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“Absolute Disgraceful Service”

written by on 11/01/2014

I have rented a property through Surelet (Birmingham North) for six months and I have regretted it throughout. I was initially asked to sign a contract without being given the opportunity to read it. The gas and electricity suppliers were unknown to the agency and they were completely unhelpful sending me from pillar to post. In the end I had to resolve that issue myself.

I then wanted to make a GP after my son fell ill, but needed a copy of the rental contract. After ringing our local branch several times they asked me to collect the contract on Saturday. When I turned up at the office the gentlemen present had no idea what I was talking about and said the landlord hadn't signed it two weeks after we had moved in. When I persisted he contacted his manager who I was initially told was unavailable. The manager asked him to forge the signature of the landlord and hand me the contract. I was astonished but, had little choice under the circumstances.

One month into our contract the fridge broke down. It took the agency three months to provide us with another second hand one despite multiple phone calls. With two young children I believe this was absolutely disgraceful and showed the branch/agency/landlord to have little regard for their tenants. I felt that once they had your money they were extremely slow to deal with any issues.

Three months into our contract I was told that the landlord had decided to sell up and we had to move out. I was very unhappy about this as it would result in further upheaval for my young family who were just settling in. Further evidence to suggest a complete disregard for the tenants.

And to top it off, when I went to return my keys there was no one present at the Birmingham North branch on the Bearwood Road. I rang head office to be told that I should slip the keys through the letter box in full site of passers by. I reminded head office that it would be at their own risk. At this juncture I requested a joint inspection to make sure any faults found were confirmed by myself. I was told I would be contacted in 2days to organise this.

Surprise, surprise I didn't receive a phone call. I then took it upon myself to contact the director of the Birmingham North Branch a week later. He told me that he wasnt told about my request and that he chose to absolve himself of any responsibility. On my insistence for an explanation he became abusive, bordering on racist mentioning my nationality which was entirely irrelevant to the discussion as well as threatening me.

I would never advise a tenant or landlord to use the services of Surelet, especially the Birmingham North branch on the Bearwood Road. They have been completely dishonest, making promises they never fulfil as well as incompetent.