William H Brown March reviews in Fenland

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

William H Brown Misled and lack of communication

Misled and lack of communication - William H Brown Holbeach. We viewed a lovely property on the Saturday, made an offer on the Monday at 9am when the office opened, told no other offers. We were also told vendors were usually quite quick at replying. I phoned again Monday late afternoon nothing heard from vendors. I phoned Tuesday twice and Wednesday late afternoon, only to be told another LOWER offer had been taken, cash offer, someone whos offer was rejected previously!!!!!! I asked if they had told the vendors we were close to our chain of 3 completing and we had no mortgage, they simply stated they work for their clients!!!!! They could not care a less, very off hand. Previously to this and only a couple of months earlier a similar thing happened on another property we put an offer in for, and sellers withdrew, we would not have known if I had not chased William H Brown. Also trying to book viewings across Norfolk William H Brown were the only estate agents who never phoned back with confirmation, they expected us to do all the chasing. Disgusting firm lacking communication skills, we now will not look at properties with any William H Brown anymore.

Sally · 5 April 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

If I could give -100 stars I would

If I could give -100 stars I would we have been totally conned by William h brown lowestoft,they are the worst company I have ever dealt with,they haven’t got a clue it’s just grab as much money off as many people as they can,we were advised by William h brown lowestoft to take an offer for our house later we found out there was a higher offer of £4500 more only reason is that they were doing mortgage for our buyer,totally wrong they don’t care as long as they fill there big pockets

Alison · 2 April 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Pretty much useless

I've had two experiences with WHB - neither very successful. The first time after I went with a different agent I had a phone call from an irate WHB agent berating me for having the nerve to go with somebody else. It was through gritted teeth I went with them a second time a few years later but there were reasons behind it. However despite using a different branch they turned out to be pretty much useless at doing the one thing they are supposed to be good at; i.e. selling a house. Inept, uninterested, poor service, a smattering of viewings over 3 months after being told 'supply can't keep up with demand' and all the usual spiel. Cancelled the contract before the 20 weeks was up and so glad to be free from this shoddy outfit. Avoid at all costs.

PHIL · 31 March 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

CLACTON LETTINGS - WARNING

LANDLORDS: DO NOT USE W. H. BROWNMy tenant is now £4,100.00 IN ARREARS with the rent (several months), on a W.H. BROWN RENT COLLECTION CONTRACT.Many of the people at this branch are very pleasant - and that includes O. H., who has helped me to the best of his ability and remit. However, other staff members have lied or failed to act upon instructions - to disastrous effect.I was misled by K.L. (who has left the office) and associate. I told them repeatedly - in writing as well as in conversation - that I would only accept direct payment by Tendring District Council or the DWP, in the case of benefits tenants. Under no circumstances would I accept a benefits tenant who wanted to pay me themselves.K.L. told me that s/he had found a direct-payment tenant for me, but that the guarantor would only cover 50% of the rent, in a default. I accepted this arrangement, because staff had told me that I would be paid directly by the Council - a de facto guarantor of the rent. I have never previously had any rental arrears, when paid directly by TDC.However, at no point have I received a single direct payment from the Council. My tenant paid the deposit and first month's rent herself, and then fell into permanent arrears from the second month onwards.Until last August, Sequence (part of the Rent Collection team) did not send out any arrears letters to the Guarantor, as it was supposed to do. I was told that by someone in their office! In fact, most of the chasing last summer was done by me, using the threat of eviction and county court judgments.I know that staff from W. H. Brown had tried to establish direct payment, because when I contacted the DWP in September 2021, to see whether my tenant had made the new claim she promised me she had, the DWP wrote back to me as though I were J.G., who works in the Clacton lettings office. "Dear J.G, etc., etc." That meant that he had previously been in touch with them - but nobody had told me that DWP was not going to pay the rent directly to me.Sequence said that there was only so much they could do to get the rent in. So be warned, landlords.HOW THINGS STAND NOW - AND WHY ALL LANDLORDS NEED TO AVOID W.H. BROWN.I am in discussion with the manager, T. R. I wrote to him at length about the situation, and we spoke briefly on Friday 11th March 2022. So far, he has refused to accept any liability. My case will hold up in a court of law - because I can prove it by email - but he, so far, refuses to accept any financial liability for his staff's actions, or to give me any material help in removing the tenant - which I regard him as honour-bound to do, in the circumstances. Normally evictions are paid for only under a full management contract. However, my position is that his company should pay for and carry out the eviction - seeing as it put this woman into my house by deception.So far, it refuses to do so.I am not a rich person. I have been self-employed my entire career. I have saved hard and bought this small house, for financial independence in retirement. My husband and I spent £17,000.00 putting it to rights. We have tried to be the best landlords we can.I told W.H. Brown staff that after all of this expense, it was essential that I did not end up with the wrong tenant. But I have! The bloom has been taken off a freshly-renovated house by a tenant who has a television in every room (4 + a computer) - but refuses to sell them to pay me - and who would never have got through the front door, if K. L. and colleague had told me the truth, instead of telling me that TDC would pay me directly, when nothing had been arranged.I ADVISE ALL LANDLORDS TO GO ELSEWHERE. Do NOT do business with a company where the MANAGEMENT REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS STAFF'S FAILURES AND UNTRUTHS.For me to change this review, W.H.B. must take responsibility for what has happened.

