Tenancy review for 24 Clarence Parade in Southsea, Southsea rented from Tom Mccaughan rented via Purplebricks

Landlord rating: 1

Tom Mccaughan - Please see agency review for details. Tom Mccaughan - Please see agency review for details.

Agency rating: 1

Unfortunately these positive points are completely marred by diabolically bad service from the landlord Tom Mccaughan and Purplebricks. The boiler decided to give up on the 30th November 2019 - which left me without any hot water, shower or heating. The problem was immediately reported to both parties and a gas technician was sent within a week and diagnosed a pump issue. It then took until the 9th of January to restore the hot water, shower and heating, so almost six weeks without these basic amenities.

Any contact that I made with Purplebricks (specifically Tamika Williams and Hardev Johal) on a twice weekly basis ended with Purplebricks blaming the landlord, the gas technician or not responding at all with regards to the delay. Reports of damp damage and the fact that I wished to move out of the apartment were ignored. No emergency heating was offered or any form of recompense. Eventually I had to cancel my original Christmas plans and stay with relatives in Somerset as it was too miserable staying in the apartment.

A week after the repair, a gas safety inspection was carried out and the boiler was deemed too dangerous to operate. The previous technician, K.A. Services, failed to notice the boiler redirecting Carbon Monoxide into the clean air supply and into the apartment. I am now left without the boiler again for an indeterminate amount of time and will have to live in alternative accommodation for the remainder of the tenancy.

After paying £850 per month without problem for the last year, so £10200 annually, it seems such a shame that the landlord and the agents think that it is entirely appropriate to offer such incredibly poor service to a paying tenant. Please avoid for your own sake.

Property rating: 4

I have lived at this flat (24 Park House) for a year now. In general, the place is great - it's enough for a professional single person or couple, featuring tall ceilings, some nice decorative features and is relatively big enough for the location. Security is perfect - there is a main entrance that can be programmed to your phone to allow easy access for deliveries and good storage for bicycles. Parking can be an issue - Portsmouth is notorious for parking as the space is highly limited. Heating takes a while as everything is outdated as it's essentially part of an old converted building. Boiler broke during tenancy and took six weeks to fix. One of the rooms is very damp and prone to mould so dehydrator is recommended. Small issues like no markings on the oven, no plug for bath supplied and reasonably dirty upon moving in.

Area rating: 8

The location is pretty great, with very close access to all popular pubs, shops and restaurants within Southsea as well as walking distance to Gunwharf etc. Never any issues with security.