They are a decent enough letting company, and they did manage to tend to a number of issues that came up during my tenancy. The reason I'm only giving 2 stars is due to the 'checkout report' that was done by one of the staff (not mentioning names here) - which was forwarded to myself and the landlord. Now, I understand that its up to myself to keep the place tidy etc, and it was left in a very decent condition - considering I was there for around 2 years give or take. But on that report, it seemed very very thorough. Picking out every single detail, and making it sounding much worse than it actually was. (i.e. finger-marked sockets/switches, dusty doors/radiators etc). It was never going to be 100% immaculate was it? Inevitably, it resulted in me losing a big chunk of my deposit.

They are a decent enough letting company, and they did manage to tend to a number of issues that came up during my tenancy. The reason I'm only giving 2 stars is due to the 'checkout report' that was done by one of the staff (not mentioning names here) - which was forwarded to myself and the landlord. Now, I understand that its up to myself to keep the place tidy etc, and it was left in a very decent condition - considering I was there for around 2 years give or take. But on that report, it seemed very very thorough. Picking out every single detail, and making it sounding much worse than it actually was. (i.e. finger-marked sockets/switches, dusty doors/radiators etc). It was never going to be 100% immaculate was it? Inevitably, it resulted in me losing a big chunk of my deposit.

They seem OK, but as a middleman between you and a landlord they seem happy to leave you in the dark regarding works on your building... Even with emergency repairs. So sometimes you have to chase them up to find out what is happening. EDIT: A year on, still waiting for works... one of which has been 6 years in waiting now, the other is a huge crack in the wall that leaks every time it rains. Next to plugs. Never seem to be able to get someone out... but are happy to up the rent for the landlord. Second Edit: We are actually getting people out. Maybe. Perhaps. But at least its something. This does seem to be more an issue with the previous landlord who sold the property as 'in good condition' and the new landlord is now facing a surprise bill for work he didnt expect to need to do. Martins as the middleman are just trying to do their best to be a go between. The staff in Martins are always polite and helpful. If the review was just for them, it's 5 stars. But the process of being a go-between, and not having the info required half the time, its always going to be hard to recommend renting through this type of company

They seem OK, but as a middleman between you and a landlord they seem happy to leave you in the dark regarding works on your building... Even with emergency repairs. So sometimes you have to chase them up to find out what is happening. EDIT: A year on, still waiting for works... one of which has been 6 years in waiting now, the other is a huge crack in the wall that leaks every time it rains. Next to plugs. Never seem to be able to get someone out... but are happy to up the rent for the landlord. Second Edit: We are actually getting people out. Maybe. Perhaps. But at least its something. This does seem to be more an issue with the previous landlord who sold the property as 'in good condition' and the new landlord is now facing a surprise bill for work he didnt expect to need to do. Martins as the middleman are just trying to do their best to be a go between. The staff in Martins are always polite and helpful. If the review was just for them, it's 5 stars. But the process of being a go-between, and not having the info required half the time, its always going to be hard to recommend renting through this type of company

The Stoke branch has been looking after properties for me and my partner. They're exceptionally bad at getting contractors for maintenance issues. We've had to chase them up to make sure jobs are done. If they can't find a contractor in 2-3 weeks, they tend to forget the issue. We had one occasion where funds sent in as a deposit for one job were allocated to another job by a different contractor. The staff are pleasant enough to deal with, but it's a poor service. Landlords with fewer than five properties should be wary. For tenants, we suggest you avoid the Stoke branch. No guarantee that they'll sort out maintenance issues in good time.

RIP you off

One of the most terrible housing agent, before I write a lot, let me tell you that, this agent would never want to give you your deposit. They claimed I spoiled a window blind that had spoilt more than 2years ago, Unknowingly to them, I knew the tenant that left the house before I moved in. I got both in and out inventory from the previous tenants and compared with me and I see that same issue has been raised for like two years with different tenants and still want to deduct my deposit for same window. After showing proof of my claim, they finally agreed to not deduct my deposit, I cleaned the house so clean, they deducted £157 for cleaning two bedroom flat. Just look for another agent to rent from.

I wouldn't bother renting from Martin and co, we have been in a house for nearly 3 years with damp issues that STILL have not been fixed properly, we have sent multiple emails and now we are just being ignored. This needs sorting now as a matter of urgency before we start to seek legal advice. It is the landord/landlady's responsibilty to fix not ours and i feel Martin and Co are doing nothing about it.