Every review we hold for the Brighton office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleJulian and Selina were exceptionally helpful throughout our time renting with them in Brighton. We rented a property with Bishops SureLets for 1.5 years and received excellent service from the team!
From day one, they were clear and communicative with us. Maintenance issues were always responded to promptly and they were always helpful in answering any of our questions.
I would not hesitate to recommend Bishop SureLets to others looking to rent in the Brighton and Hove area!
Thank you Julian and Selina!
Ellen · 25 March 2026
Agent replied · 15 April 2026
Thank you very much for the review and we are sad to see you go. Pleased to hear we hit the mark and wishing you all the best in the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI've had a very positive experience with Bishops SureLets and would highly recommended them. As a new landlord letting my property for the first time, I felt supported and held throughout the whole process and trust all their expertise and knowledge in this area.
There were a few false starts in my being ready to let (around 3 years in the making) and I appreciate Julian's patience and continuing to check in, nurturing our relationship through a lot of uncertainty. Once we got going, I found Selina's care, attention to detail and prompt communications reassuring and helpful, which let me move forward with confidence.
I have found Bishops SureLets a professional, honest and committed agency to work with and I look forward to working with them again in the future.
Rachael · 13 May 2025
Agent replied · 15 April 2026
Thank you. We are very grateful for you taking the time to write this review. It includes everything we try to be and do, especially the personal level of client care.
Every Landlord has different requirements and if it is 3 weeks or 3 years our focus is always to help in any way we can.
We hope the Tenancy goes well and we'll be here if needed!!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThank you so much to Julian and Selina for your help and support in securing my new home which I love. Both of you made the process really smooth, friendly and professional. The whole process felt very personable and I felt I could trust you as a property agent. Thank you so much.
Alexandra · 15 October 2025
Agent replied · 15 April 2026
Thank you for your review and so pleased you and the Landlord found each other, a great match!!
We hope you'll be happy there for many years :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThis is the second time I have used Bishops Surelets and again I had have terrific service .
I can recommend Julian Bishop he knows his market and is always very helpful and patient.His staff are superb efficient and a pleasure to deal with
Sheree · 15 November 2025
Agent replied · 15 April 2026
Thank you for the review and happy to help out again!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGreat experience with Julian and the team who handled the legal and deposit side of my tenancy efficiently. They have been responsive and dedicated throughout.
Henry · 1 April 2026
Agent replied · 15 April 2026
Thank you very much for the review and glad to hear your feedback. Hope all goes well in the future.
★★★★★ 2/5
GoogleWe instructed this agent from 29 May to 18 July. In nearly 7 weeks, we received three “offers”:
1. An HMO let, even though he already knew we didn’t hold an HMO licence.
2. An offer significantly below asking, because the applicant “didn’t need all the rooms.”
3. A 12-month tenancy with a 6-month break clause, which he correctly advised against.
None of these were serious or viable, yet that was the extent of progress during his instruction.
He was also slow to respond, unreceptive to feedback (e.g., when we suggested better marketing photos, he was defensive), and when we instructed additional agents, he became unhappy, saying he couldn’t compete with them, that it was “unfair,” and that he would not work with us going forward.
The difference once we brought in other agents was stark: within 4 weeks, we had two serious offers, two strong applicants, and a successful tenancy agreed.
The contrast speaks for itself. Our experience with this agent was unproductive and frustrating; with others, it was fast, professional, and effective. We would not recommend this agent.
Michelle-Rose · 15 October 2025
Agent replied · 15 April 2026
Hi Michelle,
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. Feedback is always useful, even if it’s not the most flattering!
For the benefit of others reading: your property was marketed by four different agents before it was let, and ultimately at a lower rent than Bishop SureLets were originally instructed to advertise. We advertised for four weeks, not seven. It came off the market after just over three months, which, in the current climate, is a fairly long run. Of course, we don’t know the final rent achieved, but it seems the advice I originally gave about setting a more realistic price may have been useful in the end.
As you’ll recall, my initial valuation was adjusted upward at your request. I raised concerns about this several times, before we began, during the early marketing period (when we were attracting the wrong applicants), and again as things progressed. I’m always happy to back a landlord’s preferred strategy, but part of my role is to advise on what the market is actually doing.
