Every review we hold for the Manchester office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleTo all Young/ new renters: DO NOT IGNORE THIS REVIEW.
Avoid this letting agency like the plague, as tempting and attractive the reduced rent may seem, it certainly isn’t worth the mental distress. From the complaints team to the account managers, namely, LOUISE GORTON, are absolutely useless. They will exploit you and withhold your deposit from you at the end of the tenancy. You will make a number of complaints regarding faults in the property only for said faults to come out of your deposit. This company feeds off young and inexperienced renters, do not become victim to this and rent elsewhere!!!!!
Do not trust the 5 star reviews, renters are bribed with a 1 month rent free raffle, which can only be entered by leaving a 5 star google review.
Yaf · 11 November 2023
Agent replied · 30 December 2023
Hello Yaf,
Thank you for your review, which is a disappointing read.
Ascend strongly refute the allegations made. We work really hard to provide excellent customer service to all our tenants.
Unfortunately upon you vacating the property, works were required which have been proposed as a deduction to your deposit. We have advised you of these works, along with a report including photographs comparing the condition of the property when you moved in, versus when you vacated.
Our team, along with our complaints manager has been in touch with you to discuss the concerns you have raised. Our team have clearly explained the process for the return of your deposit, and directed you to the deposit scheme where your deposit is held. As your complaint is now regarding time frames for the deposit scheme to assess your dispute, Ascend are unable to assist.
We therefore recommend once again you contact the deposit scheme if you are unhappy with their timescales.
Ascend run various incentives and competitions for tenants. Whilst Ascend ask for reviews in return for an entry into a prize draw, we do not require the review to be a particular star rating, we are simply requesting feedback for our service.
Kind regards,
The Ascend Team
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleHave used Ascend for 4 years to manage my flat in Liverpool.
During the pandemic they found poor tenants with minimal vetting, carried out no inspections (even after restrictions were lifted).
After I made my own inspection I had to alert them to the problems they were missing. When the tenant left my place in an aweful state, their own agent admitted this was terrible.
Finally, I received demands from debt collectors for unpaid council tax bills from a void period that the agent never passedon to me. Ascend claim they never received the 3 reminders from the council and refused to take any liability for their mismanagement. I lost £600 in fees and a significant knock to my own credit rating.
A large agency that likes to charge management fees but doesn't actually manage. Stay clear - I'm sure there are better options out there!
Ashok · 11 November 2023
Agent replied
Mr Menon
We do sympathise with the obstacles you have faced with tenants during your management service, we are understandably limited in our control over how a tenant acts once committed to a tenancy, but we do appreciate the feedback.
As we use an external referencing agent for all the referencing of new tenants, the vetting is uniformly based from the same criteria, and it would therefore be impossible for any tenant to receive differing or minimal screening. We do regret that interim inspections had to be placed on hold for a time during the pandemic, this was a business decision taken to protect the welfare of our staff and customers, they have however since been re-instated at the agreed frequency under the terms of the Managed Service Agreement.
We note that you have raised the same concerns over penalties incurred for your liability on unpaid council tax during a void period through our internal complaints procedure, which has already received fair hearing and wasn’t escalated any further by yourself, but we welcome you to contact the team should there remain any questions on this.
The Ascend Team
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleProper horrible company, if you can help it do not use them. We moved out due to mould in our room that we reported non stop but nothing ever done about it. To make it even worse they then took £450 off our deposit with mould as one of the deductions, still not had the deposit back about 4 months later 🤯 the only reason they have any good reviews is because they bribe people by saying they can get 1 months rent free with a 5 star review when they first move in!
Joel · 11 November 2023
Agent replied · 30 December 2023
Hello Joel,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback - however, we are sorry to hear you were not happy with the service on this occasion.
With regards to mould in the property, we did arrange for a contractor to visit and investigate this, who advised that this was due to a build up of condensation and a lack of ventilation.
