30 Camberwell Drive

1/10 – Extremely disappointing landlord experience

I would strongly recommend prospective tenants think very carefully before renting from Graham Whittall.

My tenancy lasted 23 months, and throughout that period I experienced a number of maintenance and communication issues. Before the tenancy even began, Graham agreed to replace the separate hot and cold bathroom taps with a mixer tap and to replace curtains in the bedroom and kitchen. Neither commitment was fulfilled. I ultimately had to purchase replacement curtains myself.

During the tenancy, there were also persistent mould problems and a leak through the kitchen ceiling, apparently originating from the bathroom above. Despite reporting maintenance problems, I did not feel that they were dealt with appropriately or promptly. I even purchased a dehumidifier at my own expense in an attempt to manage the excessive moisture and mould.

There was also an incident involving damaged bathroom tiles around the sink. I reported the problem, but after initially receiving no response, a subsequent telephone conversation became unpleasant and involved inappropriate and offensive language.

The most frustrating part of the experience came when I decided to leave the property. My tenancy agreement stated that a periodic tenancy required at least one calendar month’s notice. I provided 37 days’ written notice, exceeding the contractual requirement. Graham initially accepted the proposed leaving date and even instructed the letting agency to market the property. After I had already secured alternative accommodation, he then attempted to tell me that I needed to provide two months’ notice based on the proposed Renters’ Rights legislation. After further discussion, he ultimately accepted the agreed move-out date.

I also made every effort to cooperate with the landlord. I allowed prospective tenants to view the property before I left and, on the day I vacated, I contacted Graham and offered him the opportunity to attend the property, inspect it and collect the keys himself. He declined and instructed me to leave the keys with the letting agency, which I did.

What was particularly disappointing was what happened with the deposit afterwards. Despite repeatedly contacting Graham requesting its return, my calls and messages went unanswered. I eventually had to initiate the DPS statutory declaration process to try to recover my deposit. Graham subsequently disputed repayment and sought deductions for notice, repainting, oven cleaning and gardening.

I strongly dispute these deductions. I did not repaint the walls; I cleaned marks where possible. After living in a property for almost two years, ordinary deterioration of paintwork should not simply be treated as tenant damage. The oven was cleaned before I left, and the garden was maintained and mowed before departure.

Overall, my experience was one of poor communication, unresolved maintenance issues and a very difficult deposit process at the end of the tenancy. I found the approach to the deposit particularly disappointing given the length of the tenancy and the fact that I had complied with the agreed notice period and cooperated with the landlord throughout the move-out process.

I would personally not rent from this landlord again. Prospective tenants should carefully document the condition of the property at check-in and check-out, keep copies of every message and photograph, and make sure all agreements with the landlord are in writing.

My review is based on my own experience and the evidence I retained throughout the tenancy.

2/10 – Significant maintenance and property condition issues

I lived at this property for almost two years, and unfortunately my overall experience with the property was very disappointing.

The property has a number of issues that prospective tenants should be aware of. One of the biggest problems during my tenancy was persistent mould and excessive moisture. Despite this being reported, the underlying issue was not adequately resolved. I eventually purchased a dehumidifier at my own expense in an attempt to manage the moisture and improve the living environment.

There was also a leak through the kitchen ceiling, apparently originating from the bathroom above. The water visibly stained and soiled the kitchen ceiling, and this was reported during the tenancy.

The bathroom also developed problems, including tiles around the sink becoming detached and cracked. Again, this was reported rather than being ignored.

There were also basic improvements that had been agreed before the tenancy began but were never completed, including replacing the separate hot and cold bathroom taps with a mixer tap and replacing old curtains. I eventually purchased replacement curtains myself.

After living in the property for approximately 23 months, there was naturally some ordinary ageing and deterioration. However, the property was left clean, the oven was cleaned, and the garden was mowed before leaving.

My main advice to anyone considering renting this property would be to document absolutely everything from day one. Take extensive photographs and videos when moving in, report every maintenance issue in writing, and keep copies of all correspondence.

The property itself has potential, but based on my experience, the level of maintenance and the way issues were dealt with left a lot to be desired. I would personally not choose to rent this property again.