On the points raised:
The HMO status was unclear despite my repeated requests for confirmation, which is why sharer viewings were booked. That decision quickly generated an offer, which I’d call a positive outcome.
We don’t tell applicants what to offer; we pass everything along so landlords can decide. The offer you reference was, interestingly, not far off the rent you later instructed two other agents on.
And yes, thank you for the kind words. Given the circumstances I think three offers in four weeks was a positive.
Over the course of 4-JUN to 21-JUL alone, we exchanged more than 70 emails (plus calls and texts). I’d like to think that counts as responsive, though perhaps I should look into telepathy for even faster updates!
At Bishop SureLets, we pride ourselves on being Brighton’s only truly personal letting agent, and sometimes that means stepping back when it’s clear a landlord prefers a different approach. I wish you every success with your property going forward, and I genuinely hope the tenancy works out brilliantly for you.
Warm regards.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHave managed a flat for us for several years. Great communication, trustworthy, deal with all necessary issues. Thanks Julian & team!
Natasha · 15 January 2026
Agent replied · 25 August 2024
Thank you very much for your review and happy to have been of service all of these years!!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleJulian at Bishop Sullivan took over the management of our rented house a few years ago in a time where the house was holding quite a lot of damage and issues with damp. In this time Julian and the team were all very communicative, …
Sian · 15 April 2025
Agent replied · 25 October 2024
Thank you for the review Sian and glad things worked out as best they could. All is well that ends well!
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleBishop Sullivan are by far the worst letting agent in Brighton.
Julian Bishop is the most smarmy, slimy, pompous individual I’ve ever had the displeasure of dealing with. He will harass you with baseless claims and then punitively levy deposit deductions on you when you try to move out.
The quotes he will gather are ridiculously overpriced - almost laughably so. He will hold your deposit hostage in the hopes that you accept the deductions.
Edit: after disputing the ridiculous claims for my deposit money, and waiting for 3 months, I am very pleased to say that the adjudication went in my favour.
If Julian tries to scam you out of your deposit money on check out, fight back. Don’t let him bully you into accepting the deductions when they are baseless.
Edi · 15 May 2025
Agent replied · 28 April 2024
Thank you for amending your previous 5* review to a 1* review, which was around the same time as the Landlord's requests relating to the return of the property and the condition it was found in. Bishop SureLets is of course obligated to communicate between the parties in situations like this to try and reach an agreement.
The most recent process carried out by Bishop SureLets as managing agent was a very short while ago; providing urgent assistance to get the heating going again on a very cold day, which was completed in less than 7 hours.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI regret it's taken a while for me to write this review but the current rating is not representative. Julian is one of the most pompous and entitled estate agents we've had.
We kept on good terms during our tenancy but he frequently turned up late and wouldn't acknowledge us, wanted to charge extortionate fees for simple services, and at the end demanded we pay him another £300 agency fee each (£1500), 2 months early if we wanted a 2nd year, because agency fees were being made illegal when our contract renewed, (also renewing a contract requires virtually no paperwork, I'd love to see how £1500 breaks down to printing off 5 pieces of paper).
At the end we had to pay a £175 checkout fee, and he tried to take £500 from our deposit for nonsense items, such as a chair being in the wrong room, fortunately the independent arbitrator gave it all back.
To finish off he said our professional clean wasn't sufficient and we should pay £1000 for his self-selected "cleaner". Once again we were saved by the tenancy dispute service. My only fear is the previous tenants had paid for this service because no clean had been conducted before our arrival, (the house was uninhabitable). I don't know who he pays for these positive reviews and I look forward to his reply.
Max · 7 July 2022
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Hi Max, thank you for taking the time to leave a review and sorry to hear you were not happy at the end of your tenancy in 2019. Looking back at the deposit return process nearly 3 years ago we can see all tenants were advised how the deposit return process worked. We explained very clearly that as the managing agent we arranged the check-out and also any contractor quotes for damage above fair wear and tear and/or cleaning but did not make the decisions on what was or not requested as a deduction so we feel your review should perhaps be pointed at the landlord and not Bishop Sullivan.