Currently nothing has been taken from your deposit, the funds are held with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and you have been advised of the process if you are not in agreement with the potential charges that have been put forward, based on the evidence in the checkout report. We would recommend that you contact the TDS to progress matters with regards to the deposit.
If you have any more queries in relation to your deposit, please feel free to contact your Property Manager, Faye Newton, who will be happy to assist.
Kind regards,
The Ascend Team
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleHats off to Ascend; after 8 years of renting in Manchester, I thought I had seen it all but, I can confirm that this company took useless to a whole new level. Extreme lack of communication during any and all issues but don't worry, they will be right on the other end of the phone when they need something from you. I can't decide whether I am more surprised by or jealous of those who have left positive reviews; certainly would have made the last 2 years of my life a lot easier. Good luck to anyone who takes the plunge and rents with them, you'll need it.
Katherine · 11 November 2023
Agent replied · 30 December 2023
Hi Katherine,
Thank you for your review, although we are obviously disappointed to read your feedback.
We would like the opportunity to discuss your experience further, please contact the Manchester Team on 0161 637 8336 and ask for the branch manager. We will be happy to hear any concerns. Many thanks, Ascend Manchester Team.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGreat experience with Ascend Properties. The team was professional and supportive throughout the process. …
Majeed · 13 March 2026
Agent replied · 13 April 2026
Hi Majeed,
Thank you for the great review! … More
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleCompany doesn’t know what day it is let alone what properties they are advertising, they have no communication with landlords. Would not advise using for lettings.
Open · 8 August 2026
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleDO YOU LIKE COWBOYS? THEN THIS IS COMPANY FOR YOU! They are incompetent at best. The rent went up and they failed to tell me for a whole year. Then they wanted me to pay it immediately. A wall on our property blew down in a storm and Mohammed just tells us constant lies now entering week 7 and it's still not even been looked at. Avoid this company like the plague.YEEEEEHAH!
Nick · 14 February 2024
Agent replied · 21 March 2024
Hi Nick,
Thank you for your review and I’m sorry to hear of your experience.
As previously discussed with the team, a rent increase notice was served to you and is legally valid. The rent increase is therefore due.
Unfortunately, your fence became loose in recent bad weather. Your landlord asked for various options to replace and repair which took some time to obtain. I can confirm your landlord has now approved the quote for repair and the works should now be complete.
If you wish to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact the Ascend Team.
Kindest regards,
Ascend
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAdam Fairhurst is being very helpful and always responds quickly, I'm looking forward to moving into my new home, I'm currently in the referral process, I'll update next steps here. So far everything has been great. I'm hoping everything works out.PositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism
Suelen · 21 June 2022
Agent replied · 20 June 2024
Hi Suelen, thank you for your kind words. I will pass them on to Adam. Any issues along the way, please do not hesitate to call Adam or branch directly on 0161 637 8336! Good luck with the move!
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI am extremely disappointed, I have never come across such a useless agency. When we try to get in contact with them they are unable to do something as simple as responding to an email and when we email about stuff being broken they say they are unable to fix this which is their duty absolutely ridiculous. They don’t even deserve a one star review
Amy · 15 May 2024
Agent replied · 20 June 2024
Hello Amy,
Thank you for your review and I'm sorry that your experience has not been positive. Unfortunately we have been unable to locate you on our systems so have been unable to contact you to discuss your review. Please contact our Ascend Team so we can discuss further.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleAfter a very professional canvassing service getting me to rent the flat, once I have moved it seems in I am no longer a priority and the highly stressful nightmare has begun due to their negligence and unprofessionalism. If they rectify matters quickly I will remove this review but it seems the lack of respect they show their clients is breathtaking. Ascend Manchester have failed to properly project manage prior to letting a furnished flat based on move in date insisted on and assured by them. The consequence being the property is without blinds or the means to hang temporary curtains for privacy or sleep due to the nature of the large windows. Therefore I cannot yet dwell in the property rented from the 15th Feb 2021 which I have moved my belongs into. There is no privacy or curtaining to sleep. After many emails and phone calls, many disrespectfully ignored, no timeline has been given for the completion of the blinds with the suggestion from the property manager of it taking up to 4 weeks in a phone call yesterday 16th February. I can stay in my previous flat until the 20th February as I currently have a bed there but will have to take a hotel after this time if the blinds are still not fitted. I have offered the concession of just fitting blinds in the bedroom I sleep imminently but have still not received a reply to this suggestion by Ascend management team. MORE: Adding to this with more on the 15th April. Issue with internal door handle not working and front door hand weak - making it easier to break in and making me feel insecure in my own home - due to inadequate door fixtures - still not repaired after 3 weeks since reporting through their system. Wood and temporary curtain left in my flat by the agent for almost 2 months since February. I'm living in a brand new apartment here.NegativeResponsiveness, Professionalism
Jamie · 21 June 2021
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGreat experience working with Ektha. Really helpful and very quick at getting back to us. Quickest process to date with moving !
