08/12/2025
If you’re still reading to the end — thank you. I feel I need to share our experience so that others don’t find themselves in the same situation.
Back in May 2024, Kathryn and I took on the tenancy of 65 Coates Avenue. We were asked to pay an “equipment security deposit” of £7,200, which we did — and we have written proof of this. We also paid the people presenting themselves as landlords in cash each month, again with written messages to support this. All of this has been reported to HMRC, as we have always tried to do everything correctly and transparently.
For 17 months, we repeatedly requested a proper legal tenancy agreement. Each time, we were met with excuses and delays. We also asked for evidence of gas and electrical safety checks, especially after an electrician we hired advised that the electrics would not meet legal standards.
When no legal documentation was provided — and concerns continued to grow — we made the decision to leave the property. We hired cleaners and ensured the building was handed back in a better condition than when we originally took it on.
Unfortunately, after returning the keys, we were informed that our deposit would not be returned. There have also been personal claims made about us that are untrue, including one which was disproven with medical records.
We have retained all written communication, receipts, and supporting evidence regarding our experience. As we are not local, we were unaware of previous issues connected to individuals involved with the property until after the fact.
If anyone is considering taking on 65 Coates Avenue, I strongly recommend proceeding with caution and making sure everything is handled legally and transparently from the start.
Our case is now under judicial review, and we hope to recover our deposit and finally move forward.
Below are a few picture of the building and its state when we took over in May 2024. We feel the need to share these as the apparent “landlords” are against spreading lies and slandering our name
Please share this post - as we do not want anyone else to fall for their lies
