Direct Housing reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

AVOID!!! The worst agency ever. They ignored any contact attempt, took a lot of money from the deposit for no reason making the dispute very long-term, didn't want to return the rent money for a few months and took more than 4 months for calling, sending emails, making disputes and claims, collecting evidence to settle everything. Believe me, you don't need so much problems and stress in your life. AVOID, thanks to Sunny Sandhu, worst agent I have ever seen in my life

Владимир · 16 June 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I’m a student from Malaysia and I had such a great time finding a house to rent. My father called the office and talked to Melissa. She was so helpful and very friendly too. Then I got to communicate with Jennifer through WhatsApp and she helped me throughly step by step (which I was so grateful for ). There was also Becky who assisted me with the documents, she replied my emails very quickly too !!! :D Thank you everyone and Direct Housing !!!

Yasmin · 18 August 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

The team at Direct Housing are amazing! I have recently purchased a property through their sales team and they provided me with efficient communication all the way. The team made the process so easy and they were so supportive. In particular we dealt with Clare from Direct Housing who was amazing and helped with the ease of the sales process. If I was ever to sell or buy a property again I would definitely use Direct Housing. I also recommend Direct Housing to others who are also looking to sell or buy a property. Thank you!!!

Gs · 14 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Direct Housing are been a pleasure to deal with. Moved me into my new property without any hassle. It was clean throughout, and everything is in working order. The team are very helpful and have great communication, all my checks and contract were done seamlessly. Would like to give a special thanks to Gavin who helped us with the move and now with any general household maintenance, whenever we need him he’s there within minutes.

Elevate · 16 April 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I am a Doctor, and I was searching for a good place to rent (a single flat near the QE hospital Birmingham. After quite a search, I happened to see the Direct Housing office in Selly Oaks. Melissa Smith was present and she listened to my requirements and suggested a place accordingly. I had to give a 24 hours prior notice for viewing the place. They directed me to Lauren Gadd. I met her on the day of viewing, the Landlord was also present which I really appreciate, showing the maintenance of integrity to the tenant. Lauren was very welcoming, friendly, I was able to communicate effortlessly with her and she was kind. She was really good at explaining me every aspects of the house, and also regarding the cost. Of all the houses this really ticked all my boxes. Lauren was reachable and responded immediately if I had any doubts. I booked the place and I am perfectly satisfied with the way the process happened, the employees and the approach. Thanks a lot Lauren, keep up the good work. Thank you Melissa for showing me a good place. Thank you Direct Housing. You will get really good clients with good honest employees and transparency I would suggest people to reach out to them for the honesty the propose. Pertaining to my previous review, I would like to continue saying that Lauren Snape, Administration Assistant has been very kind and helpful in making my documentation process smooth. She has been actively responding to my emails and calls in case of any queries I put-forth. Eventually a good communication sorts out issues easily. Keep doing the good work Lauren. Very Satisfied!!!

Swetha · 14 June 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Upon arriving to Birmingham from the summer vacation, due to housing issues, my housemates and I were unable to stay at our initial house for a short period of time. Direct Housing was able to provide housing and deal with any issues we faced immediately. They are a team of nice people who are willing to help with anything when called upon. A special thanks to Becky for assisting me with finances and questions I had and to Melissa and Annette for helping me and my housemates deal with our housing situation.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism

Tony · 14 June 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

the team at direct housing are incredibly friendly and helpful. they’ve been a really lovely team to work with over the past year, responding to problems quickly and with kindness. always professional yet approachable! special thanks to Annette Taylor for dealing with inspection issues with so much understanding and co-operation. would highly recommend for student accommodation, especially if you have no idea what you’re doing like i didn’t, they really helped me through the process. all the best to the team! XPositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism

Molly · 14 June 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

As an international student Direct Housing really did all they could to help me settle into the UK. I can't thank Lauren and her team enough for helping me get a lease. As for repairs Harry has been quite responsive. They allowed me to come in an talk whenever I needed to and sent repair workers readily. They were also honest and helped me ton! Thank you! Would recommend especially for international students!PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism

Bianca · 14 June 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Company is unrelable and are not professional at all had this very frustrating experience that first the landlord required a garantor we provided them that without any reason because i did meet finanical criteria so why did they require garantor. And after all refrencing passed everything passed the landlord decided to take the house of from market. What is this? After all that trouble everyone i know went through that you lied that that the house is off the market ....it is still on the market. You lied. Now ontop they keeping me from 650 pound it has been 5 days since i requested them for a refund and been calling them every single day. To my knowledge yeaterday i was informed that they haven't even processed it yet... very horrible experience.NegativeResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value

Noumana · 14 June 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Gone through 3 housing agents in this past 4 years during Uni and I can say with confidence that Direct Housing was THE best. Staffs are all kind and respectful unlike some in Selly. They've helped me out in countless ways and even taking an extra step in doing so. Deposits were given back in a few days. I had no money related issues with them. They have lovely houses on their list which were relatively cheap as well. If you're looking for a house in Selly, have a chat with them, they'll be absolutely lovely and helpful in sorting you out.

