Every review we hold for the St Ives office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe have just secured a rental property with Maxine Lester. We have rented with Maxine Lester before, and have never had any issues.
This time around the process was smooth, quick and efficient. We were updated every step of the way and all our queries were answered promptly. Kian from Maxine Lester, thank you.
Michaela · 13 February 2026
Agent replied · 13 April 2026
Thank you so much for your continued trust in us, it truly means a great deal that you’ve chosen to rent with us again.
We’re delighted to hear that the process was smooth, efficient and well-communicated throughout. Keeping you fully informed and responding promptly to any queries is something we place great importance on, so it’s wonderful to know this made a positive difference.
Kian will be especially pleased to read your kind words, thank you for recognising his efforts.
We look forward to supporting you in your new home and ensuring your experience with us continues to be a positive one.
Best wishes Maxine and the Team
★★★★★ 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 · 25 August 2022
Agent replied
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 · 25 July 2024
Agent replied · 24 August 2024
Thank you Mike, Stephanie is so pleased to hear this lovely feedback.
Kind regards
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 · 25 August 2022
Agent replied · 30 July 2023
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.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThe Maxine Lester team have been absolutely amazing and I love renting with them. The whole team are so helpful and efficient, though I would like to send particular thanks to Olivia, who has gone above and beyond in helping me find a new home I am so delighted with. Thank you so much Olivia.
Emily · 21 March 2024
Agent replied · 30 July 2023
Dear Emily
I am so glad that we have been of service and thank you for mentioning Esme and Liv, we think they are rather special too.
I can see that you have just moved in so I hope that the move went smoothly, you have a beautiful home !
★★★★★ 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 · 25 August 2021
Agent replied
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
GoogleAt all times Alithia has been courteous, helpful and professional. Communication has been excellent at every stage of proceedings, keeping me abreast of developments as they occur. I am impressed at how quickly new tenants were secured and the speed of which the property was spruced up to prevent as little vacant occupancy as possible. 10 out of 10 to Alithia and the whole team. Thank you, Jeremy.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Jeremy · 20 June 2022
Agent replied · 19 June 2024
Hello Jeremy
Thank you so much for that fab review we really do appreciate it, you won’t be surprised to hear that Alithia won the star performer award for last quarter for her great customer service. So thank you for recognising what she does
Kind regards
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 · 30 June 2023
Agent replied · 24 March 2024
Dear Luke, Olivia was so pleased to read your feed back . Thank you for taking the time to write down your thoughts
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMaxine Lester is a very good agency, they are professional and their customer service is very good and efficient. Esme Fryer dealt with all the enquirers about renting and she did all necessary paper work quickly and we are pleased to rent a new property Also Bev Campbell is really helpful, she deals with all our enquirers with regards to our tenancy and sort out everything so quickly. Very friendly service too.. Definitely I can recommend Maxin Lester. We are delighted. Thank you
Cecylia · 30 September 2020
Agent replied
Hi Cecylia - thanks for a lovely 5 star review. The whole Maxine Lester team really value this feedback and I know Esme and Bev are delighted with your comments. Thanks! Matthew
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have used Maxine Lester over he past 15 years to look after two propertys in Earith ,Cambs, as we moved abroad so needed someone we could trust & after asking about & doing research we choose Maxine Lester.
For15 years we never had one bad tenant, the two propertys where hardly ever stood empty as they found new tenants , had them veted & ready to move in so I didn't loose any or little revenue .
Money was always paid in in time & repairs that needed doing they got there contractors in to sort the problem .
All in all I would be shocked if theres a better letting agent to be found in Cambridgeshire or most other countries.
Karl · 30 July 2020
Agent replied
HI Karl - thanks for a lovely review. The whole Maxine Lester team work to make sure our landlords get what they need - we're delighted you are so satisfied! Matthew
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have been a fan of Maxine Lester for some time now and have used them to find tenants for my property. More recently I have been so impressed by their email newsletters which have a wealth of useful information and advice.
Their personnel and in particular, Leanne Morris, are exceptional. The level of professionalism combined with a friendly and patient level of service surpassed my expectations. Leanne is a person I felt I could trust 100% to look after my needs in relation to finding a tenant and offering a range of good value packages for management. Even though I previously looked after my tenants myself I feel after looking at what they offer that I would like to work with Leanne and the team going forwards on future lettings. First Class, thank you Leanne
Anne · 17 March 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have never had a better experience while letting a property anywhere in the country. While applying to let for our property we dealt with Leanne in particular who could not have been any more helpful than she was. She was able to find us the perfect property and jumped through all the hoops with us. We had a quite a complicated application and Leanne was immediately ready with a solution anytime a new problem arose.
Also, everythime I have spoken to anybody at Maxine Lester they have been polite, helpful and a joy to speak to. Would definitely recommend them to anybody looking to rent a property.
Surabhi · 2 June 2020
Agent replied
Hi there. Thanks for such a great review - sorry you've had to wait for the feedback -we simply missed the normal review notification mails.
