Every review we hold for the Exeter office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThis is my second house rented with Cardens and I’ve been with them since 2024. Karen, Sue, and Mark have been brilliant throughout and always go above and beyond to help, particularly with complicated situations when between tenancies etc. Everything is dealt with professionally but in a really friendly way, and they’re always quick to respond and sort things out when something needs fixing. Overall, a great team and a really positive experience.
Z · 16 February 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thankyou for taking the trouble to review our services, very much appreciated.
★★★★★ 4/5
GoogleI have rented with Students at Cardens for 3 years at 3 different properties and feel safe to say they are the ideal lettings agency. We consistently had a respectful relationship. In major events across all 3 properties they were reliable, and quick to action when needed.
The online sign up process was a personal favourite element, as it meant with a 6 bed student house (and therefore timetables!) it was easy and efficient to sign up to, as we did not all have to be in one place or have to rush all over the place to the office. This element in my opinion is one of Carden's greatest successes and whilst I am sure it is a covid-legacy it was fantastic and such a huge stress relief.
Deposit return was consistently just, and in my final year the addition of pictures for areas of concern really helped illuminate and balance understanding.
There was a particularly positive upshift from around 2023/4 with the change in some of the staff, with the newer members of the team a breath of fresh air (Saskia in my final year compared to Ethan in my first year feel like two different companies! Ethan always felt very patronising and like he hated his job, Saskia was significantly more upbeat, willing to help and reliable). Adam and Stephen were also both lovely members of staff. Adam never managed any of my properties but recognised me on my final key return, which was a really nice moment and enhanced a positive relationship with what could easily be a numbers game lettings agency.
Francesca · 16 September 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Hi Francesca , I just wanted to thank you for taking the trouble to provide such a detailed review of our service and those staff members who have been helpful over your time in Exeter . For over thirty years we have tried to consistently improve our service , not always successfully I hasten to add , but its only when we receive feedback such as your own that we can tell how we are doing and how our people are doing. Many thanks and I wish you every success in your future career, Jon Carden .
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleRecently, we moved out of a property managed by Harry Bridle from Student Cardens. He was so helpful throughout, and particularly at the end of, our tenancy. He was polite and patient with us whenever we needed to contact Student Cardens. Speaking as a lead tenant, he made my job so much easier than it would otherwise have been, this being the first time that any of us have had to organise our own accommodation. If ever we needed an issue explaining, he was always available to do so at our convenience, and in a manner, moreover, that was comprehensible to us. I would definitely recommend Student Cardens in general to those considering a tenancy with them, and I would recommend Harry Bridle specifically for those who are renting a property for the first time. Thank you for all your help.
Georgia · 16 July 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thankyou for your valued feedback Georgia , we are delighted that you were pleased with the service Harry offered and thankyou for taking the time to review our service .
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI dealt with Andy at Cardens for a conveyance that lasted 11 months. It was complex and a real roller-coaster. Without his expertise, tenacity and guidance I don't think we would have completed. He provided excellent communication between all parties and I can't recommend Cardens highly enough.
Fids · 4 August 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thankyou so much for taking the time to review us, and delighted Andy got you sorted in the end !!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleCardens took over the tenancy of our student house half-way through the year, and immediately the improvements we saw in the management was significantly better. Ethan was our property manager and he was extremely attentive. Monthly check ins to make sure we didn't have any issues, new bathrooms, new boiler and any other issues we had were solved in a matter of months. There is still a lot to be done with the house but they were very respectful of our wishes to postpone construction until we weren't living in there anymore. I hope next year's tenants are able to enjoy appreciate the new features of the house as well Cardens management as much as we did.
Imogen · 26 August 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Thankyou for your kind words Imogen, which we will pass on to Ethan .Have a great summer :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMy household had a wonderful experience with Cardens over the last 11 months, particularly with our lettings manager, Ethan. Ethan was very attentive to all our needs and always responded at the earliest convenience. He ensured that all issues and queries were dealt with swiftly and effectively. He has always set an exceptional example and perfectly represents the core principles of Cardens: professionalism , respect and always working to ensure that the client receives the best service possible. Thank you, Ethan!
Soren · 26 August 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Thanks for your feedback on Ethans management of your tenancy Soren, have a great summer :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI couldn't recommend this agency more. All of my dealings were with Adam. He was so helpful setting up my tenancy and when I had to drop out and find a replacement, he helped me with everything and kept me completely updated with what was happening with the landlord and the prospective tenant. Adam was so kind and I felt that I could ring him with any questions I had. I would definitely use Cardens again.