Daiki · 15 June 2019

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I can’t say the house I rent has no problem at all, but Andreea Anca, one of DH staff, makes it becomes easier to be solved. I communicated to them when got a trouble with my bathroom lightning and ceiling. She always tried to engage with me and told my problem to the landlord. She continued to monitor my problem and kept contact the landlord for sending me some technician. She also told me all step of repairment at first so I could understand what should I do next. Thank you Andreaa. I hope you still could help me for further if I got problem again (but I hope it won’t happen any more). I appreciate your professionalism! Thanks.

Dinda · 15 January 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We recently had interactions with Becky Bhogal who is new to the repairs role regarding a leak with our shower in our rented property. Becky was very polite and friendly and was also very prompt with contacting our landlord and making sure the issue was sorted. She has given me confidence that similar issues would be dealt with in the same manner in the future

Sophie · 14 June 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

AVOID - If I could leave no stars I would. My daughter and her friend moved into a property that was not exactly clean - At the end of the tenancy, the property was cleaned from top to bottom - It was spotless and better than when they moved into it. Nevertheless the agency tried to charge a cleaning fee. (Without actually inspecting the property) We had photos etc of the condition the property was in when the students vacated. The agency were asked for the area of the flat they claim needed cleaning - they could not provide it. The TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) was involved and the only evidence the agency provided was an invoice and photos of a very clean flat! (none showing where the cleaning by was justified). Fast forward a few months and the TDS have shown that the agency are unjustified in withholding part of the deposit for cleaning and it has been repaid. Basically this company tries to charge fees when it is unjustified. I recommend ALL students to fight your corner if you know the property you left was in the condition it was meant to be.

Claire · 16 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Just a heads-up for anyone renting with Direct Housing 🏠⚠️ We left our flat spotless, hoovered, mopped, oven/fridge cleaned, windows done, the lot. Yet they hit us with a shock £175 cleaning fee, trying to deduct it from our deposit. 🤯 No check-in inventory. No cleaner invoice. No photos showing anything needed cleaning. Just silence when we asked for proof. We had to escalate to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) just to get our full deposit back. The agent accused us of not cleaning the flat, which was completely untrue. We left it in better condition than we found it. Their communication was shambolic. They even sent threatening emails about bailiffs over a council tax bill, despite our daughter being a student and exempt. Do yourself a favour and avoid this company. I’ve spent months fighting them and finally won the case for justice last week. 😀💪 Fairness and transparency shouldn’t be optional. #StudentHousing #RentalRights #DirectHousing

Paul · 16 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Facebook

Direct Housing tried to charge a cleaning fee when the place was spotless and actually better than when my daughter moved into it! The students stuck to their guns, gathered evidence and took them through the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and won. They had no reason to charge a cleaning fee. I recommend any students who know they have evidence and have no reason for the agency to withhold deposits to fight it. This agency is not recommended at all.

Claire · 13 October 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Me and my partner Paul viewed a 2 bed property with Claire the estate agent, I honestly cannot thank her enough, what an amazing person she is, keeping us informed of what was happening, done everything she could to help us. So with many thanks to Claire we are moving into our first home together. Thank you so much Claire for everything you have done.

Laura · 14 June 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Best housing agency in Selly Oak! Cannot thank them enough for all of their help with finding a home for me and my family. Melissa is amazing! So kind and helpful, really does go above and beyond. Highly recommend!

Jack · 17 September 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I've signed with Direct Housing three years in a row and every time they've been so friendly and helpful. We've never had an issue with our student houses so I completely trust them! Maddy has been particularly helpful with us moving this year, the whole team is lovely! Would highly recommend for anyone renting around the area.

Gabby · 14 June 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I have been contacted with Ms Jennifer. She was apart of the team who provide us the information from the sales, payment to the contract. She was very informative, flexible, and fast reponse. We rent the house nearby Selly Oak, the house is just as same as their explanation. We through the house checking and signing contract smoothly, thanks to Ms Becky. Just one thing, maybe it is about the billing management that has not yet done, but they are also willing to help us.

Mahdalenah · 17 October 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Clare and the team are amazing. So friendly, extremely professional, prompt with fantastic communication and always great attention to detail. A very honest and personal service, clearly coming from years of experience. I would highly recommend.

Emma · 14 June 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Upon moving into the house it was still dirty from the previous tenants and the problems we encountered throughout the year: hobs of the stove not working leaving us with 1 out of 4 hobs working for long periods of time, bathroom fans not …

Sam · 16 April 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

It is a really good letting and sales agency . The staff is extra polite and so generous. A special mention to Claire . She is really helpful !! ❤️

Hriday · 14 June 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Worst agent in the entire estate agents. They never respond to calls, mails, or even face-to-face. Terrible service. I'm waiting for a mail regarding my deposit from 3 months. They have even blocked our calls and the constant reply of "sure, will send it over to you right now."

Ananya · 26 November 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Worst agency I’ve ever encountered for student housing. Scammers, will charge you for a cleaning fee for things that were already dirty when you moved in. And will then be EXTREMELY defensive and rude when confronted. …

Jessica · 16 April 2025