Every review we hold for the Peterborough office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleNot sure were to start have been with this company now for 18 months and not had the best of service, they seem to charge for things that are not necessary, eg selective licensing admin charge once a year, also to coincide with the new tenant laws they have put this cost onto the landlords by increasing there monthly fee . On our first visit we were never told that they offer a tenant finding service only for a one of fee, which is a lot more cost effective, how much do they really do for there monthly fee, we dont really know because we have never needed them for anything as we look after the property ourselves, I think when we first got into being landlords for the first time we may have been taken advantage of for being a bit naive, maybe our own fault but it has been a good learning curve.
The selective licensing they did for us was very near non existent as it was myself who discovering i knew somebody in the council dept, then managed to get this done after repeated calls for help from brook dale never really got any issues sorted. advise for new landlords if you are thinking of buying some buy to let properties , research yourself and then manage yourself it is very cost effective this, way, we now have 5 properties and only this one remains with Brookdale because of there 2 year commission tie-in clause which is in the contract but was never explained to us, maybe again that was us being a bit naive. this review is not really sour grapes or a bad review but just to let people know there is a lot better way of renting out properties than using this agent.
Will · 6 June 2020
Agent replied · 6 June 2023
Thank you very much for the review and your comments. From our opinion your review is more a reflection on your attitude than our ability as a letting agent. First of all, we note that there is no criticism of our performance in managing your property for the last 18 months, in relation to rent payments, inspections, tenant behavior. The reason for this is because the tenant we have put in is excellent, and they have been well managed, as is our norm. That is why you want to take the property from our management, because you have a very good quality tenant to manage, so we take that as a compliment.
Now onto the facts about our charges and contracts. When you contacted us, you asked us to manage the house. We did that. How on earth can it be our fault that we did not offer you a placement when that is not what you asked for! Landlords who want us to find tenants only, ask us to do that, landlords who want us to manage ask us to do that. So, if you gave the wrong instruction that is your fault. However, to us it would appear you were happy with the management choice and only now want to manage the house yourself to cut out our commission.
On the point about taking your house back, all of our contracts with landlords are the same. We have 1000 landlords who are happy with our terms. All of our contracts are clearly written with no small print and all landlords have these before any management starts, to allow them chance to read it. Any fees, of which we only have a few, are clear. Obviously as a business we cannot have landlords just taking over the management without notice as we would not be able to protect our business. So, there is a charge which is normal. If you pay your mortgage early you are charged. If you cancel a lease agreement you are charged. It is the norm. If the tenant moves out, if you wish to serve notice on the tenant, or if you serve the correct notice on us, then these are all ways the property comes back to you. I think your notice that you gave us informed us you wanted to take over the management that day! Less than 24 hours. We clearly cannot run business if we accepted those terms. Again, this is a case of you not reading your contract.
With regard to Selective licensing this is compulsory amongst landlords in certain areas of Peterborough and here you were offered the chance to manage the license yourself or let us do it on your behalf. You did not do it so we had to do it for you. Again, all charges were set out in a letter beforehand. Our fee of £25 per year is not exactly excessive and whether you know someone on the council or not the same rules apply to all. Again, you chose to let us do this, failed to read your communications that were clearly sent to you, and then retrospectively complained about paying.
The only reason for your review is that we would not be bullied out of the way, by allowing you to take our business without notice. All we have done nothing at all except ask you to adhere to agreements that you made. As a business we are allowed terms that protect us and allow us to charge for work, all of which we make fully clear and as mentioned 1000 other landlords have no issue with these terms, which are certainly very competitive in the letting market.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleFinding a house to rent whas quite a big challenge for me, many viewings, waiting lists, long procedures and rejected applications due to finding better applicant, drained me a lot.Happily I had a luck to find property from Brookdale - agancy that completely changed my experience from the very beginning. I've had a viewing with great, professional, friendly and helpful agent who knew the answers for all of my questions in regards of property and renting procedure. For first time I've felt like actuall human being rather than just a number from the list. Property itself matched the pictures I've seen online beforehand, which doesn't happen that often those days... Whole renting procedure was quick and smooth, great communication, swift replies.Any even tiny issues has been resolved immediately. I'm glad to rent from such a reliable, friendly agency where You matters as a tenant, not just money You transfering each month.
Patrycja · 28 February 2024
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleExtremely rude and offensive behavior. I've been called by an agent with regards to a rental property that i have previously spoke about with one of his colleagues and he wouldn't let me finish my sentence, let alone listen to what i had to say. I'm not one to judge a book by its cover so i won't say anything about the agency itself but this was one of the most belittling experiences I've had. You have employed this person and he represents you and that makes you responsible hence the review.
