Every review we hold for the St. Ives office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI would just like to record my sincere thanks to Stephanie and her team for all the hard work they have put in to secure tenants in my bungalow!
Everyone has been professional, friendly and efficient making the whole experience for me a pleasure from start to finish.
I know it took a little time to find the right people for me which was exactly the right decision and that is so appreciated.
I am so impressed with your system covering absolutely everything in the rental market which gives me confidence and reassurance moving forward.
Sheila Coulson.
Sheila · 2 September 2025
Agent replied · 9 September 2025
Thank you So much for that feedback Sheila - Steph has a fab team. Look forward to seeing you on the next webinar in October when we shall hopefully have the final updates on the renters rights bill ! best wishes
Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMaxine Lester Property Management made my renting experience completely smooth and hassle-free. The process was efficient, well-communicated, and stress-free from start to finish. A special thank you to Kian and Monta Beguna for their amazing support, professionalism, and responsiveness, they truly went above and beyond. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a seamless renting experience.
Felicia · 23 December 2025
Agent replied · 13 January 2026
Dear Felicia
Thank you so much for this lovely review, we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
We’re delighted to hear that your renting journey was smooth, efficient and stress-free from start to finish. A special thank you for highlighting Monta and Kian, they will be absolutely thrilled to know their professionalism, responsiveness and extra effort made such a positive difference. Going above and beyond for our clients is exactly what we aim for.
Thank you again for your kind recommendation. We wish you a very happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year ahead. 🎄✨
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWorking with Monta from Maxine Lester was a great experience, she was extremely helpful, and made the entire process of finding a place so much easier.
Monta went above and beyond to make sure we understood everything, and she was always available to answer any questions. She was incredibly patient, showing us quite a few properties and happily putting up with all of our questions. We highly recommend her and Maxine Lester to anyone looking for a seamless and positive rental experience!
Radu · 7 September 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe have rented from Maxine Lester for a year now and we find everyone to be so friendly, welcoming and helpful. We feel so looked after, no question or queries are too big or small. Quick communication between tenant and landlord and always friendly over the phone. If you are looking to rent or let a property I would recommend Maxine Lester highly as they look after their properties with professionalism and care as well as their tenants.
Beth · 23 December 2025
Agent replied · 13 January 2026
Dear Beth
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and generous review. It truly means a great deal to the whole team.
We’re delighted to hear that you’ve feel well looked after by us. Providing friendly, responsive communication and genuine care for both our tenants and properties is something we take great pride in, so it’s wonderful to know that this has been your experience. Knowing that you feel comfortable reaching out with any questions, big or small, is exactly what we strive for.
Thank you again for your recommendation and kind words, they are sincerely appreciated.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. 🎄✨
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMaxine Lester have been property agents for my father for many years. I'm now helping him out with his affairs, and they couldn't be more helpful with all the questions I have.
We've recently had a tenant leave the property, and although the rental market is quite slow, the agency worked really hard and someone moved in after only 2.5 weeks empty. The whole process was easy and efficient, with emails keeping me updated with the process throughout
Diane · 23 December 2025
Agent replied · 13 January 2026
It truly means a great deal to hear that we’ve been able to support both you and your father during this time. I understand that stepping in to help with affairs can come with many questions, and I'm really pleased the team could make the process clear, reassuring and straightforward for you.
I am also delighted that we were able to secure a new tenant so quickly and keep everything moving smoothly, especially in the current market. Keeping our landlords fully informed and supported is something we take great pride in.
Thank you again for your kind words and continued trust in Maxine Lester. We wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year. 🎄Kind Regards Maxine
★★★★★ 4/5
GoogleKian has been great - keeping me up to speed on the letting process and sending timely notifications that are clear and easy to deal with. Thank you!!
