Vanilla Lettings Huddersfield reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

If I could have put no stars I would of. Had the worst experience with vanilla for 2 years taking a long time to get back to us for Maintanence for mould, poor WiFi and lots of other issues. At the end of my tenancy I was surprised to find that 7 of us had been charged £80 each for cleaning charges when the house was cleaner when we left than when we moved in. When we moved in there was mould and dirt on the walls, shower doors hanging off, piles of rubbish at the front and back door, missing items such as iron and board, toaster and kettle, flies in the fridge the list could go on! So I am outraged that we have been charged £560 for cleaning. There are a money making business who do not care about students or there welfare. Avoid at all costs!

Georgina · 4 May 2019

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Incompetent, dubious, untrustworthy thieving. They will say whatever you want to hear to get you to sign the contract with them, leaving you with a filthy, dilapidated property to move into. On our move in day, despite being assured all of these issues would have been taken care of, the property had holes in the walls, carpets so filthy your feet turn to blacks moments after leaving the shower, damp and mould in the bedrooms and bathrooms, damaged/broken appliances and furniture throughout, garden overflowing with weeds, broadband so slow that only one person can be online at a time to send a facebook message and you can forget doing anything other than that as it'll time out when doing something as simple as ordering justeat, previous tenants waste left all over, and a months old turd in the toilet that had been spotted on on the initial viewing of the property. All of these being issues that we were told would be fixed prior to signing the contract. We had no help from Vanilla despite getting in touch with them several times in writing, on the phone and in person. Each time being told it would be sorted. The only thing they did fix was the internet, but only after months of pestering and finally with holding any further rent payments until it was fixed. Funnily when money was being withheld they managed to fix the issue within 24 hours. For a house of four students with uni deadlines, this was just unacceptable. We had to clean the house out ourselves, replace many appliances and make many fixes to the property including repainting rooms, having the carpets professionally cleaned and filling holes in walls. The picture is of all of the waste, broken furniture etc that we had to remove from the property. Despite acknowledging our efforts in an email, Vanilla still saw fit to try and charge us for cleaning at the end of our tenancy, trying to claim our deposits in full. Fortunately we had documented everything when we moved in, photographing every part of the house having heard from friends prior to move in what they were like. Make sure to photograph your inventory after filling it in, because you won't be given a copy by Vanilla. The photographs they presented as evidence for the need of cleaning were laughably weak. One photo was of the inside of the electricity metre box, which is outside of the property and locked by a key we were never given (pictured). Fortunately the DPS (Deposit Protection Scheme), saw things the way we did and awarded our full deposits back to us after a very very lengthy disputes process. Vanilla knows students need that money back and will try and claim what ever they think they can get away with knowing that most will simply take what they are given as they need whatever they can get. But stick with it, fight it, document everything and you will get your money back. Though all of this can be avoided by simply going with another agent. *Found out they have been sending emails out to their other tenants asking them to leave reviews to down vote mine. Referring to me as a nightmare and telling the world that I must be a bad guy because some people in the house fell out with others? Not really a professional way to deal with this kind of situation is it? "We've had an absolutely outrageous google review.. The guys a nightmare. Without going into detail he was responsible for 2 tenants leaving the property they rented together. Regardless - we are not going to get into a war of words.. any pals who would write a quick review to move it down the chain? Cheers Dan"

Adam · 29 January 2019

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Vanilla Lettings have been great at making us really comfortable in one of their studio flats, email/telephone correspondence was friendly and easy, maintenance requests were dealt with quickly and professionally, would really recommend.PositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism

Rachel · 22 June 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Great customer service and any issues are dealt with in a timely manner. Wonderful accommodation for students and professionals - having used Vanilla for the past 2 years I couldn't recommend them enough.

James · 30 July 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I had a very good experience with Vanilla Lettings. I have been renting from them since 2018. Especially with Richard, who has helped me with every step of the process. Thank you.

