The day the tenancy began
On the commencement date of my tenancy (19/06/2023), I had not received any communication via email or phone regarding the process or specifics of the tenancy handover.
This page will cover: - How MCR Homes either did not anticipate my desire to move into the flat, or was too disorganized to remember. - The absence of an MCR Homes representative at the handover, leading to a last-minute email instructing me to collect the keys from a letting agency, rather than a professional interaction. - The lack of an introduction to the flat, the building, or essential information like access to meter readings.
The absence of a move-in plan
MCR Homes made no arrangements for the initiation of my tenancy, despite ensuring the payment of the deposit and the first month's rent. The aspect of actually providing access to the flat appeared to be completely neglected.
A day of uncertainty and frustration
As there were no preparations for my move into the flat, I had to take matters into my own hands. Without this, I believe I would not have gained access to the flat. I really encourage you to read TrustPilot reviews where others have shared similar experiences with obtaining keys.
Attempts to Contact MCR Homes
I was working on 19 June but decided to persistently call MCR Homes until I received a response.
The first image shows my phone log with 10 attempted calls to them. The second image, my phone bill, records only 5 calls to MCR Homes.
Why this discrepancy? (Also knowing the frustration it was of many calls going unanswered)
When you call MCR homes, they often (50% of the time for me on that day) don't answer the phone. And there is no option leave a message either. They just ignore your call.
The phone bill does not show calls that are not answered; they are not recorded. This explains the discrepancy.
Disorganisation at MCR Homes
The few times I reached someone, they were clueless about my tenancy handover. It seemed they either lacked access to or did not maintain resident information and were unsure how I could gain access to the flat (refer to the page's end for my theory on what actually happened).
After persistent calling, I finally received a location and time for the tenancy handover, later that day at the building of my flat.
The No-Show Incident
I left work early for the tenancy handover and arrived at the property about 30 minutes early (not trusting the bus punctuality).
After some waiting, I decided to check my emails. To my astonishment, I found an email sent around 10 minutes earlier.
Instead of a direct call about the change in plans, MCR Homes chose a more deceitful approach. Had I not checked my emails, I would have waited indefinitely.
I don't believe MCR Homes tried to cause me trouble on purpose (knowing from the that day's experiences how diorganised they are). But one would not expect such behavior from an ARLA fellow member.
The keys were not at Chancellors at the time indicated in the email but arrived soon after.
What I believe really happened
They knew the flat was not realy for me to move in, leading to the following actions:
- They did not plan the move-in, possibly hoping I would overlook this.
- Given that others have also faced issues contacting them (Trustpilot review), I believe their failure to respond to my calls was not intentional.
- Despite eventually scheduling the handover, they seemed reluctant to send someone, likely anticipating my frustration.
- The sneaky email was yet another attempt to delay the inevitable handover. Be able to say they informed me and it would be my fault for not seeing the email
Their actions, though likely aimed at covering their mistakes, came across as a deliberate attempt to cause me distress.
Other issues with the flat: