Trusted Agent profile · Cambridge
★★★★★
311 reviews across 3 platforms
18 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2AD
SAB Saint Andrews Bureau Ltd's office in Cambridge, at 18 Mill Road, is rated 3.6 out of 5 across 311 reviews on three platforms, including 227 Google reviews rated 3.5.
227
Reviews on Google
This office
10
Reviews on Facebook
Business-wide
74
Reviews on Trustpilot
Business-wide
Every review we hold for the Cambridge office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
5/5
GoogleSAB at Royston have looked after the rental of my flat very efficiently for over 10 years. Caroline is very helpful and always knows what is going on even though I have had several problems with my flat. None due to SAB! I would definitely recommend them.
Our standards of service are important to us so thank you very much for such positive feedback.
1/5
TrustpilotPushed to complete early, left me homeless at Christmas, did not care
Initial experience of booking to view a let was good, then the dealing with the paperwork there were a few mistakes but dealt with well. It all fell apart just 4 days before handing over the keys, when I received an email informing me that my let had been cancelled because the previous client had not returned the keys. This email was sent at the end of the working day so I could not phone them back to ask what my options were, and left me essentially homeless as I had handed notice in on my current let as is normal. This is also the week before Christmas. I spent that night stressing out about how I was going to cope with the situation. My house move was all booked, utlities ready to be moved, standing orders for existing property cancelled and end of tenancy clean booked. A lot of this I had had to pay for up front as it is so close to Christmas. The next day I was waiting at the office to speak to someone as to what I could do. The total lack of empathy was shocking, they did not care at all and didn't even offer to help me find something else. They even had the gall to point out that legally they did not have to do anything. So Happy Christmas to me, homeless through no fault of my own. I have never had a problem renting before, I have never defaulted on a payment and never lost a penny off a deposit. Moving at Christmas is stressful enough and SAB pushed me to move before the end of my current tenancy, which given they must have known they had a problem with their existing client (she had gone none contact and the house was empty except for rubbish when I viewed it 5 weeks ago), to think they could turn it around in 4 days was unrealistic on their part.
1/5
GoogleProbably the worst agents in Cambridge, avoid at all costs. I had to wait for 20 minutes along with three other prospective tenants outside a property because Olivia was late. The reason: "Stuck in traffic" at 4 pm . It's very hard to have heavy traffic during that time in Cambridge. Anyway, her friend was one of the prospective tenants and I was told two days later that the landlord did not pick my application. I can bet who the Landlord "picked".
5/5
GoogleWe have been tenants with SAB for more than 10 years. Our property manager, Olivia, was very professional and helpful all the time . SAB deal with issues quickly and in the best way for us as a tenants and for landlord as well . When we gave notice , we recived really amazing support from SAB. Olivia she even visited us in the house, just for a chat, which was really nice and supportive. We were more than welcome for last inspection. There was no issues with returning our deposit , got back full amount after this many years . So I must just say huge thank you once again to SAB for looking after tenats in very professional and friendly way . Would strongly recommend for tenants.
5/5
GoogleWhen we were looking for a house to rent, Kane Astin went out of his way to let us know of anything that was available, making sure that the property matched our requirements and arranging for viewings. The office staff at SAB are unfailingly polite and friendly. Whenever we have had to contact them, they have always returned phone calls and answered emails without delay. Their service as managers of our rented house is excellent and any problems, no matter how minor, are dealt with promptly and efficiently.
5/5
GoogleWe've used SAB for over ten years to manage the renting of our house near Cambridge. During that time their business has clearly grown but we haven't noticed any difference in the quality of service. There is always one Property Manager assigned to our case and they have always been very efficient in answering our queries and requests, informing us about any problems reported by the tenants and organising any repairs that need doing. They have also kept us up to date with changing legal requirements and arranged the necessary actions. Initially we were worried that renting our home to strangers would inevitably lead to difficulties, but so far the experience has been pretty much painless and without doubt we have SAB to thank for that, they are an indispensable help. We wouldn't dream of trying to do without them.
5/5
GoogleConor (my property manager) has been fantastic. Replying quickly and politely and sorting things out quickly and sensibly and with minimal fuss when there are minor issues.
Thank you, Ian G, for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that Conor has provided you with quick and polite service while efficiently resolving any issues. At Sab Property, we strive to make property management as seamless as possible for our clients. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to assist you!
5/5
TrustpilotI've been a tenant for 8 years
I have been a tenant with this agency for over eight years. Every time there was something wrong in the house they were very quick to fix it, I never felt like I needed to chase them to get things repaired which made my life much easier.
