Reviews
Do not even know where to begin with Bensons, the fact I have to give them a star to even write this review is generous. Firstly, they are more than happy to let out sub standard properties. When we went to visit our flat originally there was substantial damp in one of the cupboards. We were advised this would be taken care of before we moved in. The shower cubicle door was also lose, which in fact completely fell away on my first evening in the flat, which we were told would be fixed and the sink itself was pulling away from the wall, again we were promised this would be taken care of. None of these maters were sorted but we did not get to see the flat again until we had paid our deposit and were given our keys. This was only the start of Bensons making and then breaking promises. Every single thing that went wrong in the flat, no matter how minor, we contacted bensons immediately to have it fixed. They would ignore emails, not return calls and promise work men would be out that never showed. Flat inspections were re arranged which is not ideal when both myself and my partner work. We finally decided to leave the flat anf bensons after months of living in a damp flat with poor communication from the agency. They are now dragging out the return of our deposit and are intent on bleeding us dry of every last penny. Despite having written agreement of how much we were to be paid back, they have now disputed this amount and are withholding our money almost a month after we moved out. I am aware of how ranty this review is but I honestly just want anyone considering Bensons to know the truth. They are rude, un reliable and liars. Please do your research people and save yourself months of heartache.
Can't recommend bensons. Don't reply to emails or calls. Have dealt with 3 different members of staff of which have no desire to help. Niamh, who always says she will get someone to call us back but never does. Alan, who blatently lies to our faces about getting help with the flat e.g repairs to the flat and most recently the getting back of our deposit. And insists on charging us with ridiculous fees regarding fixing the problems that were in the flat before we rented it out. And lastly the manager Kevin, who seems friendly and eager to help us get our deposit issue sorted but is no help at all. The motto in bensons must be "there's always someone else to blame" as they seem to blame the tenants, the deposit company or landlords. I can't stress enough, don't deal with bensons.
I can't thank Samantha enough for all the assistance she provided in the sale of the house. From advising on appearance, providing photographs, contacting surveyor and selling the house was all completed in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend Benson's to anyone selling or buying property ; they make a very stressful process completely stress free. However, I would not trust them with renting out property. I received the property back in dreadful condition and my e-mails remain unanswered requesting information I need for tax purposes.
Please stay away from Bensons if you can! They are useless ignorant people, who don't respond to calls or emails. They have left our upstairs neighbours with no water for 2 days and us without electricity. If you are thinking about letting a property from them please think twice about it. They are quite happy to let out properties with leaks and mould in the ceilings. Likewise if you own a property and care about the value and condition of it don't let them gets their hands on it. I'd gladly pay double to rent out through someone else.
Bensons are a friendly, approachable and helpful bunch who will go out of their way to ensure your transaction progresses swiftly and efficiently. Samantha is an absolute pleasure to deal with !
Avoid and use another estate agent if possible .Never return calls or emails ,tell you lies to your face .Just awful to deal with .They forget they are there to provide a service to tenants and seem to think they are superior to anyone they deal with .
Properties have minor and mid level defects. Rents stable. Charge illegal fees. Cannot recommend.
Do not trust them. First they wanted me to pay electric bill for previous days. I got the flat very dusty and dirty. I report them they did nothing and I have to clean someone else mess. I reported them one of radiator broken. After 6 months later i moved out it was still broken.
Benson's let a flat in St Leonards, East Kilbride to my daughter which breached several regulations, including:-
1. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 - There was no evidence of PAT or EICR tests having been conducted (no labels on any appliances, or any report).
2. Fire Safety - one battery powered smoke detector in hallway. However, any smoke alarm installed or modified after 3rd September 2007 must be mains powered, there should be one in the main living area, and there should be a heat detector in the kitchen (Housing (Scotland) Act 2006).
In addition to the above, dishwasher was broken, one radiator fell off wall as soon as it was touched, and another one could not be switched on. There was also dampness in the lounge.
Please draw your own conclusions, but at best, Bensons appear totally inept.
Sold my last 2 properties with Bensons, both sold within a matter of days. Excellent service, friendly helpful staff who were very efficient. They had our property on the market really quickly and did all the viewings for us, we didn't have to do a thing. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again, would highly recommend.