Edit after response :
Kind sir, i chose not to relate the whole conversation for your privacy purposes and expected a different reaction but here it is :
First i started to relate to your colleague (it might as well be you but let's pretend it's not) that i have previously started a conversation with another colleague of his and that the situation is a little bit different and i was about to say (but did not get a chance to) that my dog has bone cancer and that he doesn't have more that 1 month to live and that he is well behaved and that he might as well be dead by the time we finish the paperwork when he said "Do you want to view the property or not ?(because that was the reason of his phone call)" at which point i replied that his colleague sent me a message saying that we should talk before she contacted the landlord... and he asked "What would she want to talk about" and i said well.. i have a dog... then he said "What kind of dog you've got?" by this point he wasn't letting me finish my sentences and i was tired of trying so i told him that i choose not to work with you and said bye and hang-up. (please bear in mind that just for my recalling purposes i have recorded the call and transcribed it - then deleted the recording).
Ichim · 7 June 2019
Agent replied · 6 June 2023
Thank you for your review. We have checked this with our staff and would also advise that all of our rooms are multi-occupied so we are fully ware of how clients are being spoken too. The view from us is that you were called to see if you wanted to view a property. You then spoke for quite some time without any reply about the fact you had a dog and someone was looking into this for you, about whether the landlord would accept a dog in his house. You were interrupted so that we could ask what type of dog you had, at which point you offered some annoyed comment and put the phone down. We understand that some tenants get irritated by being asked details but obviously we need to have some knowledge of you before we book appointments. So we apologise if you found this procedure irritating but under no stretch of the English language could asking you what dog you have been interpreted as rude and offensive.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI withdrew my application they did not turn me down.
Very unimpressed by this company. Their regular practice seems very much to be making you pay double the stated amount of deposit. This being for various different reasons as suits them.
Edit.
I was waiting for a response about this review.
As looking at other reviews this is what you do. Reading through you seem to state that most are false. Making accusations, this I know to be true as an accusation was made while on the phone.
I'd like to point out, you didn't turn us down I withdrew the application.
Your regular practice of doubling deposit was explained to me face to face, and also in a phone call. Should you wish for me to come in provide you with the proof, please don't hesitate to call me.
I have also heard from others, also professionals that do not have a good word to say about your practices.
I am so glad that I withdrew my application, I would not have wanted to enter into a contract with your company.
Sam · 7 June 2019
Agent replied · 6 June 2023
Thank you for your comments. We note that you have posted this after your application to rent a property was turned down. It is understandable that you may feel frustrated but our job is to make sure that every tenant we house, we are 100% sure that there will be no problems with the tenancy. This means analysing potential tenants' financial situations. Sometimes we may feel if a larger deposit is paid then this may overcome a slight financial concern that we have. I am not sure how you know what our regular practice is as you have only dealt with us once and I would say that probably only 5% of our tenants pay more than a standard deposit. Also we would point out that all deposits are paid to the DPS and are returned to you at the end of the tenancy, subject to tenancy. We would also point out that all of your monies paid to us were immediately refunded as is our norm when we turn down an application. Our job will involve disappointing some people as we have to protect our landlords interests with regard to the valuable asset (their property) they are trusting to us. We do not take vetting tenants lightly and will also be thorough in our checks for which our landlords are hugely grateful.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleTruly just a typical estate agents. dont care about tenants and peoples standards of living as long as the money is flowing in. Rental increases way over the top every year regardless of situations and dont even bother emailing to discuss it as they send the same generic template out every time.
David · 11 April 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI'm very thankful for Brookdale. Sometimes people even doesn't know how they support another person. I became a single mom with my old and sick mother. Without any support and help, was struggling to find the property. Brookdale protect me better than friends, family etc. When life challenges you millions time at least once I was lucky to find my house because of fantastic Brookdale team.
Elmira · 22 September 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI am giving a 5 star rating because of the quick rate of response I have received when lodging concerns via the email channel regarding the house I am renting. 100% of the time, I got a call from Rebeka to clarify my concern and tell me of the next steps. She has been very supportive since I moved in 9months ago. Natalie has also been helpful
Adebayo · 24 August 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe have been in their care for almost 5 years now, and the service we have received by far was excellent. They always inform us of upcoming checks and reviews on the property, and inform us of the results and suggested plans. They have been a bridge between us tenants and our landlord, and so far we have never had a problem. (Source : allAgents)
Maria · 22 September 2024
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleWorst company for sorting out problems with inconsiderate tenants, think there eu tenants are not a problem. Then take on eu tenants because they will pay your over inflated rents, not to mention the increase every year. Fact your tenants are the problem as this was not a problem before they moved in. It's also quite clear they can not control there unruly children. To me you are just as bad as them. You also claim to only take on quality tenants, so where did you go wrong with these ones. This has got so bad I have had to sell my house and move. It is also my intention to proceed with legal action against you. Let's also see if this comment gets deleted because you don't like the truth, plus don't want others to see how you deal with your problem Anti social tenants, that seem to be able to cause as many problems as they do choose.