Mike · 30 December 2025
Agent replied · 13 January 2026
Thanks Mike sorry that the work was not carried out as it should have been. All the best Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleOne of the best letting agency in UK .. Everything was quick and easy for us.. I was so happy moving in to the new property.. I want to apprecaiate Sam for his great effort and passion towards his job.. Good luck team
Fahad · 20 July 2025
Agent replied · 24 August 2025
Wow Fahad that is prise indeed. I know that Sam will be delighted that she has made your move a smooth one. Thank you so much and I know the whole team are really looking forward to working with you.
Best wishes
Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMaxine Lester allowed us to have a great experience at what would be a stressful time. Sam went above and beyond, ensuring that we got our desired property with flawless customer service throughout the whole process. . Thank you
Peter · 10 August 2025
Agent replied · 9 September 2025
Thanks so much Peter. Sam is great isn't she ? All the Best for your Move Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI had the absolute pleasure of working with Olivia Nicholls from Maxine Lester Lettings & Property Management, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the outstanding service she provided throughout the letting process.
From the moment I contacted Maxine Lester Lettings & Property Management to find a suitable property to rent, Olivia was there to guide me every step of the way.
I wholeheartedly recommend Maxine Lester Lettings & Property Management to anyone in search of a tenancy.
Kayacan · 19 November 2023
Agent replied · 16 June 2024
Thank you so much Kayacan we think Olivia is fab as well
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleFor Tenants:
This agency cannot be trusted to act fairly or transparently. When you vacate a property, expect them to misrepresent its condition and dispute even clear, documented evidence showing it was left in good order. Their default approach appears to be squeezing as much money from your deposit as possible, regardless of facts. I am now escalating my case directly through the TDS (tenancy deposit scheme) because this agency has shown zero willingness to communicate honestly or resolve matters properly.
For Landlords:
Even if you think their underhand tactics benefit you, think again. Numerous reviews highlight their inability to manage properties competently, their lack of transparency, and their tendency to alienate both tenants and landlords alike. They damage relationships on both sides and erode trust in the process.
Summary:
Avoid this agency at all costs. The friendly front-of-house staff is a thin veneer for incompetence, dishonesty, and predatory business practices. There are plenty of other agencies who value integrity and professionalism, this one demonstrably does not.
And before they respond with their predictable line of, “We’re sorry to receive this review, but we have no record of you as a tenant,” let me make it clear: I am posting this under a different account for privacy reasons. That does not change the facts of my experience, nor does it excuse their behaviour.
S · 18 September 2025
Agent replied · 22 September 2025
Thank you for leaving your feedback. We are genuinely sorry to hear that you feel your experience with us has been negative. I am sorry that you feel a genuine reply means nothing.
We would like to clarify the circumstances of the deposit claim you have referred to. The claim related specifically to the condition of the bathroom and toilet at the end of the tenancy. The toilet in particular was left with heavy limescale and staining, and we considered this to fall outside the scope of fair wear and tear. Also is was very unhygienic and not something we would expose the next resident to. Photographic evidence was taken to document this, and forms part of the check-out report. While we cannot publish such photographs here, they have been submitted to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) as part of the independent adjudication process.
You highlighted that you had returned comments on the check-in inventory within three days of moving in. Once this was pointed out, we acknowledged that oversight. I am sorry that you immediately felt we were being dishonest as mentioned we acknowledged our mistake. However, the items noted at the time did not relate to the areas we were claiming for at check-out. For that reason, the claim was reduced in order to remain proportionate to the issues identified.
We respect your right to escalate the matter through the TDS, which exists to provide an impartial, evidence-based decision on deposit disputes. We will of course present our evidence and accept the outcome in full.
We understand that deposit disputes can cause frustration, and we are sorry that this situation has left you feeling dissatisfied. Our responsibility is to represent the landlord while also following the protections laid out for tenants through the TDS. We take this duty seriously and work to ensure both parties are treated fairly.