5/5
GoogleEven though I didn't end up renting a place through SAB, I had a really great experience with them. Leane and Kane were incredibly helpful, very professional, understanding and forthcoming. They took their time to answer all my questions in detail, kept me in the loop about the property I was interested in and spoke to the landlord on my behalf on several occasions. They also provided a receipt without having to request it and when I withdrew my offer for the property SAB refunded the excess of what I paid on top of the holding fee within 2 days.
4/5
GoogleI can't really comment on the bad experiences that the other reviewers here have had, but I have been a tenant in an S.A.B managed property for over 10 years and have not had any problems. Before this for several years they acted as agents for me when I rented out a property I owned in Cambridge and I had no problems during this time either. The property that I rent in Cambridge is managed by Claire who is always helpful and efficient. I have found it useful to have one property manager who I have been able to get to know. I understand that relationships between landlords and tenants can occasionally be a difficult one, but on the whole in my experience I don't think St Andrews bureau have done a bad job at all.
5/5
Trustpilot10 years’ excellent service
We rented our house through SAB for 10 years before selling. Excellent service throughout. They used reliable, reasonable trades people for jobs needed. Property was almost never empty for over a week between tenants. Took a balanced view with tenants’ requests.
We are glad to hear you were happy with the service provided over many years.
5/5
Trustpilotwe are pleased with the services of SAB…in their professsionalism
we are pleased with the services of SAB in our first property by: i. Providing prompt response to all our queries ii. Ensuring our inetrests are protected during the transaction iii. Securing tenancy in good time iv. Ensuring that the property is well mainatined in our absence v. peace of mind to be in good hands
1/5
TrustpilotAbsolutely appalling
Absolutely appalling. I am selling my flat which is managed by SAB and the Estate Management team have provided the incorrect documents (which I had to pay £380 for upfront!). Despite their error, nobody is replying to my emails and their phone lines say their offices are closed. Extremely frustrating as moving house is stressful enough without having to handle this as well.
1/5
TrustpilotIt is a thumbs down from us
It is a thumbs down from us. After renting for over 12 years with SAB they are very unprofessional. They do cheap botch it jobs on an already mouldy damp house. Please stay away especially if the landlord is Lord of the Manor Lord Trumpington. Bullied with section 21s just because we queried an increase to rent. .... house is mouldy damp and was infested with moths under the cupboard but didn't dare ask for help. A boiler that should have been condemned and disgusting rotten decades old windows and kitchen. Bullying agents. Glad to be out in our own new home.
5/5
GoogleProfessional, organised, and easy to deal with. Jobs are clearly communicated, and payments are handled promptly. A great company to work with!
Thank you, Archie! We're thrilled to hear that you found our service professional and organized. Clear communication and prompt payments are our priorities, and we're glad to know you had a great experience working with us. We appreciate your support!
1/5
TrustpilotTerrible
Terrible talking to Agent Noreen. The rudeness and lack of professionalism is ridiculous. She shouldn't be working in a customer facing role if she thinks she can talk so rudely to clients. Serious training and supervision is required. Cant recommend her or SAB to anyone.
We take all feedback regarding standards of service seriously however we are unable to match the name to any records to enable an investigation or determine a reply. We would welcome direct contact regarding the matter to enable us to do so and should you be agreeable, please send this to: Donna Jacobo, Director of SAB Estate Management Donna@sab.co.uk
1/5
GoogleUpdated 3: Dear SAB directors, last discussion was with Donna Jacobo in 2016 and not 2006. It's hard to pretend it didn't happen when I have the email. …
Following the comment you posted last year we have looked into your details and see that you were a tenant with SAB for a year from 2006 to 2007. Unfortunately as we have not retained your file we are unable to specifically comment on the … More
5/5
GoogleGood communication and helpful staff.
Thank you, Eleana Ray! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our communication and staff. Your satisfaction is our top priority!
5/5
GoogleI have had a wonderful experience with the SAB team so far! They were very helpful and understanding during a move in date miscommunication, in which the team (mainly Mr. Thorburn) came up with simple and time manageable solutions to fix the problem. They are extremely responsive to all my questions and concerns, working diligently to provide me with solutions to my problems. All in all, a great process! I highly recommend them!!
Thank you very much for taking your time to leave us a positive review. We really do appreciate it
1/5
TrustpilotAll the poor reviews are exactly right!
All the poor reviews are exactly right!Any tenant should steer well clear of this agency. My initial rent was reasonable, but then they aggressively increased rent every year.The last rent increase was £225 per month which was negotiated down!I was paying significant monthly rent and yet the furniture was of such poor quality, it broke very quickly. Looking up the exact make and model I could see the furniture was extremely, extremely cheap and clearly of a very poor quality. The poor quality furniture caused some superficial damage to the property which then SAB are now trying to charge us for in the exit inventory. We had to replace our bed because it broke and was unusable and we've been charged for this also.Disgusting tenancy experience. They will try and charge as much as rent as they can possibly get away, then try and take your entire deposit.
