Maxine Lester Residential Lettings reviews

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I would like to say thank you to Kian for the excellent service you provided. We have never experienced such a smooth and fast transaction, especially when renting a house here in Cambridge. Kian gave us very clear instructions about the process and explained all the important details that we needed to understand and consider. He is very reliable and easy to get in touch with whenever we had questions. We would highly recommend having a transaction with Maxine Lettings especially with Kian because they make renting a house in the UK easy and stress-free.

Louna · 13 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I had an excellent experience working with Sam (St Ives , Cambs) . From start to finish, they were professional, approachable, and extremely supportive. They guided me through the application process clearly, answered every question promptly, and were always patient and understanding, especially when I needed clarification and doubts . Their honesty, transparency, and dedication made a potentially stressful process smooth and reassuring. I would highly recommend Sam Smalley to anyone looking for a letting agent who genuinely cares about tenants and landlords alike.

Prem · 13 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I had a very positive experience with the agency throughout the renting process. Kian Sarte was particularly helpful, responsive, and supportive, assisting us through phone calls and email whenever we had questions. He provided clear guidance during the application and tenancy process, which made everything much smoother and less stressful for us. I really appreciate his professionalism and would happily recommend Kian Sarte and the agency to anyone looking for a reliable letting agent.

Najrat · 13 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I have rented with Maxine Lester for a year now and I recently had to look for another accommodation and I must say the staff have been very supportive and excellent. Lauren has been amazingly supportive with the search and she kept updating me on daily basis with the renting process. She’s so friendly, good in communication and very professional.

Helen · 30 March 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

As of the morning of 13th August 2026 (09:26 am) Our tenancy lasted approximately 20 months and unfortunately our experience with Maxine Lester became increasingly frustrating, particularly during the checkout and deposit return process. Within days of moving into the property, we reported multiple concerns regarding its condition, including mould, carpet staining and general cleanliness issues. These concerns were raised in writing and supported with photographs. Copies of these emails and photographs were retained throughout the tenancy. At the end of the tenancy we accommodated numerous viewings, vacated the property on time and returned all keys ahead of the formal checkout date. Following checkout, Maxine Lester proposed a £445 cleaning deduction from our protected deposit. The reasons referenced included: • Mould • Carpet staining • Greasy kitchen appliances • General cleanliness concerns The issue with this was that many of these same concerns had already been raised by us at the commencement of the tenancy and evidenced in writing shortly after moving in. In response, I supplied: • Over 60 move-in photographs • Original move-in correspondence • Supporting evidence showing the property's condition at the start of the tenancy • Professional oven cleaning invoice • Additional supporting documentation • I also requested evidence to show that the condition at checkout materially differed from the condition reported at check-in, and asked for proof of what remedial action had been taken regarding the mould, staining and cleanliness issues originally reported at move in. Following review of that evidence, the proposed deduction was reduced from £445 to £300 with no response to the questions asked from my behalf so I rejected the revised deduction sum. The rejection was because, despite repeatedly requesting evidence to show that the condition at checkout materially differed from the condition reported at check-in, and repeatedly asking what remedial action had been taken regarding the mould, staining and cleanliness issues originally reported, I did not receive a direct response to those questions just simply a revised amount less £145 from the attempted £445 deduction. I formally requested that the matter proceed towards ADR/adjudication so that an independent third party could review the evidence and confirmed I'd spoken to TDS about how this process should be proceeding given my current experience and wanted this to be escalated. Instead, communications became increasingly confusing from Maxine Lesters nominated agent, name withheld at this time. I received: • Confirmation that £1,112 of my deposit had been released via email. • Confirmation that the remaining £445 had been processed for payment via email. • Automated notifications advising that the funds were on their way via email. • A direct email confirming that my deposit return had been processed and would be received within the stated timeframe from Maxine Lesters agent / employee. Shortly afterwards: • My Depositary portal access became unavailable. • The matter had not progressed to ADR despite my request. • I was then asked to provide further evidence before the remaining balance could supposedly be released. At the time of writing, only the undisputed portion of my deposit has been processed and the remaining £445 withheld despite the £145 reduction too. The most frustrating part has not been the dispute itself. It has been the contradictory information provided, the failure to answer straightforward questions, and the amount of time required to challenge deductions relating to issues that were reported at the start of the tenancy. My advice to any future tenant would be simple: • Photograph everything when you move in. • Keep every email. • Report defects immediately in writing. • Retain all invoices and receipts. • Understand your deposit dispute rights. • Challenge deductions where evidence does not support them. I will update this review once the outstanding £445 and the dispute process have been fully concluded.

