Tenancy review for 9 Coppice Gate in Coppice Valley Duchy, Harrogate rented from Dovile Stankeviciute rented via William H Brown

Landlord rating: 1

See comments under agency too as the flooding and electrical damages apply here too. My landlord was out of the country on holiday when the flooding occurred - and although they could have still made calls to get someone in to the property to sort the flooding, they chose to chase the company doing the work and also advised Browns. I kept them informed as to everything that was happening, and to be honest, as mentioned before - had I not taken time off work to deal with the flooding as it happened - soaking up the water with towels, washing towels and then drying them (all at my own expense) the flat would have probably been wrecked. I had no support from the landlord or Browns to deal with this, and then was made to feel like a money grabber when I asked for compensation. This is currently ongoing with the ombudsman. Another thing to be wary of here is that the landlord has been dishonest with me on quite a few occasions. When I moved out and the check out report was completed the only thing that needed a clean was the oven. However, the landlord advised they wanted over £600 for damages? to the property and to redecorate. They also advised the flat was filthy and hadn't been cleaned for years - which of course it had - the check out report stated that the flat was generally good in terms of cleanliness. The landlord has since threatened me with the small claims court - but have yet to give me a realistic amount to what is owed - and decided to try to go straight to court anyway - despite my continued communication regarding things. I wouldn't ever rent from these people again.

Agency rating: 1

WH Brown (sequence) were the company managing this property. Unfortunately I had a bad experience with them. During my tenancy the flat suffered quitesevere flooding during ongoing roofwork which caused damage to the interior and water damage to the electrics in the bathroom rendering them unusable. This was reported to both the landlord and Browns, but nothing was done to fix the flooding by either party - in the end the owner of the building itself where the flat was situated dealt with the problem. I had no assistance from Browns or my landlord and had to take a week off work at my own expense to stop the flooding being far worse than it would have been had I left it. The electrical damage in the bathroom was reported in July and wasn't fixed until December the same year despite me chasing both the landlord and Browns. Later Browns tried to lay blame on the landlord and then myself saying initially they never received my original email (they did I had responses) and that it was my fault as I hadn't chased them (I did chase them). I wouldn't recommend renting any property where Browns manage it. I was paying £750 a month for this place, even after the flooding and with the damaged electrics. I am currently seeking compensation and have progressed this to the Ombudsman due to lack of a realistic response from Browns.

Property rating: 8

Please ignore the picture that has appeared here - this is not how the flat looks and I suspect is the nearby shop - I couldn't change it, but note that the picture here is NOT of the flat I rented.
The property when I first viewed it was great. A large bedroom, a small bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and nice big lounge. It is part of quite an old building with businesses underneath and has a small flight of stairs you go up at the back to access it.

Area rating: 9

Despite all the shortcomings in the other areas - the neighbourhood was actually quite good and friendly, although you are pretty much above several shops, and next door to the Claro Beagle pub which can be a little noisy. Overall though, a good area, with easy access to Harrogate town centre.