John · 7 June 2018
Agent replied · 6 June 2023
BOGUS REVIEW - Hello John. Currently of the 1140 properties we manage we have no disputes going on with any neighbouring landlords, nor have we had any for many years about our tenants .So clearly you are another Agent trying to lower our review score. Quite sad as well that you have to drag racist slurs in about EU citizens. We also checked and you have given another Agent a one star review by coincidence so clearly you are trying your hardest to be destructive to your local competitors. Our advice to you would be to work hard at your business, and impress and look after your clients as we do , and then you would not have to resort to such pathetic strategies. Sadly your actions just show how low some Agents will go and why you will never be successful. Shame you can hide behind a sham name and a bogus review. Why not put your real identity on the review !
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleSHOCKING! READ ALL. I have been a tenant since 1999. Unfortunately, not through choice as I live with my Mom. I am positive that when I move out I will NEVER take a property to rent from this business.
Let me tell you some of the stuff I have experienced in my time here. Aside from the extremely bad customer service (I'll go into that in a bit), EVERY single maintenance job that has been carried out either resulted in FIRE, FLOOD, SEWERAGE SMELL, HUNDREDS OF POUNDS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY, TAKING MONTHS TO COMPLETE JOBS THAT SHOULD OF BEEN DONE IN TWO WEEKS and lastly, there has NOT been a single job that they didn't need to come back and redo or touch up because it wasn't done properly the first time.
Now, I know you're thinking, surely they were really concerned? Nope. Every call made to Brookdale resulted in a third degree interrogation attempting to pin the blame on us. Never once did we receive an apology. Never once did we receive any sort of compensation. No, what happened was after every job we needed complete the rent went up.
I have had the extreme misfortune of speaking with several employees at Brookdale regarding a job, the one that resulted in hundreds of pounds in damage. The manner in which I was spoken too was horrific. I felt like I was engaging in a bar fight. The lady, Jessica, was extremely rude and imposed (several times) her opinion on how our house should be. Whilst I respect she may have an opinion, we're certainly not bound by it in the tenancy agreement. Unfortunately, there was no persuading her to see beyond her nose and look at it from our point of view.
The argument went round and round until she passed me onto her CEO, I believe. Who, sadly, was just as rude and obnoxious as she was. I was saddened by this complete lack of respect for me as a tenant.
AVOID this company at all costs. They have absolutely no moral standard and only care for profit. Unless you are a landlord paying their wages they couldn't care less for your welfare, and even then they probably do not.
I sincerely hope you heed my advice. If you don't, more fool you.
EDIT 14/7 - Firstly, I feel the need to point out from the response that my name is not Sam. Secondly, whomever replied obviously did not read my review in its entirety otherwise they may have noticed that.
However, what doesn't escape my notice is how they attempt to twist and home in on specific details, taking them to extremes. Unfortunately, for them, this further adds proof to my claim that none of the employees act in a professional manner. The response reads like a child retaliating from being told off.
I also must point out that this company sent my Mother a letter about my review, which was an obvious attempt to try and cause some friction within the house. I wrote this review, not my mother. Any meetings should include me given I was the one who took the effort to compose this.
In all honesty, after living here since 1999 and dealing with this company all the way till now - then reading the response I'm just shocked they've stayed open as long as they have. But then, you don't have to be a good person to have a good business, look at Donald Trump.
The response has further cemented my already negative opinion. I hope this shows any potential rentee or home owner the true face of this company. Beware of Brookdale!
Sean · 7 June 2018
Agent replied · 6 June 2023
Dear Sam
Thank you very much for your comments, although it is very hard to know what to make of them., except that they could not be further from the truth. The first point is that your mother is actually our tenant and you are not on the contract, so we would have thought any complaints would have come from her. She has rented with us for 18 years so we are sure if there had been as many floods and fires as you mention that she would not be there now. In fact, since 2015, our sub-contractors have attended 12 jobs at the property. As you state that EVERY job has resulted in a fire, flood or sewerage problem, then that would mean 4 fires, 4 floods and 4 sewerage issues in 2 years! Without being disrespectful it would appear you are not being truthful otherwise it is amazing the house is still standing! We are not quite sure where compensation comes into it, but courts will always award compensation if they think it is due, so there is a fair playing field here and if you have had no compensation then that probably answers that point in itself. As a house holder you should also have contents insurance, that is not the liability of the landlord or ourselves.
