Kingstons Cardiff reviews in Cathays

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Appalling service, had a one year contract and it the whole period never had a working radiator after many times notifying them. Was given the wrong hey upon moving in and got locked out late night, called the "24hr number" to no avail. Got a locksmith out and they refused to reimburse. A lady called Laura at the company is utterly disgusting in the attitude she has, I think the company motto is the company is always rite. Happy to take your money but don't expect anything once they have you.

Kevin · 9 June 2016

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

DO NOT CHOOSE THIS LETTING AGENCY. I moved into one of their properties in my third year of university. The property had many maintenance issues from the start of my tenancy, the biggest of which being that there had been a break in to the flat 5 months prior, where someone had busted a hole through our bathroom wall in order to enter the flat. Despite notifying Kingstons of the damage and the lack of security, they ignored all my emails and calls. I started dropping into their office every couple of days on my way back from uni to ask them to fix the wall and every time they would tell me it would be done soon and then nothing would happen. Our flat is still not secure 7 months after the break in despite me still regularly asking them to resolve it. Don't know how they can legally charge rent when they are incapable of making their properties fit for people to live in.

Chloe · 9 June 2016

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Never did the initial clean to our house. The house inventory had been last done in 2009 (4 years previously) and they refused to update it. Instead we had to take 100 photos, burn them onto a CD and give it to them to use as a comparison and adjunct to inventory, They then lost the CD and we could not reproduce the photos. Dragged their feet for 3 months before returning what little of our bond they deemed fit to return. Overall absolutely terrible. Never again.

Miles · 9 June 2016

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

I would highly recommend not going with Kingstons. Firstly, our house wasn't cleaned before we moved so we had to remove items left behind by the previous tenants and we had a huge back log of bin bags left by them too which eventually resulted in a mouse in our kitchen. We phoned Kingstons to sort this and when someone was sent out, to our dismay they had scattered mouse poison all across our kitchen counters. After a series of other problems, we had a knock on our front door during November and it was from two of the male workers from Kingstons. They'd bought us 2 bottles of wine to apologise for the problems we'd experienced which was conveniently timed being the time of year most students look for a new house . The company continually played down situations, such as the time we all received a confidential email requesting bank details from their Accounts Manager and the manager had also cc'd in a couple of other random strangers. When I emailed and phoned to question this I was told that this was absolutely fine. When it came to trying to get our deposits back, they couldn't have made it any harder - ignored our phone calls, didn't acknowledge or reply to emails and when we did get through to the Accounts Manager, she was extremely abrupt. After reading through our Deposit Scheme, we noticed that our deposits were only protected for 3 months after our tenancy had ended meaning that Kingstons could then keep our deposits after this date. This may explain why the company made it near enough impossible for us to contact them in the hope of us giving up. The only way we could get a response was by going into their office and saying that we were going to take them to a small claims court. On numerous occasions when we visited the office, other people were voicing their problems with the company and Kingstons would try to usher them in to their back office to stop others from witnessing. I would strongly recommend not going with them as I wouldn't want others to experience the stress they have caused us. The company couldn't care any less for their customers and show no understanding. I can almost guarantee that the reviews on here giving 4+ stars and stating excellent service have been written by family or friends of the letting agents as I cannot see how they can cater so well for some houses but not for all.

