Aster Group Walberton reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Poor Ability to fight the tenants battles, no record of issues being logged

Although my house is lovely and in the perfect location, 7 months in I am still waiting for new kitchen worktops, I’ve had my brick work need pointing, kitchen cupboard doors fall of the hinges weeks into moving in, side to the bath not even cut to length, bricks not fitted correctly by the front door and constant arguments with aster over it being damage. Having spoke directly to persimmons they advised me that the only reason they class it as damage is the fact aster didn’t pick it up before the exchange of keys. Therefore wasn’t noticed as a snag! Finally we are getting somewhere but that is after threatening to get independent people in and billing aster and also having to get Rebecca Pow involved

Ms · 17 November 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Soul Destroying

It is Soul Destroying being an Aster tenant. One star is far too generous in my humble opinion based on experience. Our home is a 2 bed bungalow for the over 55's. My husband is in his 70's. Yet in the 21st century we have opted to forfeit hot water because after 13 years of grief with imaginary leaking pipes in the loft, with imaginary smells of damp from the imaginary leaks; the fitting of numerous hot water tanks including one that failed as the fitters left. Appointment after appointment after appointment we finally decided the only way to end the misery of dealing with repairs team is to go without hot water. We use a Cheap Tesco kettle, it is far less stressful and far more reliable than Aster. More importantly a £12 kettle has lasted longer than most of the cylinders they installed. It took Aster 5 years and countless visits to figure out the waste pipe from the kitchen sink had been 'bunged' in the ground and left unsealed, oddly it was leaking, which accounted for the 'imaginary' smell we had endured. It was a 10min. repairThe waste pipe from the toilet leaked for 10 years, seeping up from under the floor which I bleached every day. This only became a 'real' problem when fountains sprouted flooding the bathroom, only then was it was finally repaired. We were vindicated, we had not been peeing on the floor as they suggested.9 years wait for a 2msq ceiling repair in the living room. The damage was caused by overflow pipes cut short, left to overflow in the loft or through the facia.When it freezes so do our pipes and we are without water for days, a problem reported for years. With all of those factors and our constant complaints about the smell of damp wood and chip board in every room Aster still denied there were any leaks in the loft, until water started pouring through the ceilings in April of this year. We are still waiting for the repair work to be completed. Aster have now appointed a contractor so we know it will be sorted to a good standard within a reasonable time frame. Finally. Problem neighbours? From personal experience we are not sure which is worse, the neighbours piles of dog muck and their threats or Asters attitude and lack of transparency. The setting of required evidence constantly changing makes it impossible to achieve their exacting 'requirements', we were convinced we were set up to fail. Pacify, distract and blame the victim. I was left verging on a breakdown and no one took it seriously, even the housing officer for this area thought i was joking. I still have terrible nightmares more than a year on. PTS is a reality of dealing with Aster. Aster have no concept of duty of care. Even MPs have mentioned in the House of Commons that when they raise an issue on behalf of a tenant they feel as if they, the MP's, are the problem for daring to challenge this company. Solar panels...evidently according to Aster we are the only people to complain about them? That must be true because Aster tell me it is true. The panels humm we have had the TV/radio on 24/7 for 7 years. Having Aster as landlord is challenging, having solar panels is a nightmare. We have begged to have the panels removed. But profit comes before tenant.Not one of the repairs issues has been created by us, they exist due to poor maintenance and Asters mantra that they are never wrong, blame the tenant instead. It is easy to intimidate vulnerable people, we should not have to defend ourselves against our Landlord. Putting the residents at the core of their strategies ? Not sure how that would work when Every contact is a battle of endurance to get the repairs done. Done once, done without a fuss, completed professionally.For Section 20's. Try a general search 'Aster Courts Section 20 rulings'. A significant judgement against Aster, regarding their attempts to claim money from Tenants for unwarranted work. If you want to make a claim against Aster, first challenge the £250 max. as recommended in one of the latest of judgements against Aster. Without this £250 being thrown out any successful claim will still be limited to £250 and not the £000's awarded. I can only suggest you try a general search as above. The information you need is out there, you just have to look.I have responded to their request for further information. No response from them...and now they are asking again??? Their incompetence is a disgrace, so if the nice people from Aster want to reply, let Bjorn Howard answer directly, he never has in the past! Anyone with any level of competence would know how to contact me. Or are there more tenants opting to go without hot water rather than deal with the repairs team?

Jan · 21 October 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

After seven years of rain coming in the…

After seven years of rain coming in the kitchen and living room of this Aster place and countless botched repair jobs, I have noticed it is all back again.I am dreading contacting them for yet another botch job, so I have contacted CAB to see what other options there are. I am finally going to claim compensation for seven years of hell!Bit of a laugh for everyone.Took four incompetent plumbers to fix a leaking tap. One so called repair left it in such a state, it would not turn!We all need to get together and start change.

