Ashtons Estate Agency - Welwyn Garden City

I rented a 2 bed flat in St Albans and recently terminated. It would have been zero star rating if not for the likes of Jamie Newson-Love's professionalism from start to finish. My low rating relates to my experience with the asset …

I rented a 2 bed flat in St Albans and recently terminated. It would have been zero star rating if not for the likes of Jamie Newson-Love's professionalism from start to finish. My low rating relates to my experience with the asset management team who are located in the Welwyn Garden City branch and not St Albans. A bunch of headless chickens who do not bother reading the tenancy agreement. Floating in the air in your apt for the duration of your tenancy, does not guarantee a return of your deposit as they will find ways to encourage the landlord to retain it. As a tenant, do not expect any customer service (in fact, it's borderline disdain), and they are a 'black hole' for effort if you try to engage. What you can expect is a terse and obtuse responses from their head of lettings (when they engage). Don't be alarmed to get invoices sent to you when you raise maintenance issues, especially when it relates to serious statutory repairing obligations. I reported an electric bulb exploding with evidence, which could have caused serious injury. After the electrician attended, the invoice was sent to me for payment, because in their opinion, it required a simple light bulb change. It was no point trying to resolve this with the head of lettings either, as he was aggressive and threatened to deduct from my deposit if I did not pay. I blatantly refused to pay for the invoices and was prepared to settle in court. Do not be alarmed when you rent an unfurnished flat and are informed at the end of your tenancy that you will be charged to replace furniture. Ashton's say they were take instructions from the landlord. In effect, the landlord had asked them to defraud me and they complied. Finally, do not be alarmed if the landlord attempts to charge you for removing a toilet brush (not drilled into the wall), after she has sold the flat. She had no intentions of moving back in or reletting. I have not made any of this up and was happy to see the back of Ashtons, asset management team. I had to fight hard to get my full deposit back. I was able to get a my full deposit back as ultimately, I paid rent in full and caused no damage to the property. KO

If I could give 0 star review, I would. I've been an estate agent for 10 years and have never seen a more chaotic exchange and completion. I bought via Ashtons, but certainly won't be selling with them. I am embarrassed by the experience.

They only listen when there is a contract to sign. The follow up service will ALWAYS fall in deaf hears. They become ghosts. Nice property but the service is INEXISTENT. Don't hold your breath.

They don't call you back. Very poor service

We had agreed with a landlord, through one of the letting agents, for the full asking price on a rental property. With this in mind we were invited to referencing. The letting agent we was dealing with went on holiday, (Friday), so we was …

Very rude member of staff, unhelpful and disappointing service. Think someone needs to go on a refresher course for customer service & rules and regulations for GDPR / data protection

If your a landlord , avoid like the plague.They have lots of charges , make sure you read the small print ..far better agents out there