CHK Mountford Lettings in Esher and Kingston upon Thames

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

If I could give 0 stars I would. I've rented 10 years in London and I have honestly NEVER been treated so awfully or experienced such unprofessional conduct. I truly wish I'd read all these reviews before I accepted a property through them because how these people are even in business is beyond me. They are useless, lie on tap and speak down to you at every opportunity. The onboarding process itself was bad enough - they (Alexandra, Emily and Samantha) were rude throughout, moved my move in date multiple times causing me to lose money and ignored any of my queries when I tried to get clarity on what was going on. But the second they wanted an answer - or for me to pay something - they would harass me relentlessly (including when I was at a funeral, which they were well aware of at the time). The property, which for context was fairly new and modern, was then handed over to me uncleaned (i.e. black surfaces, gunk in the shower, tea stains all over the floor). In itself this was bad enough and a breach of contact on their side, but I then quickly learned the drains were completely blocked too. They left me for months unable to use my own shower as the tray was completely full by the time the water would even get warm, rendering it inaccessible (thankfully I had an alternative via the gym but no compensation or apology was given for months of no access). Throughout this, they would either ignore my emails or respond with stupid comments like 'oh I think we just need a new shower head' (?) every time I tried to chase. I eventually had a (dodgy) plumber sent round who clearly made the problem worse as despite fixing the initial 'block', the shower began leaking shortly after. A different (and this time decent) plumber managed to fix it but told them they would need to carry out follow on work as it was soaking underneath the floors and they would need taking up to dry out properly. Of course they ignored this and within weeks the flat was COVERED in furry black mould spanning across the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. The smell was literally unbearable and they didn't bother actioning anything until I threatened to contact environmental health (not that they ever properly fixed it, just painted over it). I literally spent my own birthday sleeping freezing cold on the floor (so I could be next to the open window) just so that I could breathe outside air. I had to throw out so many of my clothes as they smelt so bad afterwards, and they had the audacity to send some btec handyman over after telling me they were sending specialist mould removal people. This guy literally wandered over to Tesco to buy some own brand mould removal spray and asked to use my cloths (which obviously then had to be binned) to try and clean it. Clearly that failed given the scale of the issue and after smearing it all over the place and ruining my cloths, he then helped himself to my hoover and stupidly tried to hoover up gunky chunks of mould causing more damage to my personal property. There's a thousand other stories I could tell including them refusing to tell me where the meters for the property were so that I could take readings (on move in day they told me their inventory people had taken them and they would be sent to me - this turned out to be a lie), nor would they give me a key to my own letterbox for over THREE months. Turns out the meters were inside a locked cupboard that I needed a code for but despite finally getting access thanks to a neighbour, I still couldn't even set up my own electric bill as I needed the letters inside the postbox to do so. I left as soon as the break clause kicked in because I was making myself ill with the stress of dealing with them. I also knew they were going to act up and try and scam me out of my security deposit when I left. The flat was given back to them in pristine condition, and a thousand times better than it was given to me in, so they had zero authority to try anything but I was one step ahead just in case. I also got in contact with the LL behind their back and let her know everything that was actually going on without her knowledge. Turns out she hated them too. Quite literally the worst company I've ever encountered. (Just want to add that Gina was the only person I encountered who was ever polite but sadly I didn't meet her until the point I was leaving!)

MMMM · 11 June 2024 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

This company are scammers

This company are scammers, they ask for holding deposit then ask for 2yrs of rent upfront and when i told them it wasn’t possible they said they were going to issue a refund and it has been almost 3 weeks now and they haven’t issued it yett

Victor · 24 May 2024 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I've been a owner client using CHK since 1996 and I feel that I should record how pleased I am with the team in the Esher Office, especially Catherine. The service I receive is first class and exemplary and the team always go out of their way to help. Therefore I have no hesitation in recommending CHK Esher.

Gerry · 17 May 2024 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We rented through CHK for a property in Esher and we received excellent service from the team throughout the whole tenancy. Even at the end, we needed to extend our tenancy for a few days and they were so accommodating to help make it happen. Thoroughly recommend going through CHK.