Albiee · 15 August 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the agency and to Kian personally for their flawless work! Without exaggeration, this has been the best real estate experience I have ever had. The property viewing was arranged at a time that was completely convenient for me, and the entire paperwork process was handled with absolute precision and speed. Kian supported me every step of the way, patiently answering all my questions and giving me complete peace of mind. Thank you so much for your support and exceptional professionalism!

Maryna · 15 August 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

As they apparently manage to delete negative reviews, I will post another one. Stay away from them as their management is horrible. Espacially Maxine, as she thinks she is somethimg else, dealing with people like they are trash. I have put multiple negative reviews but they seem to manage to delete them. STAY AWAY!!! As you are doing all you can in deleting negative reviews I reposted it, as my review from two years ago was deleted. This is great business practise you are applying. Thumbs up👍

Miha · 8 August 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Maxine Lester was very efficient and professional throughout our dealings with them. Kian was very communicative and helpful - ensuring everything moved at at steady rate. All other staff we're very friendly and helpful. Would happily recommend to others.

Lucy · 23 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Fantastic support from Samantha Smalley, Lettings Manager to secure new tenants for our property during tricky period, going the extra mile on follow up and calling out to prospective renters. Thanks Sam really appreciated.

Rosestar · 16 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

This is our first time renting through Maxine Lester, and I am really happy with how efficient and smooth the process has been! From arranging to view the property to signing the contract only took about a week, and communication throughout was excellent. I can’t always take calls, so if Kian couldn’t reach me he would follow up straight away with a detailed email, which explained clearly every step of the process. I am looking forward to moving into our new house, and for it to be managed by all at Maxine Lester. They feel like very safe hands! Thank you.

Charlotte · 13 February 2026

★★★★★ 4/5

Google

Kian 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 · 13 January 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Maxine 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 …

Felicia · 13 January 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

A very well run agency that has managed my portfolio for years. Always up to speed with latest legislation and insuring that the properties are managed properly not just for the landlord but also for the tenants. I would recommend this agency to anyone who needs their property portfolio managed effectively and efficiently.

H · 1 August 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Could not fault how helpful Kian was to work with, excellent with replying quickly and answering enquiries. Very happy with the quick turnaround!

Yasmin · 13 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We 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 · 13 January 2026

★★★★★ 4/5

Google

Kian 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 · 13 January 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Fantastic service many thanks for helping my daughter find a rental property when she moved to the area thanks Lisa

Alan · 13 January 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I 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 · 22 October 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Sam showed me round the property and was extremely attentive, knowledgeable showing me every aspect and nuance of the property. She answered every question and also provided additional insight. The in-house staff (Aldrin) I dealt with, were also highly professional, kind and considerate. So overall I was very impressed with this company and how they portray themselves in this space.

R · 13 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We've been renting with Maxine Lester for over a year and are just about to move into another property. The team have been absolutely wonderful since day one, including Olivia, Stephanie, and Kian. No question is too much and they're always quick to reply and help out. We're delighted we can stay with them in our next house and would really recommend!

Faye · 13 February 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

My 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 · 1 April 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

It'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 · 1 April 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I 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 · 31 January 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Lauren who showed me and family around the property was brilliant, she answered every question we asked her. She was brilliant. The team in the office were great as well, answer my call in a short amount of time and sent me emails as quick as they said.

Jake · 6 April 2026