jack C.
1/5
We moved into our property over a year ago with high hopes, having relocated over three and a half hours away. At the beginning, everything seemed positive — Helen was welcoming and pleasant to deal with. We knew we were paying top-end rent for the area, so naturally we expected issues to be dealt with efficiently.
The first few months saw a few hiccups: leaks, an oven that wasn't connected, and a few minor issues. To be fair, these were handled relatively quickly. However, things have drastically declined since then.
At the start of this year, another leak caused damage to our kitchen flooring. Since then, we’ve been waiting for the floor to be repaired. It’s now been over two months since we were first told it would be sorted. Every week for the past four weeks, we’ve been told “end of next week” — only for it to be pushed back again. Most recently, the excuse is that the flooring company has no stock. We find this incredibly hard to believe, as the flooring is a very basic grey laminate that any supplier could provide. It honestly feels like we’re being strung along, or worse, lied to.
What makes this situation even more frustrating is that our one-year-old child is at risk, as the floor panels have shifted, leaving gaps and raised edges. We've repeatedly raised this concern, but nothing has changed.
To make things worse, I recently received a call questioning me about a skip on the drive. I was asked what it was for — I mentioned that the neighbours had one and asked what the issue was. The exact words I was met with were, “I told them off,” which completely blew my head. So now I’m being called to be told off too? I’m a 28-year-old man with a family — we hired a skip to clear out rubbish like any normal working household does. Some people may let their gardens pile up or live in poor standards — but we don’t. Being questioned like that over something as basic as a skip was honestly overwhelming.
Just to make sure I wasn’t in the wrong, I checked the tenancy contract — and unless I’ve missed something, there’s no mention of skips. But even if there was, the tone and approach were completely unnecessary. Now, I feel uncomfortable even ordering a skip in future to clear out my own home — which is ridiculous.
When we spoke to Debra to explain our concerns about another issue with a wasp nest, the response was shockingly unprofessional. She repeatedly interrupted my fiancée, so I took over the call — only for her to do the same to me. Her exact words were: “Is it fair I have to listen to you calling?” Well, Debra, with respect — as a property management agent, being the point of contact between landlord and tenant is your job. Listening to both sides, even when frustrated, is part of the role you’re paid to do.
What’s more telling is that these houses were supposed to be a long-term opportunity for families. Out of the four newly built houses under Bartrop & Dilks management, two tenants have already left, and now we’re seriously considering the same.
We are extremely disappointed and feel let down after initially being made to feel welcome. We simply want safe and fair living conditions for the rent we pay — not broken promises, delays, and disrespect.