Sarmid · 3 September 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Vanilla provides wonderful and affordable accommodation for students and professionals in huddersfield. I have been with them for more than a year now and so far, I have not had any form of regrets. Believe me, when it comes to providing accommodations, they are top notch!

Johnson · 24 January 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Could not be more disappointed in the service from this letting agent. The house was in such a disgusting state on move in day that we had to call to complain, along with sending emails (one of which from a shocked family member that is yet to be replied to almost 2 years later) and even the cleaning staff they sent to the house agreed that they couldn't believe the state of the house and amount of broken furniture we had been left with. The agents made various specific promises at the initial viewing, such as having the walls repainted if we were to take the tenancy to remove the big black body grease stains along all the walls next to the beds. On move in however, we were told this wouldn't be done by them and they would provide no support to us if we wanted to do it ourselves, but they wouldn't charge us upon moving out for improving the property for them in this way. It cannot be stressed enough how thorough you need to be when doing your inventory checks on move in day and update them throughout your tenancy. Document and photograph every tiny thing and email them about everything instead of calling as you'll likely need the evidence at the end of the year, particularly if they fabricate lies to try to keep your deposit money as they did with us. You won't be given a copy of any pre-move in inventory or photos from them so it is literally on you to cover your own backs, and make sure you do it. Took us 9 months after moving out to finally be granted our whole deposit back since every time we tried to resolve the situation and prove their claims wrong we were simply ignored by Vanilla, until thankfully the DPS took over proceedings and granted us the whole deposit back as Vanilla simply couldn't provide the evidence for the ludicrous claims they were making for our money. We were warned against this company before moving in, all from people with nearly identical experiences to ours, and we wish we'd listened! The company even asks people to write positive reviews about them to bury these honest, negative reviews rather than addressing the issues with their service. Following another housemate posting a review of our experience, they've responded by ignoring the review and making slanderous, incorrect comments about us in emails to convince people to ignore the negative press they receive and give them a good rating. Unless you like being taken advantage of, I wholeheartedly suggest you rent from elsewhere.

Sarah · 4 May 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Whenever we had a problem, we reported it several times and it either never got resolved or took us at least 5 times of reporting it. When it came to deposit repayment, they were emailed with enquiries about the deductions, yet never received a reply. Yet when it came to money being paid to them they weren't at all hesitant in contacting you. They take full advantage of students and would never recommend to any student to use this letting agency.

Kiah · 4 May 2018

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

The team at Vanilla are professional, thorough and helpful throughout the entire process. They are honest and clear with a friendly approach, in detail they cover off contracts, payment processes, reporting processes and areas of responsibility so that all parties are happy upfront. Vanilla are really approachable and quick to respond to queries ensuring experiences with them remain positive. Compared to other agents, Vanilla go above and beyond in my opinion. I continue to hear good things about Vanilla and echo them!

Katie · 4 May 2018

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I found the Vanilla Lettings to be a very good agent, they had been recommended by a friend and I had no problems at all with them as an agency. I have been with a few agents and there is a lot of rubbish out there, Vanilla for me were one of the best. They explained the contract and how the payment system worked and that as tenants we were responsible to look after the property and report any issues and to keep it to a clean standard. They were always very approachable and had a system of reporting issues with the property. We found anything urgent they dealt with very quickly like the boiler not working or a leaking shower. Anything smaller like a light bulb or broken brush, they sorted these with contractor visits. What I liked in particular about Vanilla is they were understanding and in the contract they matched the rent payments to the timing of grants. Other agencies you had to pay a fixed amount each month which is really difficult to stick to , also other agencies charged you a fee for writing you a letter for late rent or if the house was not tidy. Vanilla were always very open and honest. At checkout they were very good, we had no issues and if we had any queries with how to clean things like the oven or the vents in the extractor, they were very helpful to recommend. They were also very clear about what was 'damage' and what was 'wear and tear', and you never felt ripped off, again other agencies charged you for ever single mark. Vanilla had a common sense approach and the policy was clear for example, if we did not clean at the end then had to pay for a cleaner, which is fair enough. No issues on recommendation would defiantly use again no problem.

