L Widdeson

I rented a house with these agents for a year and I would not recommend them. They are very difficult to contact for maintenance issues and some fixes they said would be finished before we even moved in (e.g. fitting curtains in the bedroom, repainting the walls was 'done' very badly as they were different patch colours of white) were never completed during our tenancy. They also tried to withhold our deposit at the end of tenancy due to items being left in the house... even tho I had previously agreed with them that, as the items where there when we arrived, they could stay at no cost to us. Luckily I had emails to back this up so we did get most of our deposit back. But even when we agreed an amount of the deposit to return to us (almost the total sum), when they sent it to my bank it was less and what we had agreed. When I left them know this they did send the rest however I wouldn't trust them at their word so make sure you keep a paper trail and get all agreements in writing.... Read more
Tenant
12th Oct 2023 (1 year ago)
J Martin
Do not go near them thieving estate you will never get your deposit back they are robbing disgusting estate agent ............ Read more
12th Oct 2023 (1 year ago)
S V3
THESE PEOPLE ARE A BUNCH OF THIEVES.
Me and my partner rented an apartments for 3 years from them and after we moved out they're not giving us the deposit back. Throughout the tenancy I kept reporting problems that they themselves have taken note of while coming in inspection of the property on a regular basis and did absolutely nothing about them, only for them now to blame those problems on me and are using my deposit not only fix the problems, which I didn't cause, but to renovate and improve the property only because the landlord asked them for a contribution.
They keep adding costs to my deposit, like replacing the existing furniture with newer more expensive pieces and painting the walls which I asked them to do numerous times during the tenancy.... Read more
Tenant
1st May 2023 (1 year ago)
A Nastasa
We have been renting a flat with this agency and I can say with confidence that I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
After 3 years of reporting problems and never getting them fixed, after they acknowledged the issues with the property during every inspection and didn't solve anything, they decide to use my deposit to fix and improve the flat following us moving out, putting all this under the "it was agreed upon".
After discussing and agreeing certain things, they come up with outrageous costs to be covered, nothing that falls under my obligation as a former tenant.
Worst experience ever.... Read more
Tenant
1st May 2023 (1 year ago)
I Costescu
Unreliable agency. Works only in the interest of the landlord and no active support for the tenants. Would not recommend..ever... Read more
Tenant
27th Mar 2023 (1 year ago)
Please avoid using this agent. They use every way to cheat your money ! They lie to client and they never reply ! Please please don’t use this letter agent... Read more
Tenant
5th Nov 2022 (2 years ago)
Z Mk

Ben from Black and white estate agent was superb at the beginning told us what we wanted to hear until we signed the contract and paid the deposit then it went down the hill. I can not express how unprofessional and manipulative and rude they are. Our move from beginning to end has been very stressful and regret going ahead with this estate agent!! I would never ever recommend them to anyone as they turn our move to hell. We are still dealing with lots of issuers after we moved in and when confronted the owner of the agent David that he has not full fit his responsibilities he threatened us by saying it’s best we look to find another property and they will give us our money back. How unprofessional how frustrating and how disappointing…
- They did not turn up two appointments we made with them and the old tenancy showed us around
- When we viewed the property we had some concerns and mentioned to them before we paid the deposit. We have been told and assured we have absolutely nothing to worry about the house will be good condition by the time we moved in.
- Nobody came and met us at the property when we moved in to do inventory together and we were very disappointed with the state of the house as it was not cleaned, it was very dirty, paint was falling of the walls as well as doors, there were lots of halls everywhere, the one has been filled was just left with white fillings. Whoever paint the walls done a half a job and the walls two different shades of colours, blinds are not working, dishwasher and washing machine extremely dirty we wouldn’t even imagine using them as we worry about our health as we might catch some sort of bacteria. They are absolutely disgusting.
- We had given wrong meter reading and I only found out when I called the suppliers.
The list goes on….
When I called them to explain all these issues He completely dismissed and came up with loads of un irrelevant excuses. He was very rude and he has absolutely no customer service skills. He was not listening, I felt like either his way or no way so I hang up the phone as I couldn’t handle the way he was on the phone.
I wish I read the reviews before to avoid them.
