Fairbairn Residences, LS2

The building seems fairly old, can hear tenants talking/making noise in rooms above and next door through the walls. Layout fairly good, most flats seem to be in sections of 4/5 with a door separating from corridor which helps with noise. Building managed well in terms of getting quick replies from the team, but any issues either communal or in room seem to take excessive time to be fixed

I feel like it’s overpriced but the flat is nice. The estate agent could be better at responding to issues but the maintenance team themselves are great. When you want maintenance done, don’t bother with the terrible online portal and instead just call them directly.

I've been with them for 1.5 years and their lettings 'manager' was the worst I've ever had the displeasure/misfortune to deal with. She's got a lot of nerve patronising and arguing with an already-unhappy ex-tenant. Had the audacity to tell me they didn't have to release me from my contract. Used 'COVID' as her own excuse for everything, but hey, if you had to move out early due to change of circumstances beyond your control (because of the same 'COVID'), you get threatened like this. Didn't matter if you've already informed them of your situation more than 2 months earlier and they agreed to a replacement tenant (which was on the contract as well; i.e. if you find a replacement tenant, you won't be liable for the property after they take over). They also never contact you or give you any breakdowns when they take your money. Even after you asked them not-so-nicely. Multiple times, over a period of time. But they've always got a bunch of invoices from cleaning companies to justify their dodginess at the end of your tenancy. Also, it took one second for them to take your money, but 14 bloody days for them to return your money (and NOT in full). Of course, because of 'COVID', as usual. While it's basic etiquette/common courtesy to let someone know, 'hey, I'm taking your money' (on their website they also said their deposit team would contact you if there were any deductions after your tenancy ended), this 'manager' insisted otherwise. Not surprising at all, I guess, from someone as unprofessional as her. It's no wonder most of their staff are so disorganised. Bad management, if any at all. Last but not least, it's laughable how they think they can hide all the negative reviews on Google.

Don't get fooled by all the fake 5-star reviews on Google. Scroll down and read the 1-star reviews and go to their Leeds City Centre reviews--those are the real ones. Their maintenance team might be great, but it's only because they're not the ones being opportunistic, patronising, and dodgy when it comes to your deposit at the end of your tenancy. That one 'manager' I corresponded with was the most unprofessional and patronising I've ever had the displeasure to deal with. Be extra careful with these unprofessionals, especially if you're a student, and more so an international student, as you're an easy target for them because they think you don't know any better. Or here's a better option: don't rent with them, at all. You've been warned.