Agent never showed for viewing

RFW

Wonder if anyone knows what I can do from here.

I've emailed and made 3 appointments to view a flat to rent, I've had a no show at each appointment.
First time I was told they forgot to put in a diary, second I was told I had the wrong day, third I called when he was a little late, was told he would be there in a few minutes he was in traffic, then never showed.
I also emailed twice with no answer.

If I call I only ever get the same idiot I made the appointment with and can't get through to anyone else, I've just written to them but wondered if anyone else has any advice. Is there a way to get in touch with the owner. The estate agents are OEA members.

I'm moving to have the house I'm in renovated so this one is ideal as its very close by, so I'd still like to see it and probably take it, there are no other suitable properties nearby.

Zelie

I've found this can be very variable in different parts of the country. In some places no-shows are common but in others it's never heard of. The least they could have done was called you to let you know they couldn't turn up (I presume they had your phone number).

You could always just go with another agent and try to rent something else. If your heart is set on this particular property then try going into the agents and complaining. Or you could always get the landlord's details from the Land Registry and let them know how pants their agent is. That last might be a bit much effort though.

RFW

Zelie wrote: »

Or you could always get the landlord's details from the Land Registry and let them know how pants their agent is. That last might be a bit much effort though.

I thought of that, as you say it probably is a bit too much effort (and cost!). I really detest being lied to and fobbed off. I'll hang on for a reply from my last message and then try and get in touch with the managing director of the agency, I'd assume that it isn't common practice and just an idiot employee.

poppysarah

There's bound to be other properties to rent - have you looked for all the other agents who cover the area.

Gingernutmeg

Personally I'd look for somewhere else. If they're this rubbish at responding to you now, or at turning up for a viewing, then do you really want to rent a flat off them? Sounds like they'd be a nightmare if they're managing the let - do you want to be dealing with this when you need repairs doing?

We've had this happen to us a few times and every time we've struck that agency off our list. Bad agents are too much hassle, and we view a no-show as a great way of finding out what they're like before you rent a flat off them.

Robert_Sterling_3

Vote with your feet.

MX5huggy

Agreed don't go with the agent, but maybe right a letter to the owner telling them of your troubles and asking if they would like to let direct to you (they would probably still ahve to pay the LA something but that is their problem). Ask the neighbours if they know the LL at all.

RFW

Just to update, I wrote to the managing director to complain and was called back with a load of excuses, most of which were lies. They then tried to rearrange it but couldn't get the keys to the property.

Whilst viewing another place with another agent I told him about my bad experience and where the flat was as a coincidence he'd just been given the property to manage as the landlord was fed up with the other agent.
So I finally got to see it and move in in a couple of weeks:beer:

paintpot

RFW wrote: »

Just to update, I wrote to the managing director to complain and was called back with a load of excuses, most of which were lies. They then tried to rearrange it but couldn't get the keys to the property.

Whilst viewing another place with another agent I told him about my bad experience and where the flat was as a coincidence he'd just been given the property to manage as the landlord was fed up with the other agent.
So I finally got to see it and move in in a couple of weeks:beer:

Arghh bless you. I love a happy ending It just goes to show, persistence pays off. Watch that agent, they'll have gone bust before you've even unpacked :T