We hope things will get improved as we are now communicating with landlord instead.... Read more
Tenant
20th Oct 2022 (2 years ago)
M Amodio
True professional. Dealt with our matters diligently and was responsive throughout the process.... Read more
8th Oct 2022 (2 years ago)
M Ferrada
Black & White just secured me a property in Newport pagnell. Ben was very thorough on the viewing explaining as much as he could and answering any of my questions. The rest of the process was handled very professionally. Would definitely be happy to use Black & White again 5*... Read more
9th Sep 2022 (2 years ago)
R Coseschi
Amazing service and outstanding performance from Ben Somes !!... Read more
10th Aug 2022 (2 years ago)
S Shaw
As others say, they take a holding deposit and 5wks rent, faff you around and then say the property isn’t available (I think they use a random excuse generator). Then you’re left trying to get your money back. Avoid this company.... Read more
28th Jun 2022 (2 years ago)
R K
Please please don’t use this agency !! I have used them for couple of years and had a terrible experience. They are rubbish, Please check their company reports before you appoint them. I had to go to property ombudsman and trading standards agency to resolve the issues with them. They are not even worth giving one star.... Read more
8th May 2022 (2 years ago)
K.Kumaragurubaran
Thanks to B&W and Ben Somes i have found a great home will highly recommend... Read more
1st Apr 2022 (2 years ago)
A Seker
Thanks a lot for everything. Especially Ben Somes. He was very helpful. I am very glad that I have used Black & White. Would highly recommend.... Read more
18th Mar 2022 (2 years ago)
A Leigh
Went to see a house to rent, loved it and paid a weeks rent plus solicitor fees,to have it taken off the market. This property was with 2 estate agents. A few days later I noticed it was still on the rental market. Phoned to ask why and was told someone else was viewing it with the other estate agent. It was then up to the landlord to choose. Maybe if it had been taken off the market we may of moved into it. Was then shown another house agreed to rent, a few days later after checking the landlord allowed dogs was told he had changed his mind. Still waiting to get my deposit back. Seriously not impressed. Alot of stress and having to chase estate agent for information.... Read more
Tenant
3rd Mar 2022 (2 years ago)
A irshad
Very helpful and professional team... Read more
10th Jan 2022 (3 years ago)
M Fernando
I contacted Black & White Estate Agents to arrange a viewing under short notice and they were kind enough to oblige. Their Agent, Ben Somes, was extremely knowledgeable about the property and the area, and assisted us throughout the entire process - he was always available to discuss any queries I had. I was in a rush to move in before starting employment and therefore appreciated their ability and willingness to sort out all necessary paperwork and arrange for me to move in within 1 week of viewing the property. I highly recommend their service.... Read more
Tenant
26th Dec 2021 (3 years ago)
J Best
Honestly the worst customer experience of my life.
False promises, unrealistic timescales, ignored emails, rude staff.
Avoid them at all costs.... Read more
22nd Dec 2021 (3 years ago)
D S
Appalling! Avoid at all costs. I am a landlord and I never get my rent on the agreed date. I have to chase up every month & even though I keep being told it has been sorted out, it never has been... Read more
Landlord
13th Mar 2021 (3 years ago)
W Centre
The woman who telephone me about a garage key was very rude as I told her we did not have a garage and she insisted we did as it was attached to the conservatory. She did not check the address before starting conversation and was very rude when I insisted we did not have a garages and I asked her the address of the property and it was not where I lived. She went quiet and then said "alright" and hung up the call NO SORRY EXPRESSED HOW RUDE... Read more
12th Mar 2021 (3 years ago)
T Ainge
Fair and friendly estate agents. House in lovely order when received keys. No bother at all left at peace. Had trouble with the boiler and it was sorted same day. Can't fault them really. David is great to work with.... Read more
Tenant
9th Nov 2020 (4 years ago)
A Bakar
It is my pleasure to write review for Black and White. I stayed in one of their house. the guys are very professional and was always helpful. I have no hesitation to recommend them... Read more
Tenant
7th Oct 2020 (4 years ago)
S Risk
Horrendous. David is slimy, smug and money grabbing.
The rest of his staff seem to agree with my thoughts.
Property not managed properly even after multiple prompts to fix issues. Avoid!... Read more
10th Sep 2020 (4 years ago)
N Tomlinson
We have been with b and w for just over a year now and found david and all of his staff to be very helpful,whenever we have had a query about anything they have always been quick to respond.... Read more
27th Jan 2020 (5 years ago)
R Xavier
Not sure what the other comments are about, but for someone who has just moved back to the UK, B&W have helped us every step of the way. From securing us a property we wanted, to fixing any issues we had with our house, they were completely reliable and trustworthy. Thank you again B&W for your exceptional service.... Read more
5th Jan 2020 (5 years ago)
T Voros
This is a terrible letting agency, avoid if you can! I was a tenant for 6 years, paid in due time, caused no issue etc. Left the house in good condition. During the 6 years, never ever kept their word or deadline. Owed me around £220 for repair works (cold water for shower for 2 month reported 3 times, nobody arranged repair, I had to), took them 1,5 (!!) year to reimburse me. After moving out tried to take as much of my deposit as possible. Long story short: avoid!... Read more
Tenant
6th Dec 2019 (5 years ago)
D Bradley
Dreadful service including a number of early "false" excuses! Since then there has been a total lack of communication or response from this agent resulting in me having to involve the Property Ombudsman. I am a Landlord who has been left potentially exposed and I recommend you avoid using this agent.... Read more
Landlord
10th Sep 2019 (5 years ago)
S Anderson
Very poor service over all, both before and after moving into the property we were renting... Read more
Tenant
2nd Aug 2019 (5 years ago)
D PILLANS
Superb... Read more
17th Apr 2019 (5 years ago)
