Thank you for your feedback. I am very sorry to read that you feel that your checkout was handled unfairly.The reason that you received the detailed photographic report that you mention, was because we use third party, independent inventory clerks to… See more

Thank you for your feedback. I am very sorry to read that you feel that your checkout was handled unfairly. The reason that you received the detailed photographic report that you mention, was because we use third party, independent inventory clerks to conduct; Photographic and written Inventory – the day before move in Photographic and written check-out – the day after end of tenancy This is deemed the fairest way for end of tenancy property condition to be evaluated and is the Deposit Protection Service’s preferred working practice. The checkout report, included the following in its summary – it was for these reasons that professional cleaning was required. It may be that if you engaged your own cleaners that they unfortunately let you down. ‘The property does not appear to have been thoroughly cleaned in advance of exit or regularly ventilated during the tenancy. There is mildew spotting visible throughout to all walls, and this is particularly noticeable to areas around windows. Heavy mould spotting is present to the lounge curtains. The dishwasher has a considerable amount of mould and a strong odour present inside. There are large areas of scale build up in the bathroom and en-suite. Mould marking is present to the edge of the bathroom door. The property would benefit from a professional deep clean in order to return to the same cleanliness level described at inventory’. Julian Bessey Director

Hi Simran, I am sorry to read and hear of your dissatisfaction. Further to our recent telephone conversation and as you were aware, you originally rented your house from another company. Your house was sold to our landlord, during your tenancy. Just prior to your tenancy the property was subject to a substantial refurbishment and new House of Multiple Occupation licence from Winchester City Council, a new EICR electrical safety certificate and gas safety certificate, so you can be assured that there is nothing hazardous about the property or any of its appliances and that they have been thoroughly checked for your safety. Checking our system, I note that on purchase of the property, becoming aware of the absence of study desks and chairs in each room and a microwave, our landlord supplied all of the above. Thank you for your feedback - sorry the property did not meet your expectations and hope our service once we became managing agent was an improvement for you and your housemates. Julian Bessey, Director

Hi Jake, we have no record of you on our system as we would from any viewing, application or payment made? Please contact us on 01962 843346 so that we can help clear this up. Thanks, Julian Bessey - Director, Martin & Co, Winchester

They have cut the grass. I had to clear up after them and now the knott weed looking plant is spreading into my garden. Can't wait to sell and move away from this shambles of a student let. I live next door to a business and the property is owned by the printers copyman. Of course I'll never consider using Martin and Co.

Dear Mandy, I am very sorry to read of your dissatisfaction. Checking the independent inventory inspection for the start of your tenancy, it reports that, ‘the property is in excellent order throughout and has been professionally cleaned’. This inventory was signed by you as accurate and accepted with one annotation, a mark on a carpet. In such a situation please let us know of any issue so we can get a cleaner back for you. Checking our maintenance log I see that on your move in day, your boiler was switched off. Our Property Manager sent a boiler repair man, who switched the boiler on for you, at no cost that evening. With regard to the washing machine, the property was offered for rent without a washing machine. As you requested a machine, the landlords bought and supplied a machine. This machine was used, apologies if it was not clean on arrival. With regard to your end of tenancy, notice to end, counts from your rent due date. Under your AST tenancy agreement, your rent months run in calendar months from rent due date, rather than the day you advise intent to leave. If any of us can assist further, please let me know. Kind regards, Julian Bessey - Director

Dear Victoria, I am very sorry to read that your tenancy has had these issues. I hope that from my voicemail and our emails of the last 24 hours that you know that we take this seriously and wish to ensure the remainder of your tenancy is as enjoyable as possible. Please be assured that the detailed photographic inventory protects you with regard to any pre existing marks such as the mould noted. A cleaner is being sent back to clean that again. As you know, we are not the selling agent booking viewings on the property, but liaise with their requests as your managing agent. I know your landlord is very grateful for your assistance in that. Kind regards, Julian Bessey - Director

Dear Miss Tuchinda, I am sorry that you feel our property management has not met your expectations. As per our telephone conversation of this afternoon, thank you for ensuring the bin bags go out overnight on Wednesday for Thursday collection and not before. This avoids mess for neighbours and and is appreciated. With regard to Council Tax, we cannot deal with that for you, but if you email counciltax@winchester.gov.uk with your Certificate of Student Status I am sure they will note your exemption. If we can help with anything else, please let me know. Julian Bessey Director

Dear Paul, I am sorry to read that you are dissatisfied with our service. I have looked into your issues raised with the team. With regard to deposit processing approval; Agents always have to have landlord and tenants approval prior to deposit release. I am pleased to see that your landlords have approved your deposit release and it has been actioned. If any further assistance is needed on this, please let me know - 01962 843346 Julian.bessey@martinco.com Regarding the radiator valve; I see that the independent inventory clerk who did your end of tenancy check out reported and photographed what they a missing radiator valve. It transpires this was just the control cap, which our handyman has supplied free of charge. With regard to renewal and referencing fees, I fully appreciate that such fees are unwelcome. Presently such fees are the norm in the lettings industry until tenant fees cease when the law changes in June 2019. Our fees are advised in the terms of business that we issue at time of tenancy application. We benchmark our fees regularly and keep them amongst the lowest in the city. If I can assist further, please let me know. Julian Bessey - Director

Dear Steve, Sorry to read of your dissatisfaction. With regard to fees, the additional fee requested was the checkout fee for your end of tenancy inspection. Landlords pay for the inventory at the start of tenancy and tenants pay for the check out at end of tenancy. Apologies if that was not clear. With regard to cleaning, the inventory noted the property as professionally cleaned throughout at the start of your tenancy. The independent checkout report noted the property as needing full professional cleaning including oven cleaning, to return it to the same condition as at start of tenancy. The charge from the cleaning company was competitive among local contractors for a full end of tenancy clean. We check these costs regularly. Nonetheless I fully understand such costs come as an unwelcome expense. Kind regards, Julian Bessey, Director