Every review we hold for the Oxford office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleWe had a horrible experience renting from this outfit, stay clear.
Hoover provided with live wire exposed, Cooker replaced and fitted with power cable running across worktop, council had to come in and force them to do work at which point they changed a previously agreed tenancy. Their band of bodge-it and scarper handy men turn up squirt a bit of expanding foam at the problem and bugger off, dumping the trade waste in your bin. Mostly they don’t have a clue, booking appointments and not turning up, doing nothing or messing it up unless you project manage it yourself. As noted in other reviews they will expect to rinse a few parting pounds of your deposit. Completely unreliable, untrustworthy bunch of Dickensian factotums with illusions of grandeur.
Jon · 28 July 2019
Agent replied
Dear Jon, I am at something of a loss...... As you have renewed your tenancy so many times over the last five years, I had reasonably assumed that you were happy, not only with the property, but also the service you were receiving from College and County? You will also remember how hard we have worked with you to try and resolve the ingress issue with the rodent problem. If the inventory clerk missed an exposed wire on the hoover on your way into the property I am very sorry. If you remember, you asked the council to attend the property, and they agreed that the works required needed vacant possession; this was something that we had been saying for some time? As far as deposits are concerned, it is the landlord not us that proposes any deductions...... you will also be aware that there is a very thorough mechanism for contesting any proposed deductions that you consider unreasonable, and we do not release any disputed sums until there is full agreement from both parties. As far as the last sentence is concerned, I would certainly contest that we are unreliable, and untrustworthy, we are not Dickensian, and any grandeur you or others might ascribe to us, is not something that we are aware of, so could hardly be illusory?
★★★★★ 3/5
GoogleDuring the year college and county were acceptable, they replaced our oven after we told them a few times that the ignition was broken making it dangerous to light. this was appreciated.
Our issues came when leaving the property, first of all they were unwilling to change the date or even the time of the check out appointment so that one of the tenants was able to get there.
Then they initially tried to deduct an unreasonable amount from the deposit. they claimed things were missing, when they were never present. In fairness to them when we appealed against this they backed down and returned some of the deposit.
Alexander · 28 July 2019
Agent replied
Alexander, thank you for your comments. I am pleased that you found the overall experience of being with College and County a positive one. On the matter of deposit return, you will be aware that we only hold it..... Our Client, your landlord, proposes any deductions, and if you disagree with the proposal, we try and negotiate resolution. Generally we are able to assist with a solution as we hold copies of all relevant documents, but in the one or two cases each year where there is an en-pass, either party has the right to go to the Dispute Service to adjudicate.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe chose College & County as our letting agent and property manager as our son rented through them while at university, and we were extremely impressed with their operation from a tenant's perspective.
Now we are on the other side as a property owner, and I cannot speak more highly of them. They are professional and efficient, and are excellent at keeping us informed about what is happening with the property. The rental process runs smoothly, and work we have had done on the house has been managed in an efficient and cost effective manner with minimum disruption to the tenants.
I would not hesitate to recommend them to both tenants and landlords.
Jennifer · 28 July 2019
Agent replied
Jenifer, very pleased to hear that you have experienced the service from both sides. We firmly believe that by providing exceptional service to our clients whilst fulfilling our duty of care to your tenants is in the best interests of the property asset we are charged with managing. Thank you for your affirmation that Ethical Letting works!
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleWe were very disappointed with the service we received from College and County. On arrival, the house was filthy! The carpets were dirty and had clearly not been hoovered as there were toe nails scattered throughout the bedroom and living room. The sofas were badly stained. The bathroom was extremely moldy as was the office room. The grass in the garden was above waist level. We contacted college and county who agreed to send a gardener and professional cleaners. Although we have no complaints with regards to the gardeners, the professional cleaners consisted of a man and a woman, a bottle of bleach and a toothbrush. After a two minute attempt at scrubbing the bathroom, they accepted defeat and the woman spent the rest of the time in the living room texting. We complained again and they agreed to repaint the ceiling in the bathroom but unfortunately this only masked the problem and the mould quickly came through again. In the end, we loaned a steam cleaner and cleaned both the carpets and the bathroom ourselves. To add to all this, the boiler was broken and took weeks of us phoning College and County and them sending people out to tell us nothing was wrong until finally they located the problem. Fast forward 2 years and they had the audacity to charge us £90 pounds at check out because there was rubbish INSIDE our wheelie bins which we had left outside for council collection in a few days times. We had left the house in a vastly improved state, spotlessly clean and with newly planted flowers in the garden. After nearly six months of exchanging emails we eventually got most of the money back. We spoke to friends to find they also had similar experiences at check in/out. All in all, a very poor service!
