Christopher Charles

I wish I had read all the negative reviews regarding this agency before I rented from them. Certain members of staff are utterly incompetent. They spend the entire year ignoring emails and calls, unless they want something from you. Checking out was a complete nightmare, and the outrageous attempts to dock money from our deposit was quite frankly disgusting. Not to mention having our characters questioned, been called liars and making it as difficult as possible to get our deposit back. I am surprised this agency is even allowed to remain open.

Avoid this letting agency unless you enjoy dealing with a bunch of incompetent fools. Communication between their small team is poor and routine maintenance issues always took weeks to resolve, sometimes longer. Every excuse under the sun has been given during my tenancy with "this is the first we’ve heard of it" followed by "the e-mail server was broken" being the most popular. If you subsequently call them to chase up ongoing issues they promise to call you back - but never do.

The manageress, Lisa Charles is very outspoken and to the point. She tries to belittle tenants and makes you feel that you are not worth her time. Especially on the telephone – she always shouts and could probably rant for Britain with her brashness as she tries to get her ‘obviously correct’ point of view across, before asking if you agree. Apart from a simple yes/no, you will not be able to get a word in and voice your counter-opinion. The phone will be slammed down on you. This arrogant front makes me think that Lisa bitterly took on responsibility of running Christopher Charles from the family (the company was established in 1986). Maybe she is fed up with her incompetent staff, who knows?

From my numerous brief visits to their offices on Stroud Green Road, most of the staff working under her appear miserable. George is a good socialite and represents the company’s front end very well and is good at drawing customers in. However, he can sometimes be unreliable and take a while to resolve issues. Perhaps this may be due, at least in part, to a lack of ultimate respect for the Manageress, who is definitely not a people person….

To summarise: Avoid these jokers if you value your sanity and do not have the time for the shenanigans detailed above. They are other estate agents in a close proximity that specialise in the local area e.g. Davies and Davies, across the road in fact who I have rented off previously and could not place a fault on.

Steer clear!!! These agents are the worst I have ever dealt with, and that's saying something. The guys who work there are clueless and extremely frustrating to deal with. The manageress is not only unfriendly but downright rude. They tried to take money out of my deposit recently when I moved out of a flat, despite the flat being left in spotless condition. Needless to say I fought them and won, as they hadn't a leg to stand on.

If you are unlucky enough to have to deal with these guys, put everything in writing, keep every email, and make sure you have a lawyer as a friend!

Name: John
Location: London