Throughout our tenancy we have been very disappointed with C&R Properties in the various ways that they've conducted themselves.
The majority of the furniture was damaged and unusable, thankfully we were permitted to throw this junk. However some of the essentials weren't in a fit state (the cooker was broken, 2 radiators didn't work alongside general boiler issues, the shower had issues and there was also a leaking pipe in the bathroom). The actual issues aren't the problem here, we know that things break etc. etc. and maybe the previous tenants never reported them, doesn't matter. The frustration was the neglect shown towards our numerous requests to have these sorted. 1 month for the boiler and radiators to be fixed, having emailed numerous times without a response whatsoever - loved sitting comfortably in the modest Manchester winter without a working boiler. The cooker and leak haven't been seen to whatsoever - please sort this out for the poor tenants taking over from us, and again this is despite numerous emails. We understand the onus is on the actual landlord to approve any payments for repairs etc, however it's not much to expect some form of response/communication nor to find it extremely frustrating to have these requests constantly ignored. So the general point is zero response to our requests for repairs on items that were outlined as essential within the contract.
To add to this, when it came to collecting payment for anything it's a completely different story, we received a snotty text message 3 months in a row to say our rent was late although it was actually paid early and not due for another 3 or 4 days. This was during the period we were still awaiting any kind of response (even a telegram would have sufficed) with an update on when we might expect the repairs. When moving out we were charged £25/person for all references to any request from a prospective landlord and insisted they wouldn't give one without payment. This wasn't anywhere in the tenancy agreement, but time was of the essence on securing our new place so we paid it and resolved that issue another time - still not the point but further demonstrates they never act accordingly when it's in the tenant's interest, only when it's to their own benefit.
Almost forgot their strange calculations. Due to when our payday fell and whatnot we wanted to move payment date back 5 days. In order to do this we paid the equivalent to 5 days' rent on top, which was instructed would be deducted from final month's payment. Final payment comes around, we're told a full month is payable to them. They then submitted it should be less after correcting them a few times. Once admitting we didn't owe the full amount we were given a suspect calculation and basically a second attempt at overcharging us was made, hoping we wouldn't notice (simple maths). Only resolution was to spell this out on email to which we received no response, what a surprise.
24 hours notice on viewings please, not a biggy but still, come on..
Finally, the deposit, a recurring theme of unacceptable lack of communication: Upon handing the keys back we were advised we'd receive the inspection report in 2 or 3 days, which we thought was fine. 4 weeks later, after countless messages left at the desk and numerous emails sent (to which some were responded with the likes of "first thing tomorrow", "check this afternoon and it'll be there for you to claim"), and finally we sent an email requesting the manager's contact details and finally they decided to give us access to our deposit, hoorah. Really, is it hard to click upload, or send, or whatever that button might be? Even if it is that hard, 4 weeks later than promised is appalling. Was the last straw in what was overall a painful tenancy.
Was it a case for a TV programme that would be called "tenancy from hell"? No, but we can't help but have a very sour taste in our mouth over the way they conducted business. Needless to say, I won't be recommending C & R Properties anytime soon. read more