Stan · 22 July 2026
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleVery disappointing service with regards to fixing a problem within the flat. There is an awful sewage smell that comes from behind the kitchen sink and this has been ongoing for 4 months (16 weeks) and is yet to fixed.
The smell is so bad I have been sick on numerous occasions and causing me a lot of stress.
I noticed the issue as soon as I moved in and I reported it immediately. I contacted Ascend on a weekly basis to chase them up as they were not taking this seriously. After 8 weeks they finally sent a contractor however the issue was not fixed.
I reported it again and every time I contact someone, I get a generic “we will get in touch with our contractors” and I get no updates unless I chase them up.
Being forced to smell horrible sewage odour everyday has had an impact on my general health and also affected my ability to work (as I work from home).
I am baffled how a company of this size is completely incapable of dealing with this issue.
Ash · 1 February 2021
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBeen a pleasure going through everything and Corey who has dealt with us has been fantastic from start to finish. Everything was made easy and he was highly responsive with us and didn't hesitate to answer any questions we had. Thank you Corey.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Thomas · 21 June 2021
Agent replied · 20 June 2024
Many thanks Thomas. Great to hear positive comments on the team. Good luck with the move!
★★★★★ 3/5
GoogleGood experience so far, the agent that showed me around my prospective property was friendly and helpful. Referencing and contract process is very efficient and easy.
However, fees are a little high compared to other letting agents and Ascend seem rather unflexible when it comes to check in locations. If there's an office in Deansgate, I should be able to go and collect my keys from there instead of travelling out of my way to Sale.
There is also a clause in the standard tenancy agreements that states that the energy to the property will be initially be supplied by Spark Energy. I have had issues with Spark Energy in the past in other rented properties. Wasn't able to convince Ascend to remove that clause from the contract even though I would be responsible for all energy bills, but have had assurances that it will be better this time.
Hopefully will be a pleasant tenancy period and everything will go smoothly after moving in.
David · 30 December 2020
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleCourtney has been really helpful in assisting us finding a property and has been really efficient in processing our interest. He is really open and honest about all the costs, which is greatly appreciated! Claudia and Beth are also really polite and helpful when I have phoned to arrange viewings! Thank you!
Molly · 15 January 2019
Agent replied
Hi Molly,
Thanks for the great review and compliments about our hard-working staff. Have fun in your new home!
Ascend Properties Manchester
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleNeeded to move house during the Covid 19 situation, and Ewan and Amanda at Ascend were on it!! We recieved video viewings of the property, it was take off the market immediately and we were guided throughout the whole process. In less than a week we've gone from looking for a property to waiting for the keys to OUR house??!
All this during lockdown and social distancing ??!!
Cannot recommend Ewan and the whole team at Ascend highly enough????????.
Hats off to you guys
Jordan & Emma
Jordan · 7 June 2020
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGood company, very responsive to emails and always professional!
