Martin & Co Manchester Central Lettings & Estate Agents

Please read carefully if you are considering Martin & Co. as your letting agent. I started an agreement with them in November 2024 for a flat that was going to be vacant in December, after I passed all the reference processes, a contract was made after I paid the holding deposit, but I was unable to view the property as it was occupied (and they probably had issues with the tenant, so there was only a video tour provided). Almost a month after, and a week before getting the keys the apartment was finally empty. When I went to visit I found a lot of issues, from cleanliness to faulty appliances, soiled carpet that needed replacement, and awful overall conditions of the painting, bathrooms, and furniture. I asked for a deal to get the place fixed, painted, and renewed, on my own, but, the landlord didn't accept it, and now, 2 days before getting the keys with everything packed they just canceled my offer and said they would return my holding deposit. They don't answer the phone, ignore e-mails, and never speak to you clearly and have no empathy at all, even though they knew I had given notice where I currently live and was going to be homeless in a week, and because of holidays break, it will be nearly impossible to find another place in a suitable time. It was in my contract that the apartment would be cleaned before the move in date, and not even this was done. Please find some example pictures of the property they were going to let below (just a few examples).

UPDATE:this relates 2 Denis flat 1 yr b4 I don't particularly like to point out bad service, but the service from Martin&Co when it came to issues was by far one of the worst experiences I've had , and even after pointing out poor service to them it didn't do much to change. I moved in to a flat my friend had tennanted for 4 years already. The set up process wasn't great, with private emails meant for other people (who were also complaining about phone calls not getting answered) and when I arranged on a Friday for the WhatsApp call that I'd be available any time the next week but tell me prior as I work in an office and won't have my passport on me unless I know I need it that day, a last minute (can we have the call) was put in the Tuesday afterwards. The day before signing they try inform the new contract was £300 more a month.This was rebuked back due to soon to start building work blocking light from the building. Things were initially fine and a first issue of a broken oven was fixed pretty quickly. No form of online tracking system for the issue did suprise me for an estate agents. The next issue that was big was a broken toilet where the button was broken. This took a week where I was left speaking with the contractors, they came went away, and weeks of trying to get updates about it where it was up to. This happened 18th October, in amongst this they replaced a part left it actually running water into the cistern to be propped to stop it running. Still had no updates. On 30th had a leak, no representative came out from martin & co to assess damage, no timescales for work given dispite asking clear questions about it got stock one liners about contractors to contact me, I was away on bereavement after a family illness, I had the leak all over the bedroom carpet and it stunk, in the week away in trying to find out information of "we can bring the tenancy to an end" no updates in the full week about cleaning the floor , it was asked if my flatmate could be in the Saturday for access which was agreed but as standard zero follow up off that email, I'd to hire a carpet cleaner myself the week afterwards. Also to note in this we had to inform the agency "the kitchen floor is damaged from the leak" which was met with a "the contractors didn't mention anything" and after getting them out again the floor was to be replaced. Might have helped if the company was actually managing the property for the landlord. The next issue of no hot water in January, well no need for an agency to respond to the email, they didn't acknowledge it and it was "the contractors will let you know so you can arrange access" . They came, tried a few things to no avail. Without following up on a non reply from Julie from the initial email the week after I then chased up again, and again. I was then met with the usual"did they not contact you is it not sorted". Zero apologies, zero customer service. After a second visit of the contractor I paid my own money for a second opinion who pointed out it was the mixer tap probably . This second opinion plumber no longer would work for Martin and co due to him not getting paid before and only up front. Julie sent out another contractor, who agreed to my found issue, didn't address the timer being broken , this still took 2 weeks from ordering, and I "I couldn't get intouch with the contractors" it was funny when I texted I got a response within 30 min and they came the next day to fit after waiting an additional 2 weeks and over a month without hot water. On check out as every other review has said , overcharged for cleaning services and although it was said I would agree with receipt of bill 5 times no receipt ever came and took a lot of chasing to get whatever deposit we were allowed back dispite no visits taking place before or during my time renting. No phones are answered, there is rarely anyone in the dingy office I tried to go in good time during the issues on a Wednesday and there was nobody there. Run like a plague if you've looked at this review and thinking of renting a Martin &co property

Do yourself a favour and DO NOT use this agency. They have literally stolen a chunk of our holding deposit and offered absolutely no explanation why - which in my books counts as stealing. Whenever I had any questions about the referencing Sameera just told me to reach out to RightMove and ask them - it's literally your job to know this why are you making me do it for you? We then sent a £288 holding deposit and asked for a 6 month tenancy (which was an option given to us), then the landlord said he only wanted 12 months so Sameera offered to return our holding deposit. We then received £218 back and not £288. I sent MULTIPLE emails asking her for an explanation and she completely ignored me!!! I don't even know how it's possible for a registered and reputable business like this to just take some of our money without even specifying why. I'm not someone that ever leaves reviews really but this is just shocking on so many levels, I had to.

Happy with my experience with Martin & Co Manchester Central. Overall their staff are very attentive and have resolved any maintenance/repair issues. The agency is very trustworthy as well, having refunded an accidental overpayment of rent within 24 hours.