30th Aug 2026 (18 days ago)
We entered into what was presented to us as a stable long-term tenancy through Foxtons, with clear wording in the agreement indicating that rent increases would be considered upon renewal of the term. Based on those representations, we committed to a three?year tenancy in good faith.<br><br>The reality of the tenancy experience, however, has been very different.<br><br>Since moving into the property, we have experienced numerous issues including prolonged periods without hot water, ongoing electrical problems, persistent noise disturbance from a neighbouring gym facility, recurring odour issues associated with the nearby waste facility, and various additional defects and maintenance concerns affecting quiet enjoyment of the property. Many of these issues were formally documented and raised during the tenancy.<br><br>Despite this, after only around one year of occupation, Foxtons approached us with a significant rent increase under the new legislative framework, while simultaneously relying on “market comparisons” with other properties that bear little resemblance to the actual condition and experience of this particular flat beyond sharing the same postcode.<br><br>What has been most disappointing is not simply the proposed increase itself, but the approach taken throughout the process. On the one hand, Foxtons stated they could not comment on the condition or maintenance history of the property because they do not manage it. On the other hand, they appeared entirely comfortable using broad market comparisons to justify increasing the rent of the very same property. That contradiction speaks for itself.<br><br>We were also particularly surprised to see ordinary preparatory works such as replacing worn furniture and repainting walls being presented as though they were substantial upgrades justifying increased value, despite those works appearing to be basic steps required to make a heavily worn property reasonably lettable after many years of occupation by previous tenants.<br><br>Communication throughout has remained polite and carefully worded, but there is a noticeable difference between being professionally polite and acting with genuine transparency, fairness, and accountability toward tenants.<br><br>Overall, our experience has left us with the impression that maintaining long?term trust and good tenant relationships was treated as secondary to maximising rent at the earliest available legal opportunity.<br><br>We would strongly encourage future tenants to carry out extremely thorough due diligence, ask detailed questions about the condition and history of any property, and ensure that all important representations are confirmed clearly in writing before entering into long?term agreements.... Read more