A · 17 March 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Letting staff very rude and unhelpful - basically after renting property were told any issues with the place were down to the tenant and should be dealt with by tenant. Took then 5 months to sort out monthly payments after paying 6 weeks in advance to have rent taken on 1st of each month so always looked like in arrears. Basically very poor experience and very rude staff. would not recommend them to any oneNegativeQuality

Lorraine · 23 October 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Awful Experience for Renters

In my experience, properties let by William H Brown are horrendous. They are happy to take your money for a property that is full of mould and to list the rent price as well above what it’s worth compared to other letting agents. They don’t seem to vet the landlords they work with whatsoever, and won’t do a thing if those landlords are abusive or criminally negligent because they typically don’t manage the properties.If you see a house to let with a William H Brown sign, avoid it.

Tristan · 13 March 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

If I could give 0 stars I would. Stay away from William H brown

If I could give 0 stars I would.Worst company ever, lack of communication or care for any situation at all. We been waiting for our deposit back for 10 months now and still haven't had answers on it, they keep finding excuses or missing our calls. My advice is stay away from them.

Jess · 21 May 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Stay away from this estate agents

As a person looking to rent please stay far away. They don't repair properly managed by them or even have the landlord repair, instead they will find a way to hold your deposit when you move out. Joining hands with landlords chasing tenants.

Alfred · 3 November 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Unethical and Incompetent

Worse estate agent I have ever had dealings with, and it seems I’m not the only one. Unethical, and incompetent to the point that I now avoid houses marketed by them on Rightmove.During our time house hunting on this occasion we’ve also come across many vendors who had had tried them and had to switch.Would actively avoid for both buying and selling unless you enjoy being gazumped and ignored. Or have a soft spot for moving goal posts.If however lies and reneged deals are your bag - these are the guys for you.

Dave · 3 March 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Paige Anderson, at William H Brown was lovely. She was very helpful and knowledgeable, she understood what our housing needs were and managed to help us find the perfect rental property.

Laura · 10 October 2023

★★★★★ 4/5

Trustpilot

Thank you Ethan for your professionalism

Ethan was very professional and rectified some issues during finding a tenant for me. I would highly recommend Ethan at WHB.

Mel · 26 April 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Amy was so helpful

Amy was so helpful! She was very professional and ensured I found the right place and moved in smoothly.

Haley · 20 June 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

1st time buyer, hung up on me!

I'm a first time buyer and had no idea about placing mortgages with a bank first. I rang to enquire about one of their homes. That I have enough for a deposit on, and told them I'm not sure about the process. As soon as I said I don't about the process and asked for more information since I am considering one of their homes in future, they hung up. And didn't pick up my next call when i rang back. They blocked my number. I guess they're not okay with giving out advice on buying one of their own homes

Emmanuella · 14 January 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

If I could give zero stars I would

If I could give zero stars I would. 1 star they dont even deserve.

Char · 8 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

The worst estate agents I have come…

The worst estate agents I have come across. I was simutaneously buying and selling. I recieved quotes for a valuation, which had been cancelled 4 times. Head office book it in, and the branch staff cancel. They gave me a figure over the phone and said they won't take it on - because of XYZ reason (not enough money in it for them)After this i complained, and thought I would neevr buy with them, although most people go to these Del boys, do NOT purchase your most important purchase with these absolute crafty lot. They are unprofessional, agree to numerous people that they mix you up in emails, and in the end gazump you. They play you off one another, and mostly dishonest. We were so disheartened, in the end we went with any other agent BUT them and found agents who treated us as valued buyers and sellers.Whats more is, if you don't go with their recommended broker Ashley then forget it!!! Not a chance, they just literally tick you off.Honestly save your money from these crooks!!