Bethany · 28 July 2019
Agent replied
Bethany, a couple of corrections from your review....... College and County do not propose ANY deductions from the deposit, it is your landlord who does that. Likewise, it will have be our client, the landlord who agreed to repaint the ceiling.
I note that you decided to renew your contract for a second year...... I am assuming that the "service" you received from College and County was not too bad, or you might have opted for a change of property for your final year?
I am sorry that you found the service from College and County disappointing. All the properties that we manage are professionally cleaned before occupation by the new tenants. If, at the accompanied check-in, the tenants are not happy with the cleaning, we will always send the cleaning company back, which we clearly did in your case. Whilst your description of the return visit is amusing, it seems to have gathered some poetic embellishment in the nearly three years since they attended. As for the landlords proposed deductions for emptying the bins at the end of your tenancy...... It is important that the incoming tenants have the same empty bins that you did at the commencement of your tenancy. With fortnightly collections, the landlord had to pay some-one to take the rubbish away. They are charged a trade waste levy at the tip...... and that charge is added to the cost of the contractor and his vehicle.
If you would like to take your concerns any further, please do contact me directly...... I take customer feedback very seriously and we are always looking to improve our services. Mark Crampton Smith, Director.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAs a landlord I have found College and County to be very professional agents. They took care to find me suitable tenants for my house and now the tenants have renewed for a second year. Visits to the property are followed by a clear informative report on the condition and helpful recommendations are made where necessary. Copies of invoices are supplied where any maintenance has taken place. My experience to date has been totally stress free and I would not hesitate to recommend College and County.
Ann · 28 July 2019
Agent replied
Thank you Ann for taking the time to post a review. I am delighted that you feel able commend our service to others. It is the principle way that we engage with new clients; when they have been talking to existing ones! It is feedback from clients and tenants that allows us to continue to improve the customer experience. Should you ever notice something where we may be able to better the way we work, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly. Mark Crampton Smith, Director.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThank you College and County for restoring our faith in letting agents after a difficult experience with another Oxford agent. You've been marvelous. On the ball, responsive to us and the tenants, and giving us confidence that our legal responsibilities as an HMO landlord are being complied with. You've dealt cheerfully and effectively with the minutiae needed during this summer's change of students, to make the house even better for the next crop of tenants. Bouquets due to David, who was patient and helpful getting us set up with you, and Sara for her work on the tenant changeover where we appreciated being kept informed of what was happening. Thank you all
Margaret · 28 July 2019
Agent replied
Thank you Margaret for taking the time to "pen" a review; your comments mean a lot to the team who are working flat out during the summer. I am delighted that we have been able to go some way towards restoring faith. I have actioned your proposal for bouquets..... although I must confess that the flowers seem to have mysteriously changed to wine en route to David and Sara! Do keep in touch....... If you can ever spot a way that you believe we could be even better, please do let me know as we are all striving to be the very best letting agents we can be.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have rented from 11+ different landlords and letting agents across the country over the last 11 years and College and County have been the best by a mile.
From day one, they accommodated our needs which included needing to be one of the first to view the property, sent clear information to me as only my partner was able to attend the viewing. Even prior to the new legislation coming into place surrounding certain fees, college and county did not charge for many of the fees that other companies would and those they did charge were very small comparatively.
I was not living in the area at the time and they were very patient and communicated with the landlord for me regarding me coming into the office to provide my passport etc after the initial deadline. when I did come, they immediately knew who I was and what property I was there in relation to, which demonstrated a great level of professionalism and customer focus.
The landlord we rent from has also been brilliant and there have been no issues, however I am confident that if there had been and this had been a property owned by College and County, that they would have been more than happy to help.
furthermore, they have been great at keeping us updated as tenants and being transparent about the renewal of contracts/the partial returning of a deposit from the first to second contract year.
Their staff have always replied to any communication in a friendly and prompt way.
genuinely could not recommend this company Highly enough.
Gabi · 28 July 2019
Agent replied
Thank you Gabi for taking the time to post your comments. Increasingly, Google reviews are important in helping people make informed decisions about products and services. Your "11+" experience will count for a lot with prospective tenants. I am delighted that you have had such a positive experience with the team here. We do really try to live up to our mantra of "Ethical Letting" and is is gratifying when our customers recognise our efforts. Thank you.
