Tenancy review for Lucas Green Road Woking in Surrey Heath District, Woking rented from Mike Palmer

Landlord rating: 1

The landlords - Mike Palmer and Francesca Palmer - are calculated, exploitative and dishonest. They regularly break the law e.g. they did not protect my deposit, even when I specifically asked them to do it. They knowingly rented out at least one dwelling illegally for several years and - despite receiving a warning from the council - still intend to do so. They openly disregard their responsibilities, such as regular fire alarm testing. I was baffled at the ease with which the landlords lied to the council when the house was inspected. I was also subject to constant harassment by them both. They don't respect boundaries or privacy - when on-site (~50% of the time) they constantly pop in and out of the house, including tenants' bedrooms, without giving notice. When asked to give notice, they flatly refuse. They blame tenants for every issue and constantly threaten rent increases. The male landlord is unashamedly sexist and racist - everyone who encounters him has to tolerate demeaning and perverted comments. He also did not take action when we reported that a new, male tenant sexually harassed a female tenant - the landlord befriended him and protected him. At first they seem quirky and eccentric, but I now know this is just an act. They're all smiles until a tenant raises a grievance or complaint - when this happens, they bully tenants. Their treatment of me caused me so much stress. Stay away from these people at all costs.

Property rating: 2

Large house with 6 bedrooms in a poor condition. Outdated, mostly broken furniture in the communal areas, including dirty old leather sofas. It's advertised as 'luxury' but it's anything but. The cleaners do their best to clean it, but the house is in desperate need of a deep clean and renovation. Majority of repair work done to a very poor standard by landlord e.g. put jar on floor to catch oil that leaked out of central heating system. Most repairs are temporary fixes that get addressed only in emergencies.

Area rating: 5

The area is absolutely wonderful. Lots of nature walks on your doorstep and very pleasant neighbours. However the house isn't near any bus stops or train stations.