Michael_Williams · 1 October 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Called emergency line I got water…

Called emergency line I got water coming down to my downstairs toilet they have no one to come out tell me not to bath I have not for the last few days it’s a Joke will be taking this to trading standers expect you to live it poor conditions the amount of rent they charge you is a joke

Vicki · 11 November 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

The worst housing association ever

The worst housing association ever. They don’t call back they don’t do repairs you have to chase them all the time they don’t sort out mould as many my neighbours have it I still rubbish in my garden which they didn’t clear up before I moved in it was hidden in the corner of the garden! And a down pipe for overflow was shoved in a tube and moving around as they moved water heater into loft and overflow pipe was just put inside the old one and it’s not write size and as I said they don’t return phone calls I have a old wooden back door which is breaking and let’s in rain and wind and not secure at all been waiting 4 months now ! I wish I never moved here.they need sorting out and action taken against them ! Shameful

Sue · 31 August 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Don’t do it to yourself.

Useless company loads of problems with my new build house including hole in the living room floor which 2 months on is still there. Cancelled my flooring company as can’t put flooring over it. Aster dragging out repair told could be another month yet. Fence broken had nails poking through. Replaced nails but left the split wood in. Can’t get in loft to sort aerial that doesn’t work because not given key to hatch. Not sure I will ever see that problem sorted in my lifetime as I’m 46 now. Too many other problems to list. You ring and just get told “it’s process”. Plus look at all the replies just copy and paste responses. Mine will be “Hello Jason sorry you are having trouble we can try and resolve this with you. If you can please share any further information with us by going to our website” no point as all of us have already tried contacting you to sort the defects before getting fed up and leaving a review.

Jason · 24 August 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Appalling. At my wits end.

Horrendous. Been in my house for over a year now and none of my defects have been looked at. Was told my list was 'closed'!? Passed from pillar to post - most heard phrase: 'they'll be in touch'. Never! Lost all patience now and don't know what to do. Cannot get through to anyone to even attempt to resolve issues. It's like they don't want to know. I'm sure if I stopped paying the rent for a property that is unfinished and unsatisfactory they'd be quick to get on my case but no regard for customer service whatsoever. Appalling.

Consumer · 5 August 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Typical money hungry landlord

Love to jack up service charges while also not providing any real services. They can sometimes remember to mow the grass and replace hallway light bulbs but that's about it. They also really love bombarding people with S20 notices to confuse people when they sneak in new charges, as a lot of what comes in them is not relevant to you expect that ONE that is. Would honestly recommend avoiding any Aster property if you want any value for money.

Dave · 19 July 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Not a good landlord.

Not a good landlord.Lack of interest in tenants needs or concerns.Lack of knowledge or training in special needs/ mental health/disabilities.Currently pinning tiles that were put up on 250 houses without pins.Very poor communication.Too many homes being 'managed' , care more about making money than tenants happiness.

Bethany · 12 July 2024

★★★★★ 3/5

Trustpilot

I will start by saying how lovely our…

I will start by saying how lovely our flat is , just 6 flats all of us over 60 years old and 4 flats share a shared outside space, this is were my comment goes down hill , the 4 flats that share the outside space feel its unsafe, its uneven, the ground has sunk round the 2 drains , the ground is all cracked, its supposed to be a grassed area but that doesn't grow well as gound so poor, the other week one of our more elderly residents sat on a chair there as it would be so nice to sit out but unfortunately the chair went down into ground and he ended up on floor, luckily nothing hurt , just needed help up . We have reported it on numerous times , sent in photos and still nothing done, its an accident waiting to happen. Im writing this on behalf of the residents here and hoping something will get done after this post

Maureen · 14 June 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Worst company ever

I am only giving a 1 because I can’t give any lower. Doubled my service charge this year (2021/22) and now sent another bill for almost £400 which will be added. Apparently communal internal and external redecoration on flats that were only built 7 years ago. I live in what is classified as affordable housing. Not so much anymore. When you try and ring them you can’t speak to anyone about it, you ask for a callback and no one calls. Had nothing but problems with them since I moved in when they failed to process my DD form and then threatened to tell my mortgage company I was failing to pay. Turns out the form was on the desk in front of them, they hadn’t processed it but that was my fault. Neighbours have had issues with service charge errors. Given the company is here to manage homes they don’t do it very well..... if you can afford to buy without shared ownership then do, they will rob you blind!

VK · 24 May 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Arrogant and intimidating.

The worst, awful company I have had the misfortune to have to deal with. My father in law, one of their elderly tenants sadly died and Aster has since caused no end of problems with their unnecessary demands and orders. Even a complaint to the CEO was met with absolute total inefficiency and repeats of their rudeness. Being so used to treating their elderly residents with contempt and disrespect, one of their local managers made the mistake of dishing out orders to my wife with if you believe it finger-pointing in her face. Their appalling attitude can only stem from the top and their motto should read: "obey orders or get a lecture with fingers pointing your face". Utter disgrace of a company, if their attitude to the dead is so bad just think how they must mistreat the living residents.

John · 20 May 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Defects that never get fixed!