★★★★★ 4/5
GoogleI wanted a five year HMO licence, but being an old Victorian property with box sash windows, I didn't hold out much hope! College and County were brilliant! They filled in the forms, and sent the necessary certificates, such as fire alarm, electrical and gas. I didn't have the hassle to do all this. To my surprise, I have been sent a draft, indicating I will have a 5 year licence. They couldn't have been more helpful. I've been using them for about 20 years, and have found them very reliable and efficient.
Peter · 28 July 2019
Agent replied
Thank you Peter for taking the time to post a review. We are delighted with the relationship that Christina has developed with the relevant people at Oxford City Council. Her complete efficiency has engendered a degree of trust from Environmental Health Officers that affords our client group an unprecedented level of goodwill; everybody can be certain that if she says a property is compliant, it is! Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe’ve had the pleasure of working with Evie at College & County, and she’s been brilliant from start to finish. …
Jake · 20 February 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleFantastic letting agents from start to finish. Definitely the best experience we've had renting in Oxford, with prompt responses to issues as well as a very friendly and reasonable attitude to it all. College and County has an intimate small-agency feel, especially with Maja, but is also willing to spend the time and money to get things done right. We were very happy to call it home for the past three years, and we will definitely miss the place.
Chi · 3 November 2019
Agent replied
Thank you for taking the time to recommend us. I am delighted that you have had such a positive experience in one of the properties that we manage. Of course it is in the interests of our landlord clients that we look after their property and tenants with care. if you had not had a positive experience you might quite reasonably have moved on after a year and my client might have suffered a void period? A strong reputation with tenants ensures that void periods are kept to an absolute minimum.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleSo friendly and helpful! Had some issues with initial check-in inventory and Callum was so quick to resolve and reassure us.
Beth · 11 August 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleRowan was fantastic thorough our purchase journey. Always really patient and prompt in his responses. Would definitely recommend him to anyone who’s considering buying/renting/selling a house.
A · 27 April 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleEverything went well and well managed by the skilled personnel, who followed my documentation and my requests. I was in another country, however the communication was smooth and helpful
Beatrice · 20 February 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleCollege and county not only met their obligations as an estate agent (not always one's experience, in Oxford...) but went above and beyond. I genuinely felt that they cared about the local area and took serious their tagline as an ethical estate agent. Sonali, who managed our property, was marvellous and frankly I am sad to be moving away from them as my property manager.
Jamie · 24 September 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleRowan was fantastic thorough our purchase journey. Always really patient and prompt in his responses. Would definitely recommend him to anyone who’s considering buying/renting/selling a house.
Xihang · 15 April 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleCollege and County have been very helpful to me over the years. They have done a brilliant job of maintaining my properties which they rent to students and professionals as well as dealing with HMO queries. I like the way in which College and County have organised themselves in different departments ie. Letting Department, Property Management, Accounts Department ect. Overall they are a very reliable letting agency and I would highly recommend it to both Landlords and Tenants.
Shauket · 28 July 2019
Agent replied
Thank you Shauket. It is certainly easier to deliver a good service when working with Landlords who are also trying to get it right. It has always been the case, that the better the houses are presented, the better the tenants who will be interested in renting them. Wouldn't it be great if all landlords had the same good intentions as you have, of course if you know any who are not with us, you could always let them know we are here?
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHad a very good experience with C&C. Charmien was very helpful with organising viewings.
Isobel · 2 October 2022
Agent replied
Thanks Isobel, Great to hear the lettings team looked after you so well. We greatly appreciate the review.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAll the staff we’ve encountered at College and County have been so friendly and helpful, namely Maja before she was on maternity leave and Sonali. Everything has always gone smoothly, from signing the contract initially through to leaving the property.
Any issues we had at the property were dealt with in a timely manner and communication was always clear. I actually can’t fault College and County at all! It’s been a pleasure.
Alison · 22 March 2021
Agent replied · 21 March 2024
Thank you Ali! Maja and Sonali will be delighted that you have found the service so "faultless". It is increasingly important for my landlord clients that the tenant experience is so positive. In the end, anyone choosing goods or services these days will check customer reviews. Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleWell I can't claim to have found dealing with College and County particularly pleasant. Whenever I have tried to contact with a friendly question the responses I have found to be curt and dismissive as the member of staff with whom we deal attempts to deflect blame onto a third party or resort to technicalities.