Praj · 17 May 2024 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Rating only, no written review.

Kyle · 25 April 2024 · CHK Mountford Surbiton

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Buyer be aware! Stay away!

I lost 4 moths and 7k in fees because of misrepresentation. They fail to ask or choose to hide basic facts prior to listing a property causing a lot avoidable stress when you work with the right agent.This is fraud in the name of business Buyer be aware! Stay away.

Firat · 4 March 2024 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Absolutely Dismal Organization

Absolutely Tragic Organization Failure to execute basic needs prior to move in- including ensuring lightbulbs were functioning. Failure to deliver resolutions to Damp issues preceding tenancy agreement. Even after escalating issues this organization failed to deliver anything in a timely manner. Incredibly disorganized and charging a 17.5% fee to landlord for Property "Management" when in reality they put the management of the property on the tenant. As others have said, quick to demand if they need anything from tenant, slow to react if anything is need of them. If I am a landlord I am steering clear of this organization or risking potential lawsuits.

Joseph · 8 February 2024 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Unprofessional

Unprofessional, non-responsive and DO NOT return deposits timely I had a problem slumlord with endless defects in the flat at 4100 a month. Landlord used JDW chelsea/earls court to manage the property. The pod never responded to email to fix anything. After 6 months we agreed to leave and pay less rent. The kid and his colleagues delayed releasing £4700 deposit for 18 days after moving out using any and all excuses until I threatened to file a dispute! Buyer be ware.

Sima · 3 February 2024 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Fantastic service from start to finish, special mention to Lily who is a miracle. Her professionalism and kindness are limitless. Catherine is very talented and patient. Because of my work, I couldn't always answer emails/phones on time, but they were very understanding. Would highly recommend the team!! They do everything for your happiness! Thank you for helping me with my new home ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Andrea · 19 December 2023 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 4/5

Trustpilot

John D Woods a great choice

We are very satisfied with a capital V with the service we received to sell our property in Weybridge. All the team are great but Ruby Rowntree who dealt with us from day 1 is excellent both caring and professional.

Dona · 23 November 2023 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I have recently moved into my first property, and everyone at CHK Mountford have been amazing at helping my with the whole process!

Sophie · 19 November 2023 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Thanks to CHK Mountford, in particular Catherine, and Claire. We're now happily settled in our new place and can't thank them enough for their outstanding service and support. If you're looking for a new property and a stress-free experience, we highly recommend CHK Mountford estate agents. They've truly set the gold standard in real estate!

Zach · 19 November 2023 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Untrustworthy and intimidating tactics

While it may work for some, I found the approach and behaviour of the Wandsworth JDW sales team truly abhorrent. Their wrongdoings range from the way they spoke to my husband and I right through to their sales and negotiation tactics. They frequently made (incorrect) assumptions and comments about our lifestyle and finances and throughout the purchase tried to belittle and patronise us so we followed their instructions rather than listened to our solicitor. They nothing short of used intimidation tactics and baseless threats to make us jump for their every wish. They lied in the details of selling the house, both in writing and verbally; accepted offers but broke the terms of the offers with no communication or regard that this was incorrect behaviour; and when we were finally at the end of negotiations and all paperwork ready to exchange and complete, they started upon new tales and demands trying to threaten the chain breaking if we did not comply. We’ve fed back directly to the agents involved and while sales behaviours are a common part of society, we both felt this was way over the line of acceptable behaviour. In this area of London, with this amount of money being spent in such a lovely community and neighbourhood, my husband and I were truly appalled by their style and have never come across other agents like it. We won’t be using them in the future and sadly, even if it is just this branch, our trust in the whole JDW organisation has been tainted by this truly stressful and frankly bullying experience. I can only hope our feedback is considered and agents reflect upon their handling so they do not continue to treat people this way.