We value feedback and will continue to review our processes to ensure they are as clear and transparent as possible. We wish you all the best in your future tenancies.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleFantastic service many thanks for helping my daughter find a rental property when she moved to the area thanks Lisa
Alan · 23 December 2025
Agent replied · 13 January 2026
It was a real pleasure to help your daughter find a rental property and support her move to the area. I’m so pleased to hear you were happy with the service and that we could make the process a positive one for you both. I know that Lisa will be really happy to receive your thanks.
Thank you again for taking the time to leave a review, it’s truly appreciated. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for the year ahead. 🎄
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have absolutely nothing but positive things to say about my experience with Maxine Lester. My partner and I have just moved into our first property together and Esme Fryer has been such a comforting and responsive help during the entire process. No question has been too silly or obvious and she is to be absolutely commended for her work. We also received such a kind move in package with some goodies and discount codes which really was the final touch to an overall amazing experience.
Thank you!!
Lauren · 17 June 2023
Agent replied · 16 June 2024
What a fab way to start the new year thank you so much for the feedback Lauren, I know that Esme will be chuffed to read this . Hope the move went smoothly and relay look forward to working with you in the future .
Kind regards
Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMy partner and I had been looking for our first flat for a while, until we came across the perfect one on Rightmove. The speedy communication from Olivia Nicholls was key to us being able to view our future first flat. Couldn't have asked for an easier experience or an agent more dedicated than Olivia. As far as the required referencing process goes, Vouch is super simple and easy to use. My partner and I got it done in the same day as we started it! Can't wait to get the keys, high high praises to Olivia and Maxine Lester.
Abigail · 17 June 2023
Agent replied · 16 June 2024
Dear Abigail
Thank you so much for your great review. Liv was so pleased to be mentioned. To be honest we were able to move things forward quickly for you as you were so helpful during the referencing process. I am so glad that you have found a home that you love, and we look forward to moving you in soon.
Kind regards
Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleIt's rare that I hear of people genuinely recommending lettings agencies. I myself had been through a few and had had my issues with every one. This is the first time I can say that I genuinely recommend this one as a tenant. Let me just list off a few of the interactions I've had with them:
1) My previous lettings agent was being unresponsive with providing a reference and I was struggling to get a reference from my company that met British requirements (the company I work for is based in America). Esme was understanding and reassuring through the whole process, helped me through each step and, when it came to it, chased down my landlord for me to get the reference we needed.
2) When we moved in, we were informed that Maxine Lester had just been informed there was an issue with our gas and electricity (they were on a meter). We were provided with £20 of gas and electricity immediately free of charge so that we wouldn't be without any for the time being and told we were within our rights to move over to a more standard tariff.
3) As is standard in most properties, when we moved in, we submitted a report of any damage to the property. In previous properties I've rented, this report was ignored and the only purpose of it was so that we could point to it years later when we moved out to prove that we weren't at fault when the agency tried to charge us for damage that was already there when we moved in. Maxine Lester, over the next month had the vast majority of the issues fixed.
4) Every time there has been any sort of inspection or change to our contract, this has been communicated clearly well in advance and questions or concerns have been dealt with quickly and respectfully. I especially appreciate the time Carolyn took to call me up and explain changes to my contract to me when I had some clarifying questions.
So, yeah, I think that these folks are on to something special and I highly recommend them as a tenant.
Andrew · 17 June 2023
Agent replied · 16 June 2024
Dear Andrew
Thank you , thank you , thank you so much for that amazing review. I know that Esme and the rest of the team will be so delighted to hear that you are happy.
I am glad to hear that we have sorted out the initial niggles with your new home and rest assured you have a fab landlord. Which means going forward we shall be able to make sure you will continue to be happy and content.
Regards
Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleSo this is my first time moving into a rented house with my other half, i expected hassle and complications and had been putting the whole moving thing off because of it.
Ive never been so relaxed whilst doing something that is completely new to myself, it was made to be a very smooth and easy process, the communication was amazing, the agent i dealt with (sam smalley) took care of everything, i barely lifted a finger.
