Avoid.

Woodstar runs a clever scheme. Let me explain. I moved into my one-bedroom flat the last weekend of October 2010. That night I discovered that the heat and hot water were out. That was not fixed until Monday. Luckily, the shower was electric and I had a kettle. There was a gas heater installed in the living room, which barely kept me warm that night, unless I wanted to sleep on the couch. Which, you'll find out, I'm very glad I didn't. The next morning, I discovered that the fridge was broken, my food spoiled. The fridge had a funny smell and I found out the freezer had been punctured and was leaking, but the holes were painted over. Thus, the funny smell. The flat was described as having double glazed windows, they meant only in the living room. Oh, sorry that wasn't explained better, I was told. Two days after I moved in, I realized I started itching while sitting on the couch. Moving it, I discovered the back of the couch had patches of white eggs. The couch was infested with bed bugs. . For a couple weeks, I had to sit on a camp chair, or at the table. Woodstar had the living room and bedroom bug bombed and ordered a new couch. The fridge was eventually replaced (I had to borrow a friend's drinks fridge for two weeks) and the food reimbursed. Meanwhile, I found the kitchen was full of old dishes, some with caked-on food and a few pots that were so old, they were covered in grease, with dead bugs in them. DEAD bugs! I bought new pots and pans. Woodstar reimbursed me. There were short black hairs all over the flat, even though I had been told it was professionally cleaned. By the beginning of December, all was fixed. I spent the rest of the time enjoying my flat. Then it came time for me to move out. I spent an entire day cleaning it. After I moved out, and out of the country, I received pictures from the inspection company Woodstar used. The flat was a wreck. I was told they had come during the cleaning and this wouldn't be reflected in my refund. Then I received notice that I was receiving £250 out of my £500 security deposit. The walls (which were not professionally painted) had to be painted again due to some damage. I was sent pictures from the cleaners and, well, the old pots and pans showed up. The bill emailed to me stated it took 30 and ½ hours to clean the flat. A one bedroom flat! I did not receive an itemized bill. I complained to Woodstar and received no answer. Nor an itemized cleaning bill. I realized that this is what Woodstar does. They pretend to bend over backwards for you and then take all this kindness out of your pocket. I would like to see the flat now, after it's “professional cleaning.” I should have moved out in that first month, claiming unlivable conditions. My advice: Avoid Woodstar.

Stacey Wadsworth - 05/12/2011 | report this review