The cleaning you mentioned was carried out at the landlords cost after the property had been vacated and we agreed with the TDS decision at the time that you as tenants should not be liable for those costs due to the condition the property was entered in. Unfortunately as the letting agent we must follow our clients instructions whether we agree or (occasionally) do not. In this example the correct decision was made by TDS and you as tenants did not suffer a loss.
The fees you mention were not extortionate though. They were below average at the time, specifically so as that was Bishop Sullivan's position in the market. We checked our fees against the local average every year to ensure this before the 2019 Tenant Fees Bill banned most fees chargeable to tenants from 1st June 2019. Unfortunately this was after your tenancy began in August 2018 so I can understand it is disappointing to have missed out for that Tenancy however I expect you did not for your next Tenancy in 2019.
We are completely confused about the claim that Bishop Sullivan demanded £1,500 in fees from the household to renew the Tenancy as by that point (post 1st June 2019) fees had been banned. The renewal fee for tenants prior to 1st June 2019 was £60, regardless of the number of tenants. Please feel free to contact us on 01273 646426 or lettings@bishopsullivan.co.uk to discuss further if you wish.
We are sorry you feel Julian is as you describe also, Bishop Sullivan has just won a second consecutive award for customer services of which Julian was involved in the process. Looking back at the last round of emails before going to the TDS arbitration process it would appear Julian was very polite in the emails, explaining the process in detail where required, mentioned 'the landlord' in front of every claim response (IE 'the landlord agrees' 'the landlord does not agree'), thanking the sender for each one and responding promptly each time. He also organised both Big City Sleepouts in 2018 & 2019 partnering with the Clock Tower Sanctuary and raised nearly £30,000 as well as sleeping out both times in the cold December. Both took about 3 months of free time to arrange and raise awareness. We are not sure how someone who can do that is also as you describe and again would point your complaint to the landlord, an ex-client as of 2020, as Bishop Sullivan are obliged to follow their clients instructions in many scenarios including deposit deductions.
We do take all reviews seriously which is why this has been responded to in detail and promptly, it is shame you felt the need to direct it at Bishop Sullivan but we respect your decision.
We hope you are enjoying where you currently live and wish you the best in the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBishop Sullivan have been a godsend to me!!!! I needed to move out of my house at a time which was personally very difficult for me and I needed to rent out the house having never had to do this. Like most people, I had heard some horror stories of what estate and lettings agents can be like so I was incredibly anxious about how to decide what to do. Compared to every other company that I spoke to, Bishop Sullivan were MUCH more transparent and clear about their services without any pressure at all. The personal touch was superb which, at that difficult time for myself, made all the difference which made me choose the company. 2.5 years later, I have not looked back :-) The service is very clear, efficient and helpful. Whenever something needs to be done, I always get a very clear message from Julian about what needs to be done, what the range of options are and what he would recommend but without any pressure to go with his suggestion. Once I make my decision, everything is done seamlessly. I have never had any cause for concern and indeed, it's reached the point where I will ask Julian for his advice about other financial issues since I know that I can trust him and his advice.
Importantly for me, the values of Bishop Sullivan are very close to my heart - being transparent, being fair and wherever possible to help others. Indeed, I was so impressed to find out that Julian had set up the Brighton Big Sleep Out to raise money for a charity that helps young homeless people that I joined him and others in December 2019 to sleep outside overnight on the terrace of the i360.
For all the above reasons, I could not recommend Julian and Bishop Sullivan enough - one of the best decisions I ever made!PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Ashok · 26 August 2021
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Wow, thank you for such an amazing review!! When the journey is written in such detail it is encouraging to see that we are doing it right - Lettings is about people, not property.
We look forward to our continued relationship and maybe a few more Sleepouts when it is possible again!!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGreat service... Julian and the team are trustworthy and efficient - I highly recommend them and will use them whenever I can in future.
Alick · 15 April 2025
Agent replied · 25 August 2024
Thank you for the review, we enjoyed working with you and look forward to doing so again in the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBishop Sullivan are the way to go! They treat their clients as if they were the only client; never too busy for them and always available and very responsive! Julian is such a diligent, committed agent and knows the market very very well! I have dealt with so many agents in Brighton and Julian is by far the most professional, competent, honest and caring agent I have known! If you are looking to rent out your flat or let, or have any questions re real estate, Bishop Sullivan is the place to go to! SUPERB!