Amzing company and would definately be keeping in touch for my future endeavours.
Josh · 10 August 2025
Agent replied · 9 September 2025
Hi Josh thanks so much Sam was delighted that she could make things so smooth. Best of luck with the move . Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI was pleased with Maxine Lester and in particular Kian, who was fantastic; polite, professional, and great at communicating. He made securing a rental home smooth and stress-free.
Chizzy · 15 September 2025
Agent replied · 22 September 2025
Hi Chizzy thanks so much for giving your feed back .I know that Kian was delighted . We are so glad that the move went to plan and look forward to working with you . Best wishes
maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThe staff at Maxine Lester have been so helpful and so nice to deal with since day one of myself and my partner enquiring about the property. Alithia and Esmé were so professional, helpful and efficient at the initial stages of our enquiry, answering any questions we had. Bev has been great and so friendly every time she has been to the property. Lastly Jenna.. she is a real genuine credit to the team and has been such a pleasure to speak to every time we’ve contacted her. We have had three separate issues since being in the property which could have been hugely disruptive to our day to day lives, but Jenna and her team got these sorted so quickly for us which was a huge relief, and has even called me minutes after an email has been sent to her offering a solution to an issue I had with the boiler and running me through what to do over the phone. We are first time renters together and the thought of putting so much in someone else’s hands can be daunting, but I genuinely feel like the Maxine Lester team look out for their renters. We can’t thank you all enough ☺️PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism
Franca · 27 August 2022
Agent replied · 16 June 2024
Hi Franca, what lovely feedback for Alithia, Bev, Esmé and Jenna, who have clearly supported you well!! On behalf of them and everyone in the Maxine Lester team, thank you for your comments and a brilliant 5 star review. Thank you Matthew
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThe first meeting with Stephanie Marshall was highly professional, very detailed and covered everything we needed to know. The team work very closely together and have been outstanding to date. They found a new tenant in 2 days and the rental asking price we wanted. Cant fault the service so far :-)
Mike · 27 July 2024
Agent replied · 26 August 2024
Thank you Mike, Stephanie is so pleased to hear this lovely feedback.
Kind regards
Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleKian was extremely helpful and professional throughout the process ; a true star. Thank you so much
Syed · 15 September 2025
Agent replied · 22 September 2025
Hi Syed - I agree with you Kian is a complete star . We are so looking forward to getting you moved into you new home so you can meet the other stars in the team ! Best wishes Maxine
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleDo not go near this letting agent at all costs. Complete scam. Place was not cleaned professionally on moving in. And then when leaving expected it to be! Got charged for bins being full (had already left them empty), replaced all curtains with new ones but got charged! Charged £20 for a replacement light bulb! And found one of their agents snooping in the property without prior warning while still under tenancy. Avoid at all costs.NegativeProfessionalism
Gary · 27 August 2022
Agent replied · 16 June 2024
I am saddened by your poor review and accusations about the excellent people in the Maxine Lester team. Whilst you have felt it appropriate to make such unfair and untrue scathing remarks about how you have been treated, I feel compelled to put the record straight on each of the points you raise:
You claim the place was not cleaned professionally when you moved in. You did not advise this as the point of moving in. Instead, you agreed on the professionally produced inventory. However, we agreed there were three minor issues relating to cleaning.
1. mud mark on the entrance carpet.
2. some dust left in the kitchen and living room.
3. a piece of debris on the carpet.
As you are aware this was caused by the electrician doing work just before you moved in (they should have cleaned up). However, to offer to have these issues delt with were rejected by you.
Agreed you should not have had these three minor issues; it seems somewhat harsh to give a 1 star review and it is frankly wholly inaccurate to suggest the property was not cleaned professionally at all.
You claim you were charged for the bins being full at the end of your tenancy. This is not true. You’d left them full without making any arrangement to have them emptied. We tried to charge you £20 to have these emptied, but your deposit replacement scheme felt this should have been included with the £40 charge to remove the other rubbish you’d left in the property.