You talk about our profit. As an Agent we get the same commission payment every month and so we have nothing to gain by not doing maintenance or by doing it. The landlord will pay us the same figure. Over the last 2 years there have been 12 maintenance visits to your house as mentioned at a cost of £2,500, and with the previous new kitchen, bathroom refurbishment and UPVC doors and windows earlier in the tenancy, the landlord has spent more than £15,000 on the property. I am not sure how you could accuse anyone of doing anything but work tremendously hard to keep you in the manner you think you deserve. I am sure the landlord would have been more than happy to have spent this figure on the house they live in.
Finally you mention our staff being rude. All of our staff and even sub-contractors are trained to be polite, no matter how rude the person they are speaking to. They are of course allowed to express opinions and may not agree with things that are said to them, but that is not rude. I think it is fair to say from our viewpoint that both our sub-contractors and staff who have dealt with you, would have a different opinion to you about the apportionment of manners.
What we will say, is that we will contact your mother, who is the tenant and set up a meeting to go through any points she has, and we will, as always, do our best to help alleviate any concerns in a polite and professional manner. We are always caring and considerate and refute all of your comments about our ethics. We have worked for 29 years and as an Agent work hard for tenants and landlords. It would be useful if you could also attend the meeting and hopefully explain one very large anomaly in your review. You advise tenants to steer clear of Brookdale yet you have remained in this rented property for 19 years. That’s quite a contradiction!
Thank you.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI don't recommend renting with them, the second I'd signed the contract they where nothing but rude and had neighbors reporting back to them ect. There expectations of how a property should be kept especially with children are ridiculous. Mags and Natalie both lack social skills and empathy.
Alys · 29 April 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI just wanted to thank everyone especially Mikey Tomlinson, who was an exceptional professional. As soon as I let them know I'm looking for a property they showed me properties that met my needs at a decent price. In less than a month, I had a beautiful property.
Nuria · 6 June 2022
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI am really upset the way they handled my application for tenancy of a cottage. I was treated like smelly stray dog. At the entrance of the office someone came out, without saying his name. Told me my application is not going to work as I am a company owner did not provided my company's confidential information about the annual income. I had all my personal bankstatments and investment information. Worst experience I ever had. I don't recommend this company.
Kornel · 22 October 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe have no hesitation in recommending Brookdale Property Management.
From our initial consultation and throughout our dealings in renting our property through them, they have shown us nothing but courtesy and kindness, honesty and respect. Their communications are efficient and precise, professional in a friendly manner. They ensured the continued good relationship with our excellent tenants. Thank you Team Brookdale.
Rosemary · 1 June 2019
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI finally have the pleasure of writing a review after 16 years of renting an apartment. It is with great pleasure that I would like to sum up our cooperation with over five stars. However, in order not to make the sugar sweeter than it is, there were situations where an immediate reaction of the agency was needed because the houses are falling apart, I could always count on an express repair, and even if the service was not delivered as it should always be (because the agency uses various subcontractors), I could count on immediate intervention from the agency. Generally, whatever would spoil the smile on my lips, the next moment an agency employee who appeared in the form of an Angel on Earth, restored the smile on my lips. That\'s why I give them these stars because they should touch the sky with their fingers, providing such a refined service. Thank you once again for your professionalism and I hope it can only get better. I sincerely recommend this agency to everyone looking for a home or other service. (Source : allAgents)
Tomasz · 3 September 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThe Brookdale Property Management had been ever so supportive since day one. They were committed to help find us the perfect rental property, as we had only 2 months to find one. The level of communications was top notch, and responses very quick, when it came to arranging a viewing. The application process was made simple by their support and willingness to answer any questions we had. Now that we've lived here for nearly 4 years now, Brookdale is still very supportive with any needs that arise and any issues are dealt with promptly. Definitely recommend!
Kristine · 1 September 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe have been with Brookdale for 18 years. They are proactive, know the market very well, get good tenants, are always ready to give advice and assistance, and have a genuine passion for their industry. As an example, when a tenant gives their 1-month Notice I always receive an email/letter/phone call the same day. They have a good network of tradesmen. Their tenants always look after my properties and leave them clean and tidy. I cannot remember the last time that a Brookdale tenant missed a payment. This can happen with other agents and is an easy point to overlook. Their standards are high, sometimes too high, and they see where money needs spending on a property before I do, but it always results in better tenants who look after the properties. They have become a benchmark for other agents, who I have known them to spend time with, in order to raise the standards in their industry. Brookdale are the go-to Property Agents in Peterborough.