Eve · 9 June 2016

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

If I could give 0 stars I would. They accused me of not paying my rent one month despite having a standing order set up & the money had gone out as usual on the right day. Turns out they got me confused with another tenant. They then got me confused once again with another tenant when accusing me of having a sofa in my hallway (fire hazard) when I'd never had one in my hallway. Which concerns me as they hold my bank statements etc which they could easily send to another person by accident if they wanted to. I sent all documents in at the end of the tenancy to confirm all my bills were paid up to date and it took 6 weeks to get my deposit back. During that time I emailed them about 5 times for updates and they ignored all but one of my emails, and their reply only said they were waiting for my water bill which I'd sent in an attachment WITH the other utility bill letters and forwarded it to them twice since. Upon phoning they were forced to admit they'd received it and finally sent the money back. This was less a £35 fee for cleaning the oven which I had deep cleaned before I left anyway and was cleaner than when I'd arrived. They also tried to charge me for a small crack in a tile that was there when I moved in but fortunately I had taken a date stamped photograph on arrival to make sure I wasn't charged for it. They also tried to claim they had no bank details to return my deposit to even though I filled them out on the envelope that I put my keys in at the end of the tenancy. Then tried to get me to give the bank details over the phone - I could have been anyone trying to get their hands on a deposit for all they knew! Worst people I have ever dealt with, not least of all because they never once apologised for any of their errors or acted like they cared at all. It is worth noting I would've stayed in that place for another year as the landlady herself was lovely and the place was great. But I could not deal with these estate agents for another year. I should also use the word 'year' loosely as they decided to give me 11.5 months on my contract rather than the 12 I asked for so all of a sudden 11 months into my tenancy I discovered I had 2 weeks to find another place to live. Nothing but rude and incompetent.

Vicky · 9 June 2016

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

I would highly recommend not going with Kingstons. Firstly, our house wasn't cleaned before we moved so we had to remove items left behind by the previous tenants and we had a huge back log of bin bags left by them too which eventually resulted in a mouse in our kitchen. We phoned Kingstons to sort this and when someone was sent out, to our dismay they had scattered mouse poison all across our kitchen counters. After a series of other problems, we had a knock on our front door during November and it was from two of the male workers from Kingstons. They'd bought us 2 bottles of wine to apologise for the problems we'd experienced which was conveniently timed being the time of year most students look for a new house . The company continually played down situations, such as the time we all received a confidential email requesting bank details from their Accounts Manager and the manager had also cc'd in a couple of other random strangers. When I emailed and phoned to question this I was told that this was absolutely fine. When it came to trying to get our deposits back, they couldn't have made it any harder - ignored our phone calls, didn't acknowledge or reply to emails and when we did get through to the Accounts Manager, she was extremely abrupt. After reading through our Deposit Scheme, we noticed that our deposits were only protected for 3 months after our tenancy had ended meaning that Kingstons could then keep our deposits after this date. This may explain why the company made it near enough impossible for us to contact them in the hope of us giving up. The only way we could get a response was by going into their office and saying that we were going to take them to a small claims court. On numerous occasions when we visited the office, other people were voicing their problems with the company and Kingstons would try to usher them in to their back office to stop others from witnessing. I would strongly recommend not going with them as I wouldn't want others to experience the stress they have caused us. The company couldn't care any less for their customers and show no understanding. I can almost guarantee that the reviews on here giving 4+ stars and stating excellent service have been written by family or friends of the letting agents as I cannot see how they can cater so well for some houses but not for all.

Evie · 30 April 2016

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We live last 6 months in Kingston property. Extremely satisfying. Their customer service was also appreciable. Am very happy with my property. Also highly recommend.

Arun · 15 December 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Been using Kingstons for past 7 years, always done what they have said. Managed my property at a very high standard. Laura is fantastic at her job.

RUMMAN · 29 January 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

The house was a state when we arrived, filthy and had a lot of junk. At the end- they try to take our deposit and MORE to fix what needed repairing when we arrived and for cleaning bills that unless we had industrial equipment we couldnt improve. We talked to the new tenants- no cleaning has occurred. What a surprise. And for some reason they demanded all our council tax bills as they wanted money for that too.

A · 10 June 2015

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

They give you money off your holding deposit if you leave a 5* review so don't believe any of the positive reviews. Terrible experience renting a house with Kingstons, they are still chasing us for money we don't owe nearly 3 years later. … More

Esme · 29 April 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Our time in the property was plagued by persistent issues that were met with indifference from the management. For months, we had no access to an oven or washing machine despite repeated complaints. The property's condition upon moving in was deplorable, with rats and rubbish from previous tenants. Upon vacating the property, we left it spotless, only to face unjust deductions from our deposit. This adds insult to injury, reflecting a disregard for tenant rights and fair treatment. DO NOT RENT HERE.