You claim you replaced all the curtains with new ones and got charged. To be accurate you replaced curtains at 3 windows with blinds of a very “personal” colour choice. At no time did you seek agreement to do this, as you’d undertaken to do. As the blinds were not appropriate for future tenancies, you were charged the cost of removing the blinds and making good the holes left.
You claim you were charged £20 for a replacement blub. To be accurate it was for replacing 4 bulbs, that you’d left not working. As explained the cost is not just purchasing the lamps, but buying them, delivering them to site and fitting them. They were all working at the beginning of the tenancy.
You asked your deposit replacement scheme to review our claims from you at the end of your tenancy, which included issues conspicuously missed from your review. They agreed you were accountable on all issues. Overall you were charged just £265 for the extensive issues you’d left in the property.
You claim our staff were snooping. This is simply untrue and there is no evidence or record of you reporting this. As you know you would not allow any viewings of the property . For clarity you’d previously made a clear agreement in the tenancy to allow this. You reneged on that undertaking.
This lack of access was particularly unfair to the landlord as you wanted to leave the property earlier than the fixed term you’d agreed to. Your landlord agreed to you leaving early, conditional upon you allowing access for viewings. Something you did not honour. In fact a number of appointments which were agreed by you had to be cancelled as you failed to be present . Apart from wasting everyone’s time, with no apparent explanation, this was rude and offensive given the effort my colleagues had made to agree a suitable time with you, plus to accommodate your early departure from the tenancy.
Given this we find your 1 star review to be wholly unjustified, when every single issue was handled by us properly, clearly and with integrity. Furthermore it is offensive to refer to a respected company of 16 years standing , which prides itself on excellent customer service, as a “scam” without any evidence. This is particularly galling when you repeatedly failed to honour your own undertakings under the tenancy or even have the courtesy to be accurate in your criticism of us or reporting of the facts.
★★★★★ 4/5
GoogleKian was great to deal with and everything went smoothly when working with him! Unfortunately, the deal didn’t work out due to other reasons, which I believe could have been managed better by the agency.
Felipe · 10 January 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThis was my only experience letting a property (Cambridge), and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was with Maxine Lester. I had one issue at the beginning of my tenancy, and it was resolved immediately. They are understanding and will honestly try to work with you and the landlord as best they can. I had heard horror stories of tenants getting nickel and dimed on their deposits, but the end of tenancy process was smooth, and I got my full refund back. I could not have been happier with the team, especially Bev and Esme. I would have zero hesitations letting from Maxine Lester in the future.PositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism
Stephanie · 27 August 2021
Agent replied · 16 June 2024
Hi Stephanie. We're blushing now! Thanks for a 5 star review, and such lovely feedback. I know you had contact with a number of the people in the Maxine Lester team, I also know Bev and Esme are delighted with the name check! Matthew
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleSuch a positive experience we have had with Maxine Lester.
Sam, was wonderful when showing me around the bungalow.
Kian, such a polite and efficient member of the Team. Nothing was too much trouble and we were kept informed and up to date throughout the application process. Communication has been 5+ stars. I will be highly recommending Maxine Lester to others.
Emma · 18 September 2025
Agent replied · 22 September 2025
Hello Emma - Sam was so pleased to hear that she made your viewing fun and is looking forward to getting you moved in. Sounds like you had the dream team working on your behalf ! Best wishes for your move and all the best
Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleFrom the moment I spoke to Olivia, she has been an absolute star! Very cheerful, happy and clear with the process given this is my first time renting on my own! The whole experience has been very smooth and I look forward to dealing with Olivia and the team during my tenancy in my new home. Huge thank you, Olivia!!
Luke · 22 July 2023
Agent replied · 16 June 2024
Dear Luke, Olivia was so pleased to read your feed back . Thank you for taking the time to write down your thoughts
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.
