Merriebank Lettings

Great proffesional letting agents
May 1st, 2023

To begin with everything seemed fine despite being warned by many that Merriebank Lettings had a bad reputation on the island. And as someone who had rented from them before when it was under different ownership I had hoped that standards were still being kept up to scratch, especially when it came to understanding individuals unique circumstances. However after applying for a property and being unsuccessful (someone else was chosen), I then decided to book to view a new listing. This was all fine until I called up to book an additional viewing. To then be told by Nicky (or Vicky?) that based on my previous application, they would not rent to me and that no estate agent would find me desirable. As someone who is just about to be homeless at no fault of my own I found this deeply upsetting, isolating and frightening. She had a condescending tone with every word cutting like a knife leaving me speechless. She told me that I was no good with my finances (clearly didn't look at the same bank statements) and even with a guarantor they would choose other applicants over me. For context: I am a single non-binary person, I am on disability for the rest of my life now - I will not be able to work again. I pay my bills, I pay my rent on time - I have an excellent track record, my current landlord told me that he would always support my applications because I was able to pay on time without issues. I have debts left over by an ex who took out credit in my name, I am making the minimum payments to them until I am comfortable somewhere where I can pay more to wipe them off. Despite this I have kept to these agreements (again as my statements show). And regardless of all of this I am financially comfortable, it's taken a long time to be able to say that but I am secure in my income for a number of years now. It was very obvious that the people looking at my application and supporting documents did not take the time to look at my individual circumstances, did not take the time to see that I could have afforded the rent easily and would never have missed a payment. I even had a guarantor lined up as a back-up. I was pressured into canceling my scheduled viewing and was not able to make any more bookings. My circumstances mean that I am being looked after by the local council but have to look for properties offered by estate agents because the council housing wait list is so long that it would take years. By then I probably wouldn't be around anymore. Of course I am aware that housing of any kind is currently in high demand. I am not a high priority because I do not have dependents. I live a quiet, minimal lifestyle and just want to continue living peacefully. I am on medication to help with anxiety and panic attacks which are more frequent the closer to my moving date I get... having someone demean me in such a careless way made me feel worthless and pointless. After everything I have been through in my life I just want to take the time I have left to rest, enjoy music, my friends and family and be by the sea. It's not a lot to ask for. I have reported them to the council but felt I should write a true review that reflects the bad reputation they truly have over here. Instead of these unverified reviews that seem to be suspiciously glowing! Discrimination comes in many forms and if its not called out, things will never get better.
Mar 17th, 2023

Mar 15th, 2023

I would like to thank everyone at Merriebank Lettings for their fantastic service from start to finish totally professional in every respect. I would 100% recommend their services to anyone nothing too much trouble and always at the end of the phone to solve any issues best letting agency on the Isle of Wight by far thank you all so much.
Mar 10th, 2023

Dec 4th, 2022