Your experience is what we try to achive, so it is great to hear your feedback - I know Leanne will value your comments as she works so hard to help people. Thanks again. Matthew
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleWe have rent a property from them for 3years. There was few issues with property which never was solved even if I was constantly asking for. The landlord decided to sell the property so they gave us a 2 months notice from begging of December till beginning of February out of order! Nobody cares that Christmas time is a dead time for hunting new homes. I did not like how they treat us on the end plus made false accusations to find a way to not pay deposit back too! Not recommended at all!
Monika · 3 May 2020
Agent replied
HI Monika - Sorry for the delayed response. We are all so sorry this happened. As you know your landlord chose to sell your property. The fact the agreed notice included the Christmas period was unfortunate timing. We are sorry you were so badly affected by this decision. Matthew
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe just moved in our beautiful flat in St. Ives and we are glad we found Maxine Lester: great Letting agency with really professional and friendly people. Special thanks to Esme who showed our property and assisted with the moving in and Jenna, who is always available to answer to any of our questions, and to all the team!
Highly recommended, thank you so much!
Luca&AndreaPositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Luca · 20 June 2022
Agent replied · 19 June 2024
Hi Luca
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback I am so glad that you are happy in your new home . Also delighted that Esme and Jenna have been so helpful. If there is anything else we can do the team at Maxine Lester’s are there for you. Just in case you are looking for a decent macchiato I can definitely recommend Lorenzo’s in the Courtyard
Regards
Maxine
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI could not recommend Maxine Lester enough. From enquiring about my new rental property, to communications, the viewing itself and the application process, it’s been faultless. A special thank you to Olivia for her guidance and making this such a smooth process. Looking forward to being in my new home very soon.
David · 25 November 2023
Agent replied · 24 March 2024
Thank you so much David that’s wonderful fed back
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleA highly professional lettings experience from start to finish. The team were organised, responsive, and proactive throughout the tenancy process, ensuring everything was handled efficiently and with clarity. A dependable, tenant-focused approach that made the move-in process straightforward and stress-free. Strongly recommended.
J · 13 January 2026
Agent replied · 13 April 2026
Thank you so much, JP, for your kind and generous feedback.
I am delighted to hear that your experience with our lettings team was smooth, clear and stress-free from start to finish. Providing a professional, organised … More
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe are renting a property near Huntingdon and had the pleasure of dealing with the team at Maxine Lester. Everyone we dealt with has been very helpful, especially Alithia Elia who helped us secure the property and get through the application process with ease. She is very organised and prompt, and has gone above and beyond for us. Thank you Alithia and everyone at Maxine Lester!PositiveProfessionalism
Cristina · 25 August 2022
Agent replied
Hi Christina
What a lovely read on a Monday morning ( sorry I was on holiday last week) we are really pleased that you are happy with what we do at Maxine Lester’s . I will also pass on your thanks to Alithia she takes great pride in making sure that we find you the right home. Looking forward to working with you going forward.
Kind regards
Maxine
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleIf your a landlord, you come 1st.
If your a tenant, your bottom of the shoe.
Hurt my foot on a dangerous patio, off work for 2 weeks.
Maxine Lester said nothing wrong with the patio after inspection.
Are they qualified?
Think they only good at cobweb inspections, taking deposits.
Property advertising incorrectly.
"A well presented 4 bed property" hardly
"Space for a fridge freezer" no space
"Double glazed" from the 80s
Radiators with 15 coats of paint on hardly fit for purpose with poor quality windows, high heating bills.
High price rent, for low quality housing.
Strongly advise to rent through another agent.
They view tenants as low life idiots, can't be to much of a idiot to qualify for the high rent.
Curtain rails have fallen off in 3 rooms, whoever put them on needs banning from DIY, I put them back up being a builder.
Extension lead behind the cooker, very safe.
Residents who have lived next-door and around the property, do not have a good word to say about the landlord, leaving the property dated, spending no money on the property and raising rent.
Resident, across the road has worked with Maxine Lester, invoices not paid.
Think twice about entering into a contract.
I hurt my foot on the risky patio, couldn't pay the rent as I'm self employed.
Maxine Lester threatened court because I've left the property early.
