Streets Ahead Estate Agents
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Stalling Dodging except Fixing
I rent a studio in SE25 area at the middle of June, with move in date set on 17th July, exactly 1 month ago. The reasons I rent it were really simple: (1) a foldable bed in the build in wardrobe which gives a lot of open space for my cat and (2) a nice parking space managed by CPM. During the viewing the previous tenant (PT) used a mid-height drawer wardrobe placed in front of the build in wardrobe as she said she liked to sleep on the ground with her mattress in the open area. So I didn't really have the chance to look at the foldable bed but I trusted the letting agent M that it would be in good condition. Also M mentioned the PT would be moving out at the end of June. If there were any issues needed fixing, there would be 2 weeks time for the landlord to fix them. I also asked if the parking space was available to me by email (with black and white record obviously) and if so by how much more pcm. M replied "With regards to the parking, you can get a permit which will cover you for the development." Guess what? As soon as I got the keys on 17th July, I did a move in check with the 3rd party inventory clerk. We spotted immediately (1) the foldable bed had 2 main issues that were NOT safe to use. (A) It didn't have a lock mechanism, the bed would fall down because of gravity if you didn't place anything against it. No wonder the PT placed a drawer against it and slept on the ground. (B) The bed frame had no end legs, leaving the joints at the front be the only support to hold all the weight of the mattress plus the person sleeping on it. Also the cistern of the toilet was not flushing as smoothly as it should be. I reported those issues by the 18th July, it took Streets Ahead 3 weeks to do their tender procedure. I even visited their office in Addiscombe on the 11th Aug just to try to get an update face to face from my property managing agent C. And yet C gave me a call instead, saying a contractor would contact me by the end of today. So I waited until 8pm that night but no one contacted me. I emailed C once again expressing my frustration. Obviously C only replied the very next Monday morning, and I quote from the C's replied email on 14th August "please find D number who will be attending to fix a few issues you have raised,." Guess what again? The nice gentleman D they sent on 15th Aug said he could only fix the cistern and shower head (another problem I reported on 21st July) and D couldn't do anything about the bed. Furthermore D said the weak water flow of the shower head had very little to do with the missing washer. It's more related to the pump. D suggested me to asked C to ask the landlord where the pump is located which I did (and still waiting for C to response to this) So as of today, I have been sleeping on the ground and taking shower with a really really weak water flow for 1 whole month, out of a 12 month contract period. The worst part is I paid the whole year rent upfront, which I really shouldn't have done. Otherwise I could refuse to pay the rent until they have fixed the problems, or at least give me an expected date when they will fix it. Unlike now I am completely helpless but can only write a review here probably no one will read. And for (2) parking space, I have contacted both CPM and council to try to get a permit for the parking and both replied. CPM said the property has not been allocated a parking space and council said the street I am living in is not Controlled Parking Zone. So either M was given wrong info. from the landlord and hence gave me the wrong info., or M knew I would not have the parking slot but still replied me "With regards to the parking, you can get a permit which will cover you for the development." just to try to get my signature on the letting agreement. I reported this issue to C on 7th Aug and C replied"I will ask the landlord as parking would be more to do with the lettings side things." Not surprised as at this point I really don't expect anything from Streets Ahead anymore. There were also lots of small issues such as the mould in the window corners, asked me to buy cleaner and clean them myself by crediting 10 pounds to me. A missing letterbox key asked me to pick up the key from the office personally. A front-door lock broke down required emergent locksmith but their appointed locksmith was overbooked that I needed outsource the contractor myself but only credited me back 89 pounds (max.) ... too many to count. And to anyone is reading to this point, please take my advise to avoid Streets Ahead at all cost.