Leighton Realty Rentals

The first summer went OK except when they needed to contact a plumber for an immediate repair. I recognize the expedited need, however, the person they chose did not repair the problem properly (had to have another plumber come the next week for the same problem) and the plumber did not leave the supposed defective part. When I contacted Leighton for assistance with the plumber (whom they sent) they refused to assist me saying it was my problem. At the end of the first rental season with them I was told, that since I was now listing with them exclusively, they would contact me and we would meet to discuss pricing, advertising etc for my property for the 2011 season. That never happened. The big problem: The 4th of July week rental turned into a night mare as my neighbors called to let me know as many as 12 cars were located at the 7 or 4 person rental ( an agent at Leighton told me only 4 people were allowed per the lease but the manager insisted 7). When I got in touch with Leighton , I was told they had been called for disturbances (at least twice) at the property but had been assured by the renters 'they' would calm things down and abide by the rental agreement. On the Wednesday after 4 July, I went to the property at 7 AM to find: 8 vehicles, hundreds of cigarette butts on this non smoking property, broken deck furniture and what turned out to be large trash 9 bags of maggot infested garbage and beer empties on the deck. After a number of calls to the manager of Leighton he showed up and negotiated with the renters to refund their unused 'time' (about half the week's rent). I insisted that since the renters had viloated the lease and were clearly abusing the property, the Leighton contract which clearly states eviction and no refund should be enforced. The manager refused, arguing he was afraid he would have to go to court. He did not want them to