Farhana · 7 January 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

March branch lettings - one star might be too many

William H Brown managed my rental property for just under 2 years. In that time, they made numerous mistakes. Too many examples to list them all but things such as putting the wrong tenancy dates on a contract addendum and failing to take out an insurance policy that they had assured me had been actioned. Further, communication was dire and I was often promised emails and call backs that never materialised. Following complaints, I received “good will gestures” equivalent to several months fees, which was about the only good thing to come of my time with them, but in no way compensated for the stress they caused me. My advice would be…avoid at all costs.

Laura · 6 January 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Charly and Molly were very helpful in…

Charly and Molly were very helpful in my first time becoming a Landlord. They were always pleasant. William h brown fees were also reasonable.

Martyn · 20 December 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Let my flat out to them about 4 years…

Let my flat out to them about 4 years ago. The first year or two they were very good with keeping me up to date with things such as annual boiler check and electrical check and informing me of any other repairs etc. Also did there regular spot checks every three months or so and reported back to myself on there findings. Earlier on they were great as I said earlier but things started to change even before covid 19. The regular checks literally stop to a point where I had to keep chasing them with what’s going on as I wasn’t directly involve with the tenants. It got to the point where the tenants got my number off my neighbour just to inform me that things there needed fixing and I wasn’t been made aware of from the agents even though they were telling them things needed doing which I don’t blame them for in that aspect. I felt that I had to get so involved in the running of the letting to the point where I said to them what was the point of paying you for full management of the place when I didn’t want the stress of it. This carried on for a number of months of me chasing the agents up on what’s going on with the place, leaving messages and NEVER get a call back from them regarding an issue. Even when it came up to eventually getting the tenants out by giving them three months notice and them not willing to leave William H brown were no help at all. It felt like they washed there hands of the situation and left it with my solicitors to deal with. I find there business as a whole was acted very unorganised with no help to me whatsoever and that I would NEVER use or recommend them for letting to anyone. It took exactly a whole year from August from the first initial letter of eviction to finally get the tenants out. Now with the tenants out this whole thing has costed me a lot of money and to even get the deposit back now is another issue. This is certainly a lesson learned and to be weary of estate agents such as William H brown by giving them full control of your property and given in to by there lies.

Dee · 27 December 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

The absolute worst !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The absolute worst !!!!!!!!!!!!!!They said we needed a guarantor or to pay 6 months rent upfront despite the fact we make 100k a year between us and rent was £750 a month! They then declined our guarantor who makes 10k a month so we paid the 6 months upfront. Then when we received the keys I noticed they hadn’t done the disgusting bathroom I was promised was being done during the viewing!!!!!! We could not live with the bathroom in the state that it was (honestly vile!!!!) so they’ve said we can have early release however are liable for the rent until they have new tenants … which they do however absolutely no rush to give our money back while I had 2 weeks to find somewhere else !!!!! Oh and how funny our new estate agents never even considered us needed a guarantor . I’ve also been calling to find out about our £5,400 and 6 days in a row they promised me a call back and I never got one. Honestly the absolute pits!!!!!!!!! Almost left me homeless before Xmas and are keeping our money they never should of had. Vile company.

Ana · 17 December 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

This company is a big joke

This company is a big joke. Each occasion there is a fault in the property I'm renting it takes minimum 6 to 12 weeks for some one to come out to check it. then another few weeks for it to be repaired. Their customer service is such a shame and you get cut off the phone each time you want to speak to someone. I haven't had a proper shower in months due to the fault in the bathroom, each time i call i was apologised to and told someone will ring me back. I've informed them i'll be using a local electrican to fix this and will deduct the charge from the rent plus inconveinence. You may want to look elsewhere before renting from this organisation

Frank · 3 December 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Over value properties, avoid

Over value properties, they promise feedback, so far we have had none.The one viewing they did manage to book turned out to be a neighbour, really awkward as the agent didn’t turn up and we were having that awkward meet the nosey neighbour on your doorstep situation

Isobelle · 3 August 2024

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

Barking Branch need customer service lessons

dealt with staff there for a property i had to sell.

Alan · 28 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Chrystal peaks sheffield branch

Chrystal peaks sheffield branch : Turn up late for viewings . Very ignorant staff with zero communication skills on the phone especially when purchasing and submitting offers , thats if they even answer the phone . Don't expect a call back either . Pretty sure they have a buyer for certain propertys before it even goes on the market as i am finding with one or two other estate agents. Avoid these amateurs with their traffic warden attitudes at all costs

D · 10 November 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Paige is just a superstar

Steven · 23 October 2020