Yasmin · 7 July 2020
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Wow! What a fantastic review, thank you Yasmin. This is exactly the personal service we offer and really pleased to see the result :)
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleAs an ex-tenant in a BishopSSullivan managed property from over a year ago I am only just leaving my negative review now. The fact I am still inclined and am taking the time to do this, should indicate my feelings!
Writing this now, with the time passed, I am able to appreciate what the issue was and that is Bishop Sullivan fail to appreciate that not only do they manage and protect the landlord's asset but that they also manage the tenant's home.
There is clearly a dichotomy between the two and Bishop Sullivan, instead of trying to balance the two, fall entirely into managing and protecting the landlord's asset, paying only limited and superficial lipservice to the home that asset also is to the tenants.
On this basis to any would be landlord's who are only concerned with their asset and not the home it represents I would reccomend Bishop Sullivan, to everyone else I would suggest looking elsewhere.
To be fair this is likely a more systemic issue of the letting sector more generally, particularly as more and more people let their homes, and is probably not limited only to Bishop Sullivan. However I would hope that there are better options available, there certainly should be.
Peter · 8 July 2019
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Hi Peter, I hope you are well and just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to leave us a 1* review relating to your Tenancy from over a year ago. You are correct in that we work extremely hard for our Landlords ensuring quality Tenants pay rent on time and the property is maintained. We also take our duty of care toward Tenants seriously which might explain why you remained in this property for more than 2.5 years. Looking back at the maintenance history on the system we resolved every issue raised within a reasonable amount of time and renewed the Tenancy each time quickly and efficiently for fees under the local average. Looking back at our email correspondence we always responded to your queries quickly. None of these are the actions of an agent who did not care about the Tenant. Having reviewed the more recent emails I can see where the issue may lie, please correct me if I am not being accurate. Toward the end of the Tenancy due to your changing circumstances a request was made by you (the Tenants) to change the term of the Tenancy, which the Landlord was not happy with and gave Bishop Sullivan an instruction to follow. Since the Landlord is our client this instruction had to be followed whether we agreed with it or not, we do not own the property at the end of the day, we just provide the service. I recall that the last few months were not enjoyable for us either as we knew you were not happy with the Landlord's decision yet had to follow through. Ultimately, with us in the middle, the end result was that you were able to achieve what you were looking for without any of the potential issues you were concerned about occurring. In circumstances like this I can understand why it is easy to feel disgruntlement toward the agent, we are the only ones you are in contact with. From our point of view we did not suddenly change from the agent who were managing the Tenancy before the Landlord instruction to the agent managing the Tenancy after. The way the Tenancy ended was not ideal for either of us and despite that we were sorry to see Tenants who look after the property and pay rent on time leave. What I do not understand is if we were as bad as you suggest why on earth did you stay for 2.5 years? That just doesn't make sense to me and perhaps points toward one issue at the end of the Tenancy being at the forefront of your mind more than 12 months after vacating. Thinking about the future and the community is also important to us which is why we organised The Big City Sleepout in DEC-18 at i360 which raised over £4,000 for The Clock Tower Sanctuary who assist the young homeless to get them off the street and back into a home. I organised this event and attended the DEC-18 sleepout despite recovering from sciatica where I lost the ability to walk for 3 months over the summer '18. I do not mention this lightly or to gain favour, it is definitely worth mentioning as despite the pain and the stress involved arranging and attending the sleepout it is hardly the actions of a business which doesn't care about people. It is about committing to a cause and following through, much like our duty of care toward Tenants. In summary looking at the facts I have available I do not agree that we are the 1* agent you feel we are and we have a right to present the reasons as you do to voice your opinion. If you would like to discuss this further over a coffee I would be more than happy, just let me know. If not I wish you the best of luck in the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHaving met with other letting agents, Julian stood out from the rest with his professionalism, his knowledge, service and the way he presented himself. The package that Bishop Sullivan provided was exactly what I needed for someone letting their property out for the first time. Julian and Selina were always available and answered all questions or dealt with all my requests. Old school customer service in a modern day environment that you rarely see these days. Online services are available that keep you up today throughout the process which I found extremely helpful. Big thanks to Julian and the team for making this a painless experience.