Firstly, we are always saddened and sorry to see a poor review. In this instance we would just like to remind everyone of our role as the agent. It is not our decision on a rental amount. We are instructed by our client; the landlord and we submit documents to tenants accordingly. A Section 13 notice is issued for a rent increase and this states the options available to a tenant should they not find the increase acceptable. These options include third party organisations who could advise and assist in what is considered to be an unfair rent increase situation. A landlord also chooses the furniture, or at least the funds to spend on furniture, and therefore the standard or quality is not our responsibility as an agent. If we fully manage a property, we will report any breakages to the landlord who will instruct us regarding repair or replacements. Following a checkout of a property at the end of the tenancy we provide a report to the landlord and any proposed charges a landlord wishes to make; we then propose to the tenants. We act as the agents in between in negotiations and should the tenant and landlord ultimately not agree on the deposit deductions, the tenants deposit is protected by legislation requiring it to be registered and protected therefore ensuring a third party adjudicator makes the final decisions. All deposit deductions go to the landlord or costs associated with the property and at no time are payments made to SAB as the agent. As agents we deal with rectification works, cleaning arrangements and deposit disputes which are time consuming and we receive no direct payment or recompense for our time so such situations are to our detriment, not our gain. Therefore, whilst we appreciate the frustration in this situation, we can assure everyone that we follow legislation and best practise guidance and this in turn provides tenants with protection from landlords who may be deemed to act unfairly. We hope this provides some clarification to our position as the agent.
1/5
GoogleI lived in the properties 1 year 5 months ago. Came back to update the review as 3 stars is not what I now think overall. Not impressed with this estate agent. Staff are not helpful and when a problem was reported it did not always get passed onto the workman by the reception staff. They just want your money and will do their best to charge you for whatever they can. It was a bad experience when leaving the property and an experience I wanted to forget and move on.
We are always saddened to see any negative review. We can see this tenancy ended almost 2 years ago and according to our records the tenants did not dispute any charges from their deposit and there was no formal in house complaint raised with us. We feel it is important to note these facts: 1) Any charges in relation to a property are collected by SAB but not a payment made to us for our benefit. We follow the instructions of the landlord and then liaise between the landlord and tenants. As such, we are often not able to instruct contractors to carry out work without express permission from a landlord as it is not our money that covers the costs, but the landlords. 2) Every deposit is protected and therefore the tenant must always agree to deductions prior to finalising a deposit. SAB have always been in support of this deposit protection so much so that we became members of the TDS scheme two years before it became mandatory in legislation. 3) We have an in-house complaints procedure, and should a complainant not be satisfied we are a member of The Property Ombudsman which will ensure that any complaint we can not resolve will be dealt with by an independent body. We therefore feel saddened as we receive a negative review using such statements which to us feels unfair when as a whole we have teams working hard to ensure applicants, tenants and landlords are looked after to a high standard.
4/5
GoogleI have used St Andrews Bureau to manage my rental property for over 10 years. During that time a professional and responsive service has been provided and my property has always been let out very quickly between tenancies. For the past two years Conor Jackson from St Andrews Bureau has been dealing with the letting and management of the property and he has gone out of his way to deal with any issues that arise, As a Landlord I can recommend St Andrews Bureau, particularly if you can get Conor Jackson as your allocated property manager.PositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism
Your positive feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a review.
1/5
GoogleTerrible agency, I strongly recommend to avoid it. There is no respect for the tenant and the contract is shady. They put additional payment stuff in the lower part of the contract after many many pages.
We are sorry to see your comments and sincerely apologise for any issues you experienced. Regarding the charges which tenants should be aware of, although these are listed in a later section of the tenancy agreement, these are initially listed on the front pages of the terms and conditions the applicant should be aware of before applying for the property. We therefore seek to make these transparent to an applicant before they apply to rent a property and thereafter when signing the tenancy agreement, they are already aware of any tenancy related costs. We take all complaints seriously and would kindly ask you to submit any details of your complaint to us so we can investigate and improve our services.
5/5
TrustpilotVery good
Very good, very helpful and fast
Where the same review appears twice we show it once. We leave out reviews that name another agent or another of the brand's offices.
SAB Saint Andrews Bureau Ltd's Cambridge office has 311 reviews across three platforms: 227 on Google, 10 on Facebook (across the whole business), 74 on Trustpilot (across the whole business).
SAB Saint Andrews Bureau Ltd Cambridge is rated 3.6 out of 5 across all 311 reviews, and 3.5 out of 5 on Google from 227 reviews.
SAB Saint Andrews Bureau Ltd Cambridge, 18 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2AD.