Niamh was excellent in helping my friend and I find a flat and got back to us with numerous options that fit our needs. Would recommend Ascend!PositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism
Jack · 21 June 2022
Agent replied · 20 June 2024
Hi Jack, many thanks for your kind words. I will pass this over to Niamh & the team! Good luck with the move!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleStrongly recommend Adam Fairhurst! Thanks for helping me and my friend to secure a property that I like very much! Very professional and smooth viewing experience and amazing follow-up speed. It's the best rental experience I've ever had in Manchester.
Siqi · 26 July 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleIt’s our first time buying property, we’re so glad to have Ektha and her team to help us.
When I had questions, her responses was so quick everytime! everything was clear and organized, and facilitated the process smoother.
A very good experience at all.
Man · 15 May 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI am a danish citizen and we do not have estate agents in my country. And everything I read online screamed at how horrid it is to rent through. However I must say ascend did very well dealing with me and my probably 40 calls in a week to ask a million questions and rushing them to confirm background checks and the likes. I’d like to personally thank Lucy Sexton for being so accommodating and helpful to me as I was completely unaware of how long everything should take and felt impatient as in Denmark you sign on the day and transfer deposit etc within a week of moving in. So having to wait and pay holding deposits had me uneasy but Lucy helped me feel reassured all the way. If you are a foreigner or looking for an estate agency that won’t muck you about I’d recommend this one, however I have no experience in any other ones. Office was nice and clean and our new house is amazing. Location quite good, good safety (alarm and such). Size very nice and price is amazingly cheap (for what you get in my opinion) I will soon ask to extend my lease here as I am a very happy customer. The only thing I do not know yet is my utility prices. I don’t have any complaints and that is quite rare for me haha.
TheAmania · 8 February 2020
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleVery bad experience. As soon as I signed the contract, it went from bad to sour. They took over a week to sort out my mailbox, over 3 months to get me a fob (I got locked out over & over again, they couldn't care less). Evetually moved out and left the place pristine, and they charged me £200
for 'cleaning fees'. They have a flashy website, they treat their customers like dirt. Don't sign with them, they're shameless.
Oscar · 30 December 2022
Agent replied
Hello Oscar,
I am sorry to learn that your experience through Ascend hasn’t been a positive one, we do however welcome all constructive feedback from tenants in our pursuit of maintaining the high standards of service which many accredit us with.
Whilst the delay in receiving your fob was regrettable, it is important to note that this was not initially required to access the building due to you having been provided a code for the keypad. When the keypad itself had stopped working, we then expedited an order from the block management agent, Zenith Management who it is who would be responsible for issuing tenants with new fobs.
Upon leaving the property, it was found at the inspection that some cleaning works were required. This work was then completed and proposed as a charge to your deposit, had you disagreed with this charge you had the right to raise a dispute with the nominated deposit scheme, as you had chosen to not do this, and additionally confirmed to your property manager that you wanted the remainder of the deposit returned, we dutifully complied.
It is our opinion that we have acted appropriately throughout the management of your property, but should you wish to discuss any concerns in more detail, I would be happy to arrange a follow up call with your property manager to see how we can assist further.
The Ascend Team
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleBEWARE. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!
Future and current tenants, please be aware how this agency operates. My window was smashed 2 weeks ago and there have been absolutely no resolution from the property management. I practically had to beg chasing just to get window boarded up, something that agency should have had arranged within 24 hrs. Please note that agency asked me to board it up myself. And I had no choice as to cover it with peace of cardboard. Due to location of my flat and fact that the smashed window and 2 cracked windows are in my only bedroom, with a peace of cardboard, I had to drag mattress and sleep in the kitchen area due to obvious reasons and the fact absolutely freezing (peace of cardboard does not help!).
The windows were FINALLY boarded up after 14 days. And I had to find alternative accommodation with no help from the agency, paying myself, until it’s done. Also property manager suggested I put a note on window as preventative measure for the future smashed windows, saying ‘please be quiet baby is sleeping’ as a resolution (I don’t even have a baby!). I am yet to receive any resolution from ascend despite issues in the flat including 3 windows smashed currently, and having had no hot water for 1.5 months when moved in with no compensation.