Hubert · 1 September 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Our time in the property was plagued by persistent issues that were met with indifference from the management. For months, we had no access to an oven or washing machine despite repeated complaints. The property's condition upon moving in was deplorable, with rats and rubbish from previous tenants. Upon vacating the property, we left it spotless, only to face unjust deductions from our deposit. This adds insult to injury, reflecting a disregard for tenant rights and fair treatment. DO NOT RENT HERE.

Hubert · 22 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

If I could give 0 stars I absolutely would. Not only are the staff unwilling to help, they do so in the rudest manner even having the audacity to hang up multiple times when we try and raise legitimate issues with our house. In person they’re just as unhelpful and conduct themselves in a disrespectful manner. In regards to maintenance, after weeks of emailing, we have been met with silence and incompetence. If you try to phone the office (which is their only available number), they will simply just shut you down. Avoid Kingstons at all costs.

David · 15 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

STUDENTS DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY I would say they lack professionalism, but it turns out that they have never …

Beth · 22 December 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Do not rent through Kingstons, the service was atrocious. The house was disgusting when we moved in, despite them claiming multiple times it had been cleaned. I had the door shut on me at the office multiple times, and through the year they refused to respond to emails and assist us with anything required through the property.

Olivia · 3 November 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

DO NOT GO WITH THIS AGENCY, the team are rude and disrespectful , we had ongoing issues with them for the duration of our student lease, we had no washing machine for months, when we moved in the place it was disgusting with rats and rubbish from previous tenants and when we left the place it was spotless but they still decided to deduct money from our deposit, please do not go there if you are a cardiff student be aware , the women there were very rude and the guy that’s there manipulate you by saying you get £50 off from the initial deposit if we can leave a good review, wish we had seen all of the reviews before we moved in, my year was awful because of them and how disgusting the living situation was.

Alwyn · 1 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

if i could give 0 stars i would. absolutely no communication or help from these people at all. multiple maintenance problems with the house throughout our tenancy and when we reached out for help we received radio silence. they won’t help on the phone, don’t answer emails or on their app, and if you go in to the office in person you’re asked to leave. WORST agents in cardiff, avoid avoid avoid if you value your money and ever getting your deposit back!!!

Pilar · 29 July 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

absolutely awful letting agents. They don't care about students at all. They accused us of not paying rent on multiple occasions when it was the bank, their end messing up. They also charged us for damage that was caused by previous tenants (even with us showing and giving evidence) they're just awful. Save your money and don't bother even trying to deal with kingstons. They will take so much money from you, it's a joke.

Kara · 9 June 2017

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Lee was very helpful in showing us around properties to rent for students, and also transporting us between properties. Staff were also very friendly on the phone, and explained everthing really well; resulting in us renting a property for our 3rd year :)

Amy · 8 June 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Kingston’s agency is the best in Cardiff , lovely staff and office space , Lee the agent helped me get my place in short notice very friendly and helpful , amazing customer service , thank you Kingston’s :)PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value

Sabahat · 25 August 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Everything well explained. Didn't feel pressured to make any decisions.

Elena · 12 March 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

My son and his friend have rented a property from kingstons, got the keys, place was a mess, paid 2 months rent plus their deposit and still unfit to move into.

Cheryl · 31 August 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

I would to give them a zero star if I can. The worst agency ever. Don’t fall for their 5 stars. I live in one of their property. We have a lot of things need to maintain in our house . We reported it. No one comes to fix it. JUST DONT RENT FROM THEM

Nhi · 2 November 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Worst and most incompetent letting agency I have ever come across. I guess go with them if you really want to, but expect them to do every single thing a letting agency can do wrong (if they can even be bothered to do it). (also seems pretty weird that all the reviews are either people explaining how terrible the actual service is, or 5* with very little info, with nothing in between)

Sam · 9 June 2017