Natalie · 25 October 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Thank you very much for your kind words Natalie, Adam is one of the most wonderful people on the planet and its great when he gets name checked :) Very much appreciated, Jon Carden
★★★★★ 3/5
GoogleThree stars on because of the excellent guy who I went for the viewing with. Two stars off because of the staff at the actual office. Ok yeah I don't have the best track record due to some mistakes I made in life (a CCJ from a debt when I was 18, I'm 27 now). Anyhow, I made it clear on the initial application that I had a CCJ and the lady on the phone had absolutely no clue about it until I mentioned it upfront when she was going on and on about an application and taking the flat off the market etc.
When I mentioned it she was totally clueless and stuttered on her own words, she had somehow missed it entirely and made it out as though I had just dropped a bomb. Anyway, the attitude entirely changed from being polite and helpful to cold, stern and unforgiving. I knew it was going to be a no. Which was all fine, until she tried lying to one of my family members to cover up her own mistake which for me is utterly unacceptable.
For detail, she tried lying to my stepfather and telling him the landlord had told her about my CCJ which halted the application which was utterly false and an outright lie which infuriated me. How could the landlord even know about the CCJ before checks were carried out and me being told the CCJ would have to be discussed with the landlord.
Sorry Cardens, this isn't a personal attack but this should not be happening and people shouldn't be spoken down to like second rate people just because of some life mistakes that can hinder some otherwise hardworking honest individuals who are just trying to amend their mistakes and get on with life.
Callum · 22 June 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Hi Callum,
Firstly thanks for taking the trouble to give feedback on our service. Like most small businesses we rely on customer feedback to know when we are getting it right, but more importantly , when we aren't quite at the level we'd like to be at . Obviously lying at any level is completely unacceptable and we will look into the matter to see what lessons can be learned. Best regards Jon Carden
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMe and my house were with Cardens for 2 years and we never had an issue, I usually paid rent late and they were always very patient. The team are very friendly and understanding, especially Mark. Despite me and my housemates not always keeping the house in the best condition, whenever Mark would come to carry out an inspection he would always be fair and very politely suggest a more regular clean, which we eventually did. Even though the house was not 100% perfect at the end of our tenancy, my housemates all received their deposits back in full, and this was definitely a surprise. All in all, over the last 2 years Cardens always treated us fairly and with kindness, which was really lovely as students aren't always the perfect tenants.
Jack · 22 June 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Dear Jack, Thankyou for your honesty and candour, not to mention the kind words about Mark , we wish you and your group all the very best for the future :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent experience as a landlord working with Cardens for management, Harry and Adam in the student letting team are great guys and solve any issues that come up with ease - giving me back my time. Also I have worked with with the sales department and Ivor and Andy go above and beyond, could not have got the transation completed without them. Recommend 10/10.
Andrew · 16 January 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Andrew,
Thankyou very much indeed for taking the time and trouble to review our services and for your kind words regarding the service offered by Ivor, Andy, Adam and Harry . Good luck with the Fore Street project , I imagine its quite an interesting building beneath the fabric. Best regards Jon Carden
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleFive-Star Review for Beverley, Exceptional Service Over Several Years
Beverley has provided an outstanding level of service in managing my property over several years, and her support has been especially invaluable during the past two years while important works were carried out.
Throughout this time, Beverley has maintained excellent communication, keeping me fully informed at every stage and always responding promptly and professionally. Her attention to detail, organisation, and ability to manage complex situations with calm efficiency have made the entire process far easier than it could have been.
She is reliable, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about delivering the best outcome for her clients. Beverley has consistently gone above and beyond, and I can't thank her enough for her dedication. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a top-tier estate agent manager.
Alex · 16 August 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thank you for taking the time to review Beverley's service , it is very much appreciated.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDue to reasons outside of both the tenants’ and Carden’s control, my friends and I recently had to end our tenancy - it was a fairly stressful process on our part but Cardens did absolutely everything they could to help. They were incredibly patient and proactive, and once we had replacements lined up they sorted everything in a few days; special thanks to Adam for being so lovely and supportive despite all the hassle we were all going through!
