Romans - Basingstoke Avis 

I chose Romans to manage my property due to the large scale operation they ran; "they must be fairly competent to have grown to their scale!" I thought naively. I also saw their competitive fees - comparable to alternative letting agents in the local area, another good sign. When marketing my property they were fantastic and diligently put the advert on rightmove. They received instant offers within hours of it going online. The pictures looked good and a letting agent showed people around the property. Within 2 hours of the advert going live, someone had paid the holding deposit and was happy with the monthly rent. I wished them well in their new home.

Here is where the problems started. Roman’s sent a plumber to solve a leak and charged me handsomely for doing so – I expect that. They have to make their margin. I also expect a plumber to be able to find a leak. They did not. I still paid and had to send a separate contractor. After numerous emails all being ignored, I directed my complaint to head office who had it fixed in a jiffy, I was reimbursed. Justice eventually, but it was being ignored and having to email Romans head office that really grated me.

Alongside that complaint, I highlighted my disappointment in the “bills transfer service” they sold me. I was under the pretence that when I pay them to transfer all utilities and bills to the incoming tenants, that is what they would do. No, they half arsed it and transferred some. Perhaps the TV Licence? I’m not really sure if they transferred any. Either way, in the recent 6 months of the tenancy I have been chased for hundreds and hundreds of pounds and ignored by Romans despite this “being escalated” over a month ago.

If this were the fault of the tenants I would accept it and do something about it. This is a large corporation who have not got their affairs in order. For this service I am paying in excess of £200 pcm. I would categorically not recommend them. The kicker? If they had just told me what they were doing about it I would be content, even with the protracted timelines.

Thanks Romans – would not recommend.

Had my second inspection from the lovely Jo a really lovely and professional lady.

> No communication once sold regarding further viewings by eventual buyer, when mortgage valuation or surveyor visiting (if this even happened on either account)?
> Downstairs window left wide open on a viewing (easily access/size where an intruder could get into the property). Came back to house days after this could have happened. Complained to branch manager and never heard anything back, or an apology
> Curtain rail / curtain brought down on a viewing(s) and neatly left on bed, never informed until I found this on going back to house. Complained to branch manager and never heard anything back, or an apology
> My agent / move manager left earlier this year and I did not find out until early March when I asked for him within their office to hand over paperwork
> Erected sold sign was bending wooden fence which after Storm Eunice made things worse. Could not get through to branch on three occasions and then call transferred to their head office. Assured sign would be removed as soon as possible (within 72 hours). Sign still there 6 weeks after and on day of completion.

Update - Further to my telephone call from Romans, thank you for acknowledging the above.

This is my first couple of months with Romans as a tenant. Special thanks to Jo Hunt for a friendly & smooth inspection this week & Denise for looking after all my emails.

Everytime Jo visits its great. Lovely woman. She is always friendly and makes everything easy and comfortable.