0 Stars!
Truly awful managing agents. Disappointing for tenants and landlord alike. Does not inspect properties. Never responds, never repairs, misleads all parties. Has no idea of what is going on and is forever away. Only decent people who worked there like Chris have left.
Can't believe they are still in business.... Read more
Landlord
11th Mar 2019 (5 years ago)
M bibi
I am a Landlord who had a couple of properties managed through B&W for 10 years. They have steadily gone downhill over that time since Chris left in 2016-ish and more recently Diane.
Authorized repairs are not done; properties not managed or inspected annually. David misrepresents both the Tenant and Landlord to each party causing antagonism. Yet he takes the management fee without fail. He has failed in the basic contractual delivery for a management agent. He is full of excuses about replying to queries and never does.
The customer service is non-existent and dismissive, this is a direct result of poor management and leadership. I will never recommend or use them again in any capacity.
Any positive review on the internet for B&W involves Chris, who left years ago. AVOID.... Read more
Landlord
11th Mar 2019 (5 years ago)
K Biggs

I moved out with my partner through black & white. we had found a home we liked and went through the sales process that was relatively smooth. the house was up for sale however we were assured that this was for sale to another landlord and that we would not be affected by the sale. We lived in the house for approximately 6 weeks when we were told that we had to move as the house was sold and the buyer wanted to live in the property. I was quite annoyed by this but gave black & white the benefit of the doubt as they claimed they had no idea that the buyer would want to move in. They confirmed that they would do everything they can to help us and would either find us a new property or refund our tenancy checks. This is where things began to go downhill...
Whilst living in the property, there were 2-3 plumbing issues which clearly showed a lack of maintenance that he claimed was done regularly. The garden was overgrown which he claimed would be sorted and the sheds were filled to the top with other tenants previous belongings. The house itself was nice but clearly not been maintained or cared for. We repaired and improved multiple aspects of the home in the short time we lived there to make it habitable.
We began looking and found another property with another estate agents so requested the tenancy checks back. Black & white had not been trying to help us find a new property and was beginning to ignore our contact attempts. It took a lot of back and forth before we finally got the tenancy check money back. Once we moved out of the property we were awaiting our deposit and they had informed us that they had taken £85 for a cleaning bill. He provided images of the apparent areas that needed cleaning and these areas were either spotless or had the smallest imperfection (such as a card clothing tag). The house was spotless and in better condition than when we had moved in. I requested a copy of the invoice for the supposed cleaning bill and as expected they said they would provide this and never did.
David is the owner of black & white and it astounds me that he is able to run a business. I have emails from this man saying we are 'well out of order', using capital letters to imply a raise of voice and just generally being unprofessional and immature. His customer services skills are appalling and the other reviews reflect this. I had to threaten to take him to the ombudsman on multiple occasions before he agreed to be reasonable and refund the cleaning deposit. He seems to take advantage of people who are willing to just accept his terms and begins to panic when they decide to take it further.
To conclude, after 3 or so months after moving out of the property. We have had a constant battle with David for him to see sense and pay back our cleaning bill. He is completely incompetent and I would most definitely advise to avoid this company. Take heed of the other reviews and don't let him bully you into paying a cleaning bill that seems to be common practice after looking through other peoples experiences.... Read more
Tenant
8th Mar 2019 (5 years ago)
Ayo
No star....should have listened to the reviews as been a total waste of time despite excellent credit rating check etc...
Seems being of colour did not suit the Landlord....is this legal?
Complete waste of time.. Avoid!... Read more
Landlord
6th Oct 2018 (6 years ago)
J Macdonald
Actually NO stars.
Utterly useless - provided repeatedly inaccurate details regardless of amendments (actually inventing things that weren't there). Very glad to dispense with their services. Would not recommend them to anyone for selling property.... Read more
Seller
3rd Oct 2018 (6 years ago)
Y Awoyemi
Very lovely and professional.... Read more
26th Sep 2018 (6 years ago)
J Danielle

Worst estate agents I have ever had the misfortune to deal with.