Ella · 22 June 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Thankyou for your kind words Ella , Adam is one in a million :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleCardens were recommended to us seven years ago and we have been very happy with their management of our flat ever since. We have always found them courteous, competent and quick to respond to an enquiry or a problem. Beverley is …
Sue · 16 April 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Sue
Thank you very much for taking the time to provide a review for our services , its always lovely to hear when clients have had such a positive experience ! Best regards, Jon Carden
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent estate agents. I had to move out of my house mid tenancy and Adam made what could’ve been a stressful process very seamless and easy. He was really friendly and was great at always keeping me informed of any progress/changes
Leila · 15 March 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Leila
Thank you very much for taking the trouble to review Cardens service, and more specifically the assistance provided by Adam Pengelly . More than ever before, … More
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI would highly recommend Cardens for any student living in Exeter. Special thanks to our landlord Ethan, who was always on hand to answer our questions and was particularly helpful during the checkout deposit process. Most landlords only contact via email (if you are lucky!) but lucky for us Ethan made sure to visit in person when he could. Overall a great experience with Cardens.
Kiran · 22 June 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Thankyou Kiran for your great review and very please to have lived up to your expectations :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleVery helpful and quick team response to the "end of Tenancy" process. Helped with all aspects of the process. Thanks to Beverley and Kyle.
Helen · 12 May 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thankyou for taking the time to review our service Helen and we are delighted that you were pleased with the service offered by Beverley and Kyle . Best regards, Jon Carden
★★★★★ 1/5
FacebookAlthough the property was not managed by this agency, they still marketed it without properly checking its condition. When I moved in, none of the appliances were working, and there was visible mould on the freezer, including on the side of the door.
When I contacted the agency to raise these concerns, I was met with a complete lack of compassion and support. Even if a property is not directly managed by them, I would expect a basic level of care when advertising it to tenants. Based on this experience, I would advise others to be cautious.
Ramy · 17 December 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have just bought through Cardens Residential. I had found the property market very difficult as a first time buyer, but I had a really positive experience with Cardens. From the first viewing right through to completion, Andy was incredibly helpful and supportive, and any query was always dealt with quickly and efficiently. Thank you very much!
Katy · 22 June 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Thankyou Katy for your kind words acknowledging Andy's assistance with your purchase. We all very much hope that you will be very happy in your new home in Exeter.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleNew to Students at Cardens and had an excellent experience so far. Can’t fault the customer service I’ve had from Will and Adam.
I’ve found them very informative, happy to deal with any queries effectively and promptly and I’ve been kept up to date at all times.
Helen · 16 November 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thankyou for your kind words Helen , much appreciated :)
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleDisgraceful estate agents. Rental property was let filthy dirty, in spite of the pandemic. Try to retain all the deposit. Just see students as an opportunity to rip them off. House was tatty and with cheap old furniture. Avoid them if you can. If you do rent from them, gather all evidence to protect your deposit or they will take you to the cleaners.NegativeQuality
Fiona · 25 August 2022
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Hi, sorry to hear about your experience, if you could confirm your name we would like to try and address these issues? Regards Cardens
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleKyle Wynn is great. He is quick to respond to any issues. My radiators needed a special key to be bled and Kyle came over within the hour to bleed the radiators. Now my housemates and I can be warm again in our very cold house that has practically zero insulation. Thank you.
Michael · 22 June 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Thankyou Michael , your kind words are much appreciated :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAndy is without doubt the best estate agent I have worked with in 20 years of house buying, think of the top 5 things you would want an estate agent to be 1 - Expert 2- Punctual 3- contactable 4 - personable 5 - committed to your sale. You have just met Andy..
David · 22 June 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Thankyou for your kind words David, on behalf of Andy they are much appreciated. Kind regards Jon Carden
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have been Tennant of Cardens for the last 8 years (originally with force and sons before they merged) in the 8 years we've never had an issue, the office team are always friendly and helpful, our main point of contact Mel has been an absolute diamond and always treated me and my wife with the utmost respect. When we had any maintenance issues they were delt with fast and efficient and we have always had plenty of notice for any visits. We would recommend Cardens and especially Mel. Thanks for a pleasant 8 years we will miss our little flat and the city of Exeter.
Jamie · 22 June 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleOur property manager Ethan was very quick to respond to any issues we may have had and always made sure they were dealt with in the most effective way. Communication was very good and was overall a good experience with Cardens Students.
Charlotte · 26 August 2023
Agent replied · 21 June 2024
Thankyou for taking the trouble to provide a review of our services Charlotte and have a great summer break !
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.