 + times and all they ever say is they will call me back.

I have sent a formal complaint to the only e-mail address I can find and still nothing.

Starting to get hacked off with it.

What are my options?

Any formal body I can go to with my complaint?
Can I stop paying my rent until they rectify the problems (I don't want to affect the landlord so this is probably out of the question).
Pay for the work to be done and deduct it from my next rent payment?

They aren't based near me so physically going into the agents and shakng someone is a no no.

is it managed or non managed?

i'm frequently verbally assaulted by people who don't stop to think what the difference might be..

for example "my washing machine has broken" ... er, we don't manage the property sir, thEere is absolutely nothing at all I can do except give you the number of some plumbers (which you already have in your welcome pack) "but I rented it through you!" ...er...

[fido]

No - it's the power of imminent recession.

Two examples: Chaps in IT who provide me with prices: usual response time 1-2 days, recently 1-2 hours. Epsom council: usual response time 1-2 days, recently 1-2 days.

[minimax]

evoesque said:

Wow, the power of pistonheads!!!

Just had a reply from them. Getting a phone call in a mo from the lettings director.

Thanks all, I'll let you know what they have to say for themselves.

regarding the putting up of curtains issue, photograph where you intend to drill, write to the agents telling them what you're doing and advising you'll leave the poles in situ or repair the damage at the landlords convenience when you move out.

that should be fine

[Davel]

If you're getting nowhere with the agent, why not write directly to the owner / Landlord?

Maybe copy them with the stuff that you've sent to their agent.

[hornetrider]

evoesque said:

Wow, the power of pistonheads!!!

Just had a reply from them. Getting a phone call in a mo from the lettings director.

Thanks all, I'll let you know what they have to say for themselves.

I'm sure I speak for everybody when I say that I am on the very edge of my seat in anticipation.