We rented 36 Hindley Street, Ashton, from R&D for three years, but our experience was full of issues. Moving in, we discovered hidden damage, faulty fixtures, and weren’t shown where the gas or electric mains were, leaving us without power. After effort, we got it working ourselves. Linda handled our concerns well, but after she left, things worsened. The first winter exposed severe black mould, rapidly spreading, damaging wardrobes, sofas, and our clothes. We reported it to Linda, who advised moving furniture, but no action was taken. Months later, as the mould worsened, I followed up and learned Linda had left, replaced by Jorgina Ashton. From then on, communication was shocking. Jorgina was unhelpful, ignored calls and emails, and promised call-backs that never came. Eventually, we found the cause of the damp: a major roof leak. Water leaked down the wall in the 2nd bedroom, where our son slept, soaking the wall, peeling the wallpaper, and making the room unlivable. In the 1st bedroom, we rearranged for our baby's arrival. Shortly after, the ceiling burst with rainwater, ruining the new cot. Each rainstorm was like a waterfall from the ceiling. Throughout this, Jorgina ignored our calls and emails, offering no help. We contacted Environmental Health, who confirmed the issues and ordered R&D to fix the roof. By then, black mould covered much of the house, making it hazardous. My family and I were constantly ill, and despite multiple emails asking for mould removal, we were still ignored. A young girl from R&D inspected the property, took photos, and promised to follow up on the mould issue, but we never heard from her again. I then called branch manager Wendy Robertson, who blamed us for the mould. She claimed it was caused by our furniture placement and not opening windows in winter—unreasonable with a newborn. I asked Wendy about the young inspector, but she claimed the girl had praised her own help, saying she gave advice on cleaning and airing the property. In reality, the girl barely spoke and seemed uncomfortable addressing the mould. Wendy assured us that something would eventually be done. Unsurprisingly, nothing ever was. Neil, a new inspector, was the first to show concern. He documented all issues and said our furniture was moved over a foot from the walls, saying any more would be unreasonable. He noted the awful conditions and couldn’t understand why nothing had been done. He never followed up and soon left the company. The electrics began failing—lights flickered, and using multiple appliances tripped the fuse. Repeated emails to Jorgina and Wendy, were ignored. Then, one Friday, the electricity completely went out. The mains box needed replacing. R&D had removed their emergency line, so when we called the head office, they told us to wait until Monday. When I complained, they hung up on me. We went to social media, and the response was huge. Many people shared their own bad experiences with renting from R&D. By Saturday morning, Wendy called, suddenly eager to fix the electrics. The issue was resolved, but only after we went public. A few months later, we contacted Jorgina again about the mould. Her response? The same excuse: “Move your furniture further.” We reminded her that Neil had already confirmed it was far enough. She then claimed it was because we didn’t shut the kitchen or bathroom doors. It was clear she didn’t care. The bottom floor was open-plan, so there was no kitchen door. The bathroom had a poorly installed sliding door with a big gap, no handle, and couldn’t stay shut. We raised this issue multiple times, but nothing was done. We gave notice and left, only to have R&D try to withhold part of our deposit for a “damaged hob.” When we asked for proof or details, they ignored us. We had to involve the deposit scheme and dispute it. It felt like an endless nightmare. They lied and cheated every step of the way. Any response they give will be disingenuous and filled with lies. I’d never recommend renting from them.