1
In 2019 I bought my first house in Wales, from Clee Estate Agents. The service was faultless. This was to be the beginning of my welsh portfolio and so as Clee had a property management company it appeared to be logical to keep it in house. My portfolio expanded.
With regards to a property in Regent St.
My tenant, or rather the tenant that Clee vetted moved in on 18th June 2021. Had to chase the rent. Clee issue statements, but nothing was coming into my account. Also overcharging on their management fees was reported to them.
Due to none payment of rent Clee were instructed to issue a Section 21 Notice, which they duly did. This was dated 09/11/21 with possession required after 17/06/22. Though the email was sent to me a week later.
On the 26th December the tenant emailed me concerning a water leak from his bathroom. He had been trying to contact Clee to arrange an emergency plumber to visit the property. I could confirm this myself. There was no answer phone message for emergencies. Nothing on their web site or shop window. Then then resulted in me having to travel to Neath from Exeter myself. Clee was closed for the whole of the festive period. Their inventory report on the 30th March clearly showed the affected dampness.
Clee then decided to employ a gentleman who found me a tenant for one of my properties. What I was not informed at the time was there were outstanding CCJs on this person and the references were not properly checked. After not receiving rent for over six months I requested a section 21 to be issued, It took Clee weeks to issue this and what they did issue was wrong. Instead of three months it was for nearly five months. When I finally got the tenant out I would estimate my loss at about 15K. This gentleman now no longer works for Clee and a replacement was found. Thought all this the managing agent manager was very supportive, but there was nothing more she could do. Since then she has decided to leave the company as did her replacement. This resulted in me removing three of my properties from Clee.
On another property I instructed Clee in full management, eventually they found me tenants. However there charges were to say in the least excessive. Our contract for finding a tenant was £250 and 8% management charge because I now had quite a few properties with Clee. Clee deducted £450 and 10%, lucky I spotted this.
I wanted to move one tenant from one property into another. This property had already an agreement with as above. Once again Clee decided to try to increase their fees. Again £450 and 15%
On all my properties Clee were suppose to carry out a photographic inspection before and after the tenant resides at the property. Half the time the inspection missed many points. Damaged walls, state of the garden etc. Then they rush to claim a little of the deposit back and complain if you find missing faults.
Promoting properties. No rent signage displayed and though reported, I had no response til I chased it again, to then be advise there was a sign.
Properties not appearing on their own web site. Emails going unanswered. When faults are reported Clee were advised which contractors to use. This doest happen instead they were rather use dubious contractors, unknown to me, who charge a fortune. Then on top of this you are advised there is a call out charge.
Clee Property Management Company appears to have long past its best sell by date. And consideration for its customers (The landlords) has been set aside.
Mark Leonard.... Read more
23rd Mar 2024 (27 days ago)