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Avoid Cluttons Estate Agency – A Nightmare Experience
Our experience renting a property through Cluttons was nothing short of appalling. The property, located on Smith Terrace, Chelsea, was advertised as a long-term unfurnished rental. The agent assured us repeatedly that the landlord sought a long-term tenant, which aligned with our requirements. However, this assurance turned out to be a facade.
Initial Negotiations and False Promises
We requested the removal of all furniture, consistent with the property being rented unfurnished. The agent assured us the landlord was "very flexible" and agreed to these terms. Yet, from the moment we moved in, the landlord exhibited bizarre and unprofessional behavior—refusing to acknowledge us in person and insisting on communication solely through written letters, which we dutifully complied with for six months.
Mismanagement and Lack of Support
After six months, the landlord engaged Cluttons to manage the property again. During their inspection, we were commended for maintaining the property to a high standard. However, despite multiple follow-ups, we never received confirmation of the landlord's satisfaction. Instead, after just ten months, we were served a Section 21 notice to vacate the property with no explanation.
Abrupt Eviction and Lack of Compassion
Despite requesting a reasonable extension to find a new property during the challenging summer rental period, Cluttons offered no support. Their indifference compounded the stress of finding a new home. Eventually, we moved out, only to face further issues retrieving our deposit.
Deposit Disputes and Silence
After moving out, the landlord made an unjustifiable claim, demanding £3,500 for the storage of furniture removed to fulfill the rental agreement. This charge was baseless, as the property was rented as unfurnished, and there was no mention of such fees in the contract. Cluttons remained unresponsive for weeks, only reappearing when we noticed the property was back on the market at a new price. Their excuse? "That’s handle by a different team, not me".
Final Thoughts
Cluttons demonstrated blatant favoritism toward the landlord, failing to uphold their role as neutral managing agents. If you’re considering renting through Cluttons or looking at properties on Smith Terrace, think twice. Their lack of professionalism, poor communication, and disregard for tenant rights make them an agency to avoid.
If the agency describes the landlord as "odd" (their word, not mine), take it as a red flag. It’s a scam in disguise, enabling them to churn through tenants and create new contracts every year. Save yourself the frustration—look elsewhere!... Read more
7th Dec 2024 (6 weeks ago)