Jessica · 3 November 2023 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

After months of looking for a place, we were lucky to cross CHK Mountford (Surbiton) Agency's path. They have been excellent from start to finish. From our first call regarding the property enquiry to the final signature of our tenancy agreement, they've shown themselves to be professional, knowledgeable and consistently available. After our previous property fell through with another lettings agency 3 days before our moving date, we got in touch with CHK Mountford (Surbiton) on a Thursday, went for the viewing the same day and signed our agreement on the Friday. The following Monday everything was sorted and we moved in on the Tuesday. CHK Mountford (Surbiton) have provided a smooth and stress free journey in such a short space of time.

Joleed · 23 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Surbiton

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We are Hong Kongers who have recently moved to the UK. Our English skills are not very strong, and we have limited knowledge of housing and renting practices in the UK. We primarily rely on internet search engine listings to connect with real estate companies, which often results in unsatisfactory experiences. Fortunately, we were grateful to meet Lily Emerson, Lettings Negotiator at CHK Mountford. She patiently listened to our needs, professionally explained the advantages of the properties and its location, and promptly addressed our inquiries. Her friendly, helpful, and enthusiastic approach to her work has made our experience with CHK enjoyable and comfortable. I would not hesitate to recommend their services to other tenants. Thank you.

Jasmine · 20 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Fantastic service

Simon and the team worked hard to help us find a great place to rent. They always answered any questions we had straight away and the process was easy. They went above and beyond - highly recommend!

SH · 18 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Go ahead if you want to live through a nightmare

This is with regards to Mr David and Ms Ioana from the Docklands branch. Came home to my flat which had a leaking ceiling and that's where the nightmare started. Was not able to get any help from the agent and had to open my windows to air the carpet floor which was soaked. This was in winter, got infection due to mold from the room. Had multiple people enter my flat, take multiple pictures and videos but nothing was done. Wardrobe was destroyed due to the leaks and several of my own clothing. They did not tell the landlord at all so he was in shock when he found out. All in all took 6 months for the whole issue to resolve, and till the end of my tenancy, the wardrobe was not even fully fitted back in so I lived half a year out of a suitcase. Always impossible to get them on email, and always need to make several phone calls before I can finally get hold of them, and then I am told they were JUST about to call me back. They only treat the landlord like a god and renters like trash. Now I am trying to get my deposit back but receive no replies on email. Absolutely no professionalism. They should be ashamed of their own existence.

Marissa · 18 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Lettings Esher

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

After months of looking for a place, we were lucky to cross CHK Mountford (Surbiton) Agency's path. They have been excellent from start to finish. From our first call regarding the property enquiry to the final signature of our tenancy agreement, they've shown themselves to be professional, knowledgeable and consistently available. After our previous property fell through with another lettings agency 3 days before our moving date, we got in touch with CHK Mountford (Surbiton) on a Thursday, went for the viewing the same day and signed our agreement on the Friday. The following Monday everything was sorted and we moved in on the Tuesday. CHK Mountford (Surbiton) have provided a smooth and stress free journey in such a short space of time.

Gulied · 10 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Surbiton

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Wonderful letting agents. Incredibly helpful and supportive for our 3 year tenancy. Highly recommend.

Stephen · 10 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Surbiton

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Great agency, very responsive and responsible towards the tenants.All H&S checks completed on time and repairs were done ASAP. I would definitely recommend it!

Marketi · 10 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Surbiton

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We found CHK to be extremely professional, friendly and responsive as the property managers during our almost 6 years of tenancy in a flat in Kingston. Highly recommend them.

James · 10 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Surbiton

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

John C - We spent more than 5 years renting a property managed by CHK Surbiton office and can only say they proved very efficient and helpful whenever it proved necessary to contact them. Our recent transition from the property was also seamless.

John · 10 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Surbiton

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Have used CHK Mountford to let a flat over a number of years as a remote landlord. Really great service, efficient and friendly. Made for hassle-free letting. Highly recommend them.

Mairi · 10 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Surbiton

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Renting a property through CHK Mountford was an easy and enjoyable process. The team are very helpful, supportive, professional and friendly and their communication has been excellent. I would highly recommend them.

Kirsty · 10 October 2023 · CHK Mountford Surbiton