Completely and utterly incompetent, rude and dishonest. Emails take weeks to be answered, if you phone and leave a message no one will ever phone you back (unless it's to get money from you, then they are very quick to get in touch) Maintenance and repairs will take weeks and weeks to be dealt with and only if you constantly chase them. Took over 3 months to get our deposit back and they still kept just under £300 to pay for carpet cleaning, (we had already had the carpets professionally cleaned, but apparently not to their "standards", although they never provided any proof of actually having them cleaned so I'd say it's just a way to make money off people) and then replaced the living room carpet due to a stain, which we were up front and honest about when we left and were happy to pay towards the replacement. So why charge us to clean a carpet that you are then having replaced??? Again, no proof of any of this work carried out and we never received a check out inventory of any kind.
When we originally viewed the property we were told it came with a dishwasher which was a nice surprise, only to then find out when we collected the keys that it didn't actually work and would not be fixed or replaced or even removed! So we had a useless broken dishwasher sitting in the kitchen. The washing machine didn't work either and it took over 3 weeks before the landlord came to fix it. Bedroom window leaked water every time it rained, this was never fixed. During strong winds last year, a huge portion of our back fence blew down and it took another 2 weeks for the landlord to come out and fix it (we have a dog and the neighbours had cats and a dog, so we couldn't let our dog into the garden without being on a lead)... when he did, my partner spent 4 hours during his day off work, to help repair the fence. The list goes on and on, so do yourself a favour and stay far away from this absolutely awful company. If I could give 0 stars I would.... Read more
Tenant
14th May 2018 (6 years ago)
A md
Really unfriendly, obstructive and unhelpful .avoid at all costs... Read more
24th Mar 2018 (6 years ago)
E Burrows
We are still waiting for them to fix our shower screen. It fell on our 7 year old when she was showering due to a plastic part disintegrated. An unfortunate part of being a landlord and fortunately it didn't smash or land on her. I have reported it by email, via maintenance portal and by phone on several occasions and we have been waiting 1 month.... Read more
Landlord
2nd Dec 2017 (7 years ago)
B Jheeta
Absolutley aweful agents. Rented a property for 3 months. Left property in excellent condition. Took 3 weeks of pestering to get deposit back and they took 85 pounds for a cleaning bill when we had already done it. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.... Read more
Tenant
10th Aug 2017 (7 years ago)
C Contreras
The worts agency I never meet. They only want money. They dont care about tenants. I have a problem with the lights for more than 6 months and they still not fix it. AVOID!!... Read more
Tenant
11th Jul 2017 (7 years ago)
E Carter
Poor agents, poor communication have no care or regard for landlords or tenants. Happy to not issue you contracts, let you move in and then not contact other than to say maybe we can get it to you in a few weeks . AVOID AT ALL COSTS... Read more
17th Jun 2017 (7 years ago)
W Shafi
Very unresponsive, unreliable; Vacated property in Sept 2016, still not returned my deposit despite several reminders... Read more
Tenant
16th Apr 2017 (7 years ago)
A Razak
I'm a landlord with 7 properties, 5 of them with Black & White and have been with them for almost 3 years now. Very pleased with their service, they act promptly when problems arise with tenancy. They are fair to both myself as a landlord and the tenants. Their fees are reasonable not only to the landlord but also to the tenant so it's a win win all round. When it comes to change of tenant they act promptly to find a new tenant. I have no hesitation in recommending them to both tenants and landlords.... Read more
Landlord
12th Oct 2016 (8 years ago)
luku1000
I have never had any problems with Black&White agency!! They were always for me if I need them!! Especially, Chris is very helpful and professional!! - Ewelina&Artur, rating branch in Milton Keynes... Read more
9th Aug 2016 (8 years ago)
J Smeeth
They knowingly rented a bed bug infested apartment to me. Run away from these criminal agent.... Read more
Tenant
9th Feb 2016 (9 years ago)
L cese
Estate agent did not showed up for proporty viewing and told me he forgot about it.As well they have wrongly priced property's. I found one in zoopla for £1024 and afterwards they said it's for £1250 I advice not to deal with them because they dont care about their customers.... Read more
20th Oct 2015 (9 years ago)
S G
Absolutely unreliable company. They care only when they need money and once they get it they ignore their customers.
I'm trying to get my copy of agreement for nearly one month, the only I hear every time when I call is promise to do it 'as soon as possible'.... Read more
10th Nov 2014 (10 years ago)