Oxford Place — Local services in Manchester

Disclaimer: the following only refers to a rental property in this building Be aware, I was given a property, that was self-managed by an overseas landlord. Never fall for such a set up. I was given keys to a property that was not fit for human habitation (photos included). (1) The electricity was a prepaid meter with 20£ debt on it, (2) there were many personal items from the previous tenant that had not been cleared out, (3) the washing machine still had clothes in it, (4) the dishwasher was out of order and a leaky pipe under the kitchen sink, (5) the walls were filthy, (6) there was still a lot of food in the kitchen cabinets, (7) balcony door was broken which then blew open during the coldest night in the UK and could not be closed properly, (8) the bedframe was broken and to cap it off (9) the bedding on the bed was stained and smelly and the mattress was stained too. Although the property was self-managed from the landlord, you think that for a ridiculously high agency fee of 550£ someone could have gone round to check the property before handing over the keys (especially as its literally a 5min walk from the agency, Bentley Hurst). I have never experienced something so horrendous in my life and question the professionalism of this letting agency, Bentley Hurst. They might be so caught up on buying and selling properties that rentals get neglected. Their practice may be legal (I’m uncertain it is), but it is definitely not ethical. Acting as an agent to rent substandard properties they have not checked themselves is simply bad business practice and certainly not worthy of a good reputation. Refusing to refund the fee for this malpractice, even after the landlord annulled the contract, is a disgrace. Refunding the agency fee would not necessarily set them back, as the agency could go after the landlord for this. When I moved in, the agency assured me that they have all of the landlord’s details, in case things go belly up. I was only given the email of the landlord. This puts me, and any potential future renter, in a vulnerable position to start with. So, if you do see a flat coming up in the Oxford Place property, stay away at all cost.

p.s. The agency, Bentley Hurst, is trying to rent out this flat again. It seems like some work has gone into it, but do not be fooled! You will have to deal with all the landlords post as well and he will only deal with stuff at his convenience, not when you need it sorting out. Additionally, there is no latch on the door and it is only a very simple lock. I had serious security concerns the couple of nights when I was there. Do yourself a favour and stay away from 26 Oxford Place and any landlord who tries to self-manage his property...

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