Then again they probably perform quite well their intended service which is to provide a buffer for the landlord who can collect rent without having to deal with the issues of tenants, whilst themselves not actually taking on any responsibilities.
Personally the whole estate agent experience has left me feeling bitter about having to pay an extortionate amount to a landlord that I have never met as I have to deal directly with the agent, and having to pay agency fees to C&C who don't seem to be sympathetic to any of our concerns and would rather cover their own backs.
I hope that the whole monopoly is broken soon and more landlords will start letting their own properties and dealing personally with the tenants. After all the internet makes it so easy these days, why are agents still able to take a cut of the rent for doing nothing but posting some pictures on zoopla?
Ærinmund · 30 July 2017
Agent replied
Ærinmund Fågelson I am sorry but I can find no record of you being a tenant with us.........? If you are posting under a pseudonym, perhaps you would be so kind as to contact me directly in order that I may properly investigate your concerns. We have a rigorous complaints procedure, and again, I can find no record of any complain being raised that matches your comments. If you have not been a tenant, perhaps you might like to find an alternative vehicle for venting your more general concerns about letting agents? Mark Crampton Smith MD
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAfter being employed at College and County for the last 9 months as an Lettings Negotiator I would just like to say a little thank you.
I've learnt a lot since working there and everyone made me feel very welcome from the start! I really admire how the company has evolved over the years and massively respect the companies values, I can also assure its very much so an ethical business.
Not only do I recommend College and County as a great company to work for but they would honestly be my first and only choice as the no.1 letting agent in Oxford.
Miss you all.
Purdey
Purdey · 30 July 2016
Agent replied
Purdey...... Thank you so much for all that you gave us while you were with us.... You were not only an excellent Lettings negotiator, but always added value to the team in everything you did.... You know we all miss you too! I do hope that your route to APC is exciting, and that your new employers realise how lucky they are!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI rented through College & County for 3 and a half years in Oxford. They were always extremely professional and courteous. The regular communications and tenancy reports meant that both sides were aware of any relevant developments, and on the few occasions when I had need of contractor services they were very responsive. Penny Barrington dealt with most of my contact initially and was really on the ball. More recently my main contact has been Jade Woodburn-Rayner, who I'd especially like to commend for her efficient handling of a negotiation with the landlord about deposit amounts. I'd have no hesitation in using College & County again in future and have already recommended their services to new colleagues.
Nikki · 30 July 2016
Agent replied
Nikki, thank you for your feedback. I am delighted that you feel confident to recommend our agency to colleagues..... not least as I was a teacher for 25 years! I will let Penny and Jade know that you appreciate their efforts, and wish you all the best in your new property.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleEd from College and County Oxford was very helpful to us. He guided us every step of the way. He made moving flats easier. Thank you.
Anthony · 14 March 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
View Agentsvery professional and responsive agent
I have used College and County for over 10 years to manage my properties. They provide a very professional and friendly service. The management side of the firm have a quick response time and deal with any emergencies that occasionally occur very promptly and efficiently. All the firms used by them to carry out maintenance do so to a good standard and at a reasonable price.
When re-letting a property they make sure there are no voids and take great care to ensure the tenants are suitable for the property.
Staff members are always easy to get hold of to discuss any problems or concerns with a property and calls are always returned promptly if not dealt with at the time.
Jeremy · 1 April 2016
Agent replied · 7 April 2016
Thank you Jeremy for taking the time to submit your views on the service you receive from the team. I am delighted that you are so confident that the letting and management of your portfolio is in good hands. Please do not hesitate to get in touch should your experience ever be anything less than exceptional.
★★★★★ 5/5
View AgentsVery pleased with the service from College & County
I've used College & County to manage my property for several years now and I'm very pleased with the level and quality of service I receive from them.
They are always quick to respond to me and keep me informed as soon as there are any updates or problems. They are able to sensibly make small decisions on my behalf, but always check with me before committing to larger maintenance or costs.
I've found them to be friendly, polite, patient and helpful, which, as a new landlord living in a different city from my property, was greatly appreciated and I continue to be grateful for this
I would fully recommend them to any new or existing landlords looking for a great level of service.
Greg · 8 March 2016
Agent replied · 10 March 2016
Thank you Greg, for taking the time to give us feedback on the service. I am delighted that you have found the team to be both efficient and friendly. If there is ever anything that you think we could do to ensure your customer experience exceeds expectation, please do not hesitate to let me know! Mark Crampton Smith, Director.
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