Anyone with experiences with Dove Davies Letting Agency?

Dreads_The_Postman

Of course, it's a bit late since I've already signed up with them, but I was wondering if anyone had any experiences letting with the above company, or even as a tenant.

I'm a bit jittery about renting my place out, and suppose I'm just looking for reassurance!

Cheers

Edinburghlass_2

I haven't used them but they are a big, well established company.

maggiesoup

Yes, I'd second that, I used to work in advertising and they were a client. Very professional outfit.

Horasio

Was and currently a tenant with them, touch wood, they are good to deal with.

damianj

Although this response is very belated, I've decided to reply anyway as I came across the thread whist searching for info on Dove Davies.

Try to avoid at all costs! We've just got out of their clutches, but never had anything other than trouble with them. No department has any idea what the other is doing & most are incompetent. They treat tenant & landlords alike & that is with disdain & you are definitely made to feel like you are interrupting something far more important like playing solitaire maybe?

Even emergency situations get the incompetent unhurried treatment.

They can be rude & unhelpful leaving you wishing you hadn't bothered contacting them in the first place.

I suspect they are trading on a very out of date reputation & they've completely forgotten the fact they are there to provide a service.

If you're an owner looking for an agent look elsewhere - check the web, there's plenty of agents with good reviews in Edinburgh.

If you're tenant & you have an alternative, take it - if you're already with them you'll probably know how poor they are, just thread very carefully.

Nosht

Martin & Co. is the way to go.
It's a franchise which places the onus on the owner to provide a good service.

Regards,

N.

wallacebob

A bit late to say this but... I would let it yourself! I let two properties, one in Edinburgh, and do the tenancy agreements and checks myself. I save on agents fees, and can meet tenants face to face to really check them out! Most agents don't do much for their money, and have such a bad reputation that tenants are keen to rent direct.
Getting registered as a landlord, and electric/gas checks are not difficult to organise. Have a look at http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/housing/private_tenants_and_home_owners/CEC_letwise
for loads of good advice and downloadable forms.