Isabel · 4 May 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Vanilla Letting agency is absolutely to avoid. The staff is incompetent and has only one motivation; steal your money as much as possible. We had a lot of dangerous problems in our flat. Water leakage from electrical plugs. Despite many calls for help, we got a response only 3 weeks later. You will get ripped off the deposit for totally unjustified reasons. I am not talking about the unhealthy condition in which the flat was when we arrived (condoms used, bottles of alcohol on the sofas, dirt on the wall and appliances full of food left over). Moreover, it uses dubious practices, you will not get a copy of the inventory at the end. Your presence at the inventory, at the end of your contract is forbidden to better rip you off afterwards. Finally, this agency will not forget to retain 241 pounds of household for an apartment that you leave far cleaner than when you enter. I suggest you pass your way and contact another agency than Vanilla Letting, far more professional than this band of quacks. Do not forget to warn other students. You will avoid many worries.

Juliette · 29 January 2018

★★★★★ 5/5

View Agents

Great agent, fab properties and really helpful proactive staff

I've rented student houses from Vanilla for 2 years and have always been more than happy with the service they have provided. They gave us lots of options and were more than happy to do viewings to suit us. Whenever there have been problems they have been quick to respond and let us know when repairs would be carried out. The staff are really friendly and seem to know what students need. I would recommend Vanilla to any students looking for high quality, value for money houses or flats in Huddersfield.

Amanda · 7 December 2017

★★★★★ 5/5

View Agents

Excellent service, great property

I've been with Vanilla a couple of years now. I've also been with a private landlord for my first year. I would like to say that the service has been top notch to date, it's better being with an agent as you always know where to go if there is an issue. Any maintenance was promptly dealt with and I always found the office staff pleasant and helpful They also seem to have the best property available.

Rob · 29 September 2016

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

The team at Vanilla Lettings are really approachable and provide a 5 star service. Very professional and would recommend them to anyone.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value

Laura · 24 October 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Vanilla Lettings have been great at making us really comfortable in one of their studio flats, email/telephone correspondence was friendly and easy, maintenance requests were dealt with quickly and professionally, would really recommend.

Rachel · 26 August 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Everyone at Vanilla has been extremely helpful, with both finding a suitable property and assisting with general queries and extending a contract. Highly recommend choosing Vanilla to help find a good place to stay!

James · 29 April 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Everyone at Vanilla has been extremely helpful, with both finding a suitable property and assisting with general queries and extending a contract. Highly recommend choosing Vanilla to help find a good place to stay!

Jamie · 26 April 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Renting with this company has been very easy and delightful. The property is well kept and utilities provided were great. Customer service has also been amazing. Highly recommend for Students and Professionals.

SABAAH · 21 June 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

...Excellent service with high standards maintained in their properties.Their response to client needs is timely. I definitely recommend the brand for students based in Huddersfield.

Techy · 30 July 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I was dealing with Caitlin and recieved excellent service. I needed accommodation at very short notice and was provided a flat in the centre of town for a very reasonable price. Highly recommended.

Cameron · 22 April 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

View Agents

A High Quality Accommodation Provider Who Go the Extra Mile

I've rented with Vanilla twice now. Once before placement and in my final year after my placement. I was at Storthes Hall in the first year which was a bit of a nightmare. I had various constraints and Vanilla Lettings went above and beyond to help me find somewhere to live on both occasions. I would highly recommend to anyone thinking of renting student accommodation in Huddersfield. Thanks for all your help.

Gavin · 24 August 2017

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

i have rented with Vanilla while at university and they’ve always been very helpful right from the viewings to moving in and with getting my deposits back quickly. I would highly recommend them to everyone!

Joe · 3 March 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Terrible company. Will rent your property to undesirable scum without thorough referencing checks. Avoid Possible damage to your properties from poor tenant choosing

Harold · 30 July 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I have been renting with Vanilla for more than two years and I have absolutely no complains. They are all very nice and professional, it's a trustworthy company!PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism

Vera · 22 June 2021