Richard · 18 October 2024
Agent replied · 22 October 2024
Hi Richard sorry that you feel so negatively about us. Just to put things into context you chose to rent the property after viewing it . You signed up for a 12 month period - you decided to break that . When you first moved in you did mention the quality of the paving - this was fixed within 3 days and you never advised us that it was still an issue . We asked you on several occasions to give us some proof of the damage to your foot so that we could pursue a claim for you - you never gave us anything . We did visit the property the moment you advised us of your accident - we could find nothing. I would be very happy to get details of the person you say we haven’t paid as that would not be right. By airing your grievances in this way you have just made it public to your next landlord how you conducted your last tenancy
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleFirst, I would like to state that I am not a tenant however, I have many friends whom i have visited that live at houses rented out through this agency. From these people are nothing but complaints, especially when it is time to move. One friend in particular whos house i visited frequently, and who also keeps her house extremely clean and tidy has recently filled me in on recent events and i am absolutely appalled to hear what this agency is doing to their tenants. They will exaggerate many cosmetic and home aging issues in attempts to keep as much as the security deposit as they can and write customers off once they move out. The agency attempts to make their customers go through an arduous and probably endless battle (“similar to an appeals process”) that will more than likely end in their favor(weird). I have also attempted to go view the house myself due to her being moved to a different location as we are both AD Service members but was denied the opportunity to do so to speak in my friends behalf. My friend was also shown the photos that seemed to be taken at angles reflecting shadows into the house to make it appear as though there was a spot in the floor but no real proof was provided to her for the “damages” the agency claimed. The continue to be pushy in their comments back to her just for giving them honest feedback and reviews to potentially make their business better and remove reviews that arent in their favor. I was there at the residence assisting her clean before the move and I can vouch that upon my walkthrough before turning in the keys, there were no stains on carpets or grease on the stove as they so claimed. The “grease stain” in question was even mentioned as a poor job on the house cleaners part and to be honest if there was in fact a grease stain, it probably could have been simply been wiped off but I suppose Agencies need to make their profits somehow, even if it is at the expense of taking advantage of their customers and expensive security deposits. (There was no grease stain). Rest assured that I will not be recommending this agency to ANY of my subordinates, co-workers or newcomers to prevent them from going through this.
Peter · 31 October 2018
Agent replied
Dear Peter. Thanks for your feedback. We would be happy to discuss this with you, but as you have no direct relationship with us or experience with us I have no choice but to ask that you get in touch. It is clear your feedback is not based on direct experience of working with us and would hope to demonstrate this to you if you would be good enough to get in touch. Matthew
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAfter having a poor experience with letting agents in the past, not being treated like a valued person and being left alone with all of your money in their bank account, I can say that Maxine Lester stands out from the rest.
From the date of my Zoopla enquiry to when we moved in (and onwards from there), I have received a personal and impressive experience. All of the staff I have dealt with, particularly Stephanie, Jennifer and Abi have done all that they can to help and rise to our needs and expectations. Stephanie helped us find a place that was more suitable for our needs by recommending a different property than the one we initially enquired about. Abi showed us the property and even waited half an hour when we were stuck in traffic. Jennifer made our check in easy and stress free providing a nice comfortable meeting room, explaining everything and answering all questions with knowledge.
I am highly impressed with Maxine Lester. Thank you for all of your help and expert knowledge. I would definitely recommend to anyone who rents.
George · 31 October 2018
Agent replied
Hi George. We keep the same aim now as when we started our business - to treat tenants as well as landlords; after all tenants are landlord's customers so deserve to be treated a such. Your comments are really reassuring, as they show we have achieved that for you. Thank you. Matthew
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe had the pleasure of Esme from Maxine Lester helping us with our home move. During such uncertain times Esmé provided efficient and full support during the process and was always ready and happy to answer the endless questions we had.She offered a excellent service and made the whole process a very calm and enjoyable experience, which was really appreciated during such a difficult time. Thank you to Esme and the rest of the team!
Isobel · 31 August 2020
Agent replied
Hi Isobel. Sorry for the tardy reply - we simply missed your lovely 5 star review. Sorry!
Esme I know is delighted by your feedback and the fact all her efforts on your behalf are appreciated. Thank you! Matthew
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThis is the first time we have moved from a rented property to another rented property. Sam S made the process extremely quick and efficient and importnatly worry free. From seeing the proprty on the market to securing it was a swift …
A · 13 December 2025
Agent replied · 13 April 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. We’re delighted to hear your move was smooth and worry-free, especially as it was your first time moving from one rented home to another. … More
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleIncredible service. These lovely people make the other agents look like complete amateurs. So professional, right down to their beautiful office. I'm really looking forward to renting from them for many years 😃 …
K · 13 February 2026
Agent replied · 13 April 2026
Thank you so much for such an uplifting review, it truly means a great deal to all of us.
We are delighted that your experience has stood out and that you felt the level of professionalism we strive to deliver in every interaction. Creating a welcoming environment, both in our office and in the way we support our residents, is something we care deeply about.
Most of all, we’re thrilled to hear that you’re looking forward to renting with us for many years to come. We look forward to supporting you every step of the way and ensuring your time with us continues to be a positive one.
Thank you again Maxine and the Team
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI found the team at Maxine Lester to be amazing: efficient; courteous; supportive. In short, everything you want in a Residential Lettings agency. Compared to my recent dire experiences with other agents from rival agencies (those who turned up late, without keys, and with no info about the properties I was viewing all the while making sexist jokes) Amy, Sarah and Lisa were a breath of fresh air. They answered all of my questions and were always available when I needed them. Thank you very much. I will definitely be recommending you to friends in the future!
Hannah · 1 November 2014
Agent replied
Thx
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.