Scott · 8 July 2019
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Hi Scott, thank you very much for your review. Glad you enjoyed the personal touch and old school service, exactly what we aim for! I particularly enjoyed showing your property as you had clearly put a lot of effort and thought into it. Each applicant had a little adventure discovering everything.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI recently got a buy to let flat and Julian gave me some very valuable advise in the process. Bishop Sullivan are now managing the property for me and not only is it a great service it is also a great price.
Julie · 15 December 2025
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Hi, so glad you are happy with the advice and service. Will keep working hard for you!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI chose Bishop Sullivan to manage my property, not because they were the cheapest (which they were), but because they impressed me the most when I was collecting quotes. I'm really glad I did. Dealing with Julian has always been a smooth process; friendly enough to be comfortable, professional enough to trust. I've sent several panicked emails over the past couple of months, but he has always put my mind at rest.
My house was advertised within 4 hours of the photos being taken and several viewings fitted in for the next day. Feedback was prompt (within hours), as was a contract being signed, and paperwork sent.
My tennants are due to move in on Saturday and I have every faith that the good service will continue.
Fiona · 8 July 2017
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Hi Fiona,
Thanks for the review, always happy to help and glad you have found the process stress free (at least the letting side!).
Hope your move goes well.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleA NOTICE TO ALL LANDLORDS
Julian recently found a tenant for my flat in Brighton & I have to say that whilst not being in Brighton very long, he has many years & a wealth of experience in the lettings industry in London. Julian is totally professional & extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the lettings process. He is completely transparent & trustworthy in all his dealings & most importantly...he listens to what you say & "works tirelessly" until he's found a tenant. I am totally happy to have discovered Julian & wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to any other landlord. Over the last thirteen years I have used other more established agents in Brighton & am so very pleased with his whole approach...he has exceeded all my expectations.
David · 8 July 2017
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Hi David,
Thank you for your kind words, much appreciated. I have really enjoyed working with you and hope your Tenants are happy in their new home.
I also really enjoyed beating the other two agents ;)
Julian
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleOver 15 years, I have dealt with various letting agents, good, bad and indifferent to stay the least.
Julian and his team I'm very happy to say fall without a doubt into the category of the good ones, which is a very small category!
Reliable, professional and most importantly for me having integrity in the way they handle their business for all parties concerned.
Always available to answer my questions, and provide clear concise advise when required, Julian's experience and knowledge of the industry is apparent in all the dealings I have had with him.
V · 8 July 2016
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated and glad we are keeping you happy!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleJulian has been managing my property for a number of years. He has shown initiative and sorted problems quickly and effectively, when others in his previous firm were doing the 'headless chicken' act and expecting me, the landlord to sort them out. His advice on legal issues and good practice has been fair and on target as well. I am really happy he has set up his own business and have transferred my work to him. Amer
Lynn · 8 July 2016
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Please accept my apologies for the delay, just wanted to thank you for the review!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWould give six if I could. Julian and the team are attentive and supportive. Have managed every issue I have raised effectively and efficiently.
Don’t know when I will be moving out but will be gutted to let them go. Best agents I’ve ever had.
Joshua · 29 September 2023
Agent replied · 29 October 2023
Thanks for your review Joshua and hopefully you will remain for many more years!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGreat company. Julian was amazing - there were literally no problems at all. From the minute we called for a viewing to the day we moved in everything was dealt with so quickly and efficiently. We moved during the lockdown so it was a bit of an unsure time but they had all the precautions in place. Couldn’t recommend this estate agents enough.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Tayler · 26 August 2020
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Thank you for the review and really glad to help you in your difficult situation during lockdown. Hope you are all settled in now!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI had a great experience with Bishop SureLets. The team is very professional, helpful and always friendly. They made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I really appreciate their support and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable letting agency.
Seungmo · 15 September 2025
Agent replied · 15 April 2026
Thank you for the great review and we’re pleased to have been able to help you.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAmazing service! Serena was quick in every response and helped me with problems I encountered. Because of choosing Bishop Sullivan made my year in Brighton enjoyable. I highly recommend it.
Freda · 15 April 2024
Agent replied · 28 April 2024
Hi Freda, thank you very much for your review. We really enjoyed looking after you as a Tenant this past year and wish you all the best in the future.
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