Since I moved into my property in April 2020, I have had no end of problems and defects with Aster homes which fall on deaf ears. They simply do not care. I have had no downstairs toilet since November 2020 and it is now nearly June 2021. They only sent a plumber out recently who said that the problem is not with the toilet (as I thought) but a ground works issue below the property. I waited in yesterday afternoon for someone to come, called again at 3 to have a yes they were coming by 5. Never did. I call again today and they have no answer as to why no one has turned up and can't help me. The list of defects I have had is so long and yet again today they have 'lost' the list of defects email. Quite possibly the most incompent company I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. Avoid at all costs!!

Michelle · 18 May 2021

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

i had a email from housing officer who…

i had a email from housing officer who said i had to pay to have a shed removed in a shared garden,it was their when i moved in the last tenant died how can that be right? why did aster housing leave it their and other tenants used it, i have got legal advise and aster should have removed it,also why have i got to wait another year for window repair? when it was with east dorset housing it was great

David · 15 May 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

AVOID-INCOMPETENT-INTIMIDATING

Horrific. Absolutely awful establishment who bully and scare tenants in vulnerable positions. They don’t care about tenants-we are simple the wages for the staff. They do not communicate between departments, I have approached them numerous times with various grievances and they bat them away. I have taken the advice to have nothing to do with them, just pay my rent and crack on. They have breached my tenancy multiple times and they don’t even care. The complaint handlers are the worst of the lot! I genuinely hope they sell it all off to a different association. If you are bidding for a home, find out who the housing association are before you take the property-Aster are the most impossible unfriendly team of people who sell false promises and paint a picture of themselves through radio and marketing online-IT IS ALL LIES! Do not put yourself through the misery!

AB · 23 March 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Totally fed up

Totally fed up. Third winter in our shared ownership home and still have water coming through the back doorway and black mold up the walls. Ended up making a complaint. Complaints process is a waste of time and even though the problem was not proved to be resolved they closed it down as 'it may be resolved'. We are still waiting for a water-tight and black mold free home. Hopefully this time they will listen and we can lay flooring and start to enjoy our home. Unfortunately, we aren't holding our breath. By the way, Aster, please don't ask me to provide more details so you can resolve things as you seem to do on other reviews on here. You know about the problem, we just want it fixed. I may even remove this review then! I really am that desperate.

Carrie · 21 January 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

'Bare naked' plywood doors are now the…

'Bare naked' plywood doors are now the norm for internal replacement doors. Not painted or a basic white finish...they expect pensioners and or disabled tenants to prime and paint these doors? Evidently, according to Aster the doors are fit for purpose, which is more than can be said about the company!!They are an absolute disgrace.18 minutes on the phone responding to their request to contact them, what a waste of time that was.

Jan · 11 February 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Extremely professional service

Extremely professional service, high quality finish on my bathroom refit. The team delivering the refit were considerate, professional, knowledgeable, tidy and efficient. They explained everything they needed to do and set expectations for each day which they kept to. A quality service which is what I have come to expect from Aster Housing Association.

Karen · 22 November 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Awful company

Awful company. We've had issues with mould for over 4 years now and it's a continuous problem. Every time they say "we'll do this and it will fix the problem"...it doesn't.I have now resorted in getting the housing ombudsman, environmental health and a legal team involved.

Toni · 8 April 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Aster Group used to be Sarsen Housing

Aster Group used to be Sarsen Housing, a social landlord but now is moving towards deregulation it would appear. They are selling-off a lot of their previously rented homes which leaves fewer for rental for those most in need.Their mantra is that they are 'building new homes' but don't be fooled by that - because these new homes are rarely for rent but instead for outright sale or shared ownership; something that hardly helps those who need rented property, such as young people unable to get on the property ladder or those who are elderly and/or disabled....They operate more as a private, commercial entity than a social landlord and have lost interest in their tenants.

Terri · 7 February 2020

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Hand in hand

Aster Gr. shadowed all activities happened in the buying process and gave immediate support as and when needed. Good team to work with. I am grateful to start my shared ownership with them.

GKF · 7 November 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

There are some lovely engineers at…

There are some lovely engineers at Aster and then there are some ignorant and rude engineers that should not be in this role. The work is of a poor standard and I avoid ever having to call them out. Timelines are unrealistic and the waiting window for an engineer for an all day appointment is appalling especially when they decide not to turn up or have been called on another job.

Unhappy · 2 February 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Without heating and hot water for over a month

We have had repeated issues for the past few months with our heating, and several unsuccessful attempts to repair it. We were offered temporary heaters but they cost to much to use. We had to repeatedly call and chase, apparently the system said our job was complete, but it wasn’t. We are now considering making a formal complaint.

Linda · 22 April 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

after waiting 13 years we finally got a…

after waiting 13 years we finally got a new kitchen well almost we had the plans all was well but we found out that acording to the company we cant have our fridge under a worksurface hence only half a worksurface what a joke a small minority of workers ruin it for the decent guys that care and do a brilliant job

Jan · 1 December 2022