Absolute shambles of a company. Firstly took holding deposit by cash on 18th September (requested by them)… then denied having cash (receipt below). Then accept a deposit and offer from us, however continue viewings with other applicants. Expect paperwork returned within 1 hour otherwise threat the landlord will not proceed despite people being at work. They lie and do not get back to you let alone answer a simple query. We called on Friday morning explaining if the property isn’t Let Agreed and the landlord hasn’t made a decision then we want the deposit back. Both Kiera and Katie do not know legalities or the rental process when asked. Any question we have asked, they could not answer. Katie hung up on me after lying that the landlord has the deposit now and saying she needs to speak to them to see if we get it back as she doesn’t have a clue. Then wonders why people are frustrated when they are illegally retaining money. Both members of staff and Kings are going to be reported to THE PROPERTY OMBUDSMAN, and I advise all the other people who have negative dealings with the company to do the same. I’m not sure how people like this are allowed to be responsible with important assets and homes of clients. Please save yourself the stress and go with a trusted agent instead of wasting your time and money with this cowboy company. **response to Kings Estates reply after 4 months** Firstly several times we filled in the referencing forms with him and secondly, legally you cannot retain a holding deposit unless the following: - deciding not to rent the property - give wrong or misleading information - cannot pass a right to rent immigration check. (Response forwarded to Trading Standards)