To be honest, as someone who works in property management I can say the service is completely appalling and nobody deserved to live in such squalor, in freezing conditions and fearing their security every night. I have nothing further to say I am completely drained by this situation and completely shocked that people can be treated this way by their lettings agency. I would like to comment that I really did not want to put review but unfortunately this is my only option as they have not had decency to pick up the phone call me even.
Absolutely appalling.
Natasha · 11 November 2022
Agent replied
We are sorry to hear of the issues you have experienced in your apartment. We work hard to ensure our team offer the best levels of customer service at all times, sadly there has been damage to your apartment from vandalism.
As you are aware, we worked with you and your landlord in order to agree a resolution acceptable to all involved. We have been in touch with you continually since the incident and you have both your property managers details and emergency out of hours details should you need us at any time.
Your property manager was in touch with you throughout and the landlord agreed to you vacating the property as you requested. I hope you have settled into your new home.
Kind Regards, PM Team
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleDealing with Ascend has been a tiring experience. They will either gaslight you or refuse to acknowledge any mistakes, no matter how much proof you send them.
The bar they have for themselves is unbelievably low, I had a sofa in a furnished rented property that had upholstery flaking from day one and metal springs coming up through the cushions which threw you off but they did nothing, this is what they deem acceptable. Clearly it was not usable, they confirmed this themselves in the checkout report (the key detail they ignore) but still don't acknowledge they made a mistake by not replacing it. They said the landlord refused to replace but he says he never knew about the issue. It shouldn't matter, either way it wasn't usable and they should have stepped in.
They also attempted to deduct from the deposit maintenance fees for things we provided in hand to them that they accepted (with photo proof) and things that were never in the property, they still don't acknowledge this.
They will never hold themselves to the same standard as they hold their tenants. Do yourself a favour and avoid them.
EDIT: Further case of gaslighting below in their reply and incorrect information as well as sharing personal information I did not consent to. The maintenance fees were incorrect, you attempted to charge for things as they already were. You minimised my initial comment on the sofa in your reply and fail to mention I received no reply when I informed my property manager it deteriorated. Nothing in my review was incorrect.
AJL · 11 November 2022
Agent replied · 30 December 2023
Hi Ash,
Thank you for your review and I'm sorry to hear your experience with Ascend hasn't been positive on this occasion.
We have provided a full response to all your questions within your emails. You requested for a replacement sofa stating it was uncomfortable in early 2020, however this request was declined by the landlord. You made no further comment or request regarding the sofa during your tenancy.
Works were required to the property following you vacating, including cleaning, bulb replacement and repairs. You dropped one bulb into our office, but the other works were still required. We have provided a copy of the contractors invoice for the works completed.
As stated within our emails, you can contact the TDS to raise a dispute should you not agree with any of the proposed deductions. This is a free service provided by the deposit scheme.
Should you have any further queries, do not hesitate to contact us.
I hope you have settled well into your new home.
Edited to add additional comment below:
Your additional comments have been taken on board and the sincerity of our apology still stands, but whilst we respect everyone has their own opinion, your accusations of gaslighting are extreme, and wholly unsubstantiated. Additionally, any information provided within our response to your review has been transparent, and provides a true overview of events, there has certainly been no breach of personal data as alleged.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI used the Monton branch to sell my property in Monton and found them to be excellent. They presented the property brilliantly and then clearly detailed the position of every viewing and offer. Once a sale was agreed they were brilliant at keeping me in the loop and were always available to answer any queries. The sale was a fairly difficult one with one really slow solicitor in the chain and they pushed the sale along nicely. They always got back to me throughout this period when it would have been easier to dodge my calls as there were many difficulties that were out of their control.
Annabelle conducted the viewings and was really friendly, Amanda moved the sale along in the background and Laura managed the whole process.
Shaun · 11 November 2022
Agent replied
Hi Shaun, thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We love to receive positive feedback & I will ensure that Annabelle & Laura get to read your kind words. Many thanks, Ascend Deansgate Team.
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