Steve · 1 September 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have been with a lot of different estate agents and i have to say none are like brookdale! Any issues i have had in the nearly 6 years I\'ve been with them, they have got it rectified in a very quick time space. When they have come to do inspections all staff have been very friendly and polite. Most estate agents care about their lanlords more but brookdale care about their tenants as much as their landlords. (Source : allAgents)
Ryan · 1 September 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI recently moved to the area and found a property to rent through brookdale. The difference between them and other letting agents I've used before is huge. We've been provided with all the information we needed in a timely manner, the application process was fairly straightforward and easy to follow and all members of staff I have spoken to have been friendly and helpful. Admittedly, due to my experience with other companies, it was not hard for them to be the best letting agent I've used, but they easily managed it and I haven't got any complaints at all.
Isabel · 1 September 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBrookdale Property Management has been responsible for the management of our rental property for the better part of two decades. As landlords over this long period of time we have experienced many of the challenges that letting a property represents and in particular bearing in mind we live outside the area of our rental. Brookdale has made this arrangement possible by providing a professional service of the highest order. Their marketing and vetting procedures have never let us down and remarkably we have yet to experience a void between tenants. Brookdale's communication skills are superb and they will go to any lengths to resolve any difficulties or problems that might arise and are ready to help with solutions outlined. Brookdale routinely carry out inspections of the property on our behalf and flag even the smallest of issues for attention and correction. We have always used contractors from Brookdale's preferred listings for any maintenance and repair issues. The contractors have always been diligent in fulfilling the job with firm quotes in advance of work to be carried out. The Brookdale staff have a wealth of experience and they inspire confidence in clients along their journey as landlords. At all times and on all occasions the Brookdale staff are friendly and helpful and they can be relied upon to go the extra mile. (Source : allAgents)
David · 1 September 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleIt was a beautiful experience working with Brookdale Property Management Services Ltd recently to rent a 3 bedroom apartment at Strawberry Avenue Bretton, Peterborough. From our initial conversation, they exhibited a high level of professionalism in the way they explained everything regarding the rental process, deposit, house inspection, etc.
The house inspection was smooth as I arrived 10 minutes before the scheduled time and saw the agent already waiting to take me round the beautifully designed semidetached house with a spacious garage, garden, 3 rooms/ 3toilets, for inspection. Throughout the whole process, Brookdale Property Management Services Ltd, demonstrated immense understanding of our situation especially when there was a slight delay in obtaining my former Landlord's reference due to email correspondence issues. They went out of their way to advise us on better ways to go about it.
I'm so glad we chose Brookdale Property Management Services Ltd for our rental experience and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for excellent real estate services (Source : allAgents)
Chuka · 1 September 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe have had the pleasure of renting from Brookdale for some time now, and I can\'t speak highly enough about the exceptional service they provide. From day one, their communication has been impeccable, always promptly addressing any inquiries or concerns we had. They go above and beyond to ensure that the house is well-maintained and up-to-date on essential matters like gas inspections. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to general maintenance. It\'s evident that they genuinely care about the property and its tenants, as they consistently take care of any issues that arise promptly and efficiently. I wholeheartedly recommend Brookdale to anyone seeking a hassle-free and enjoyable renting experience. (Source : allAgents)
Charlene · 1 September 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have been letting properties with Brookdale for 6 years now and I have never had any problems with them. The staff are all friendly, approachable and reliable, and have always been very quick to get in touch when there have been any problems. I also appreciate their thorough tenant selection process, which is much more thorough than their local competitors, which gives me peace of mind that my property is being looked after by the tenants. My only negative comment is that their photos could be better when advertising properties online. Compared to their competitors their photos are extremely low resolution, which I think puts the properties at a disadvantage when people are looking online. (Source : allAgents)
Hannah · 1 September 2023
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleSmall minded, Discriminatory and rude. I have not had any trouble with my applications for the past 2 properties I have lived in, both more expensive than the property we applied for and both of which did thorough referencing. Never needed a guarantor but was willing to provide one for the property we applied for, to be told that even with the guarantee of rent it would not be good enough. We are a family with two young children, one of those being disabled and both hard workers.
Asked for a reconsideration and the response was quite rude. Explains why this property in particular has been up a while and had numerous changes in rental price. Landlords would not be losing out on money if Brookdale looked at applications in an openminded, fair and modern way. This property in particular could have gone to reliable tenants a long time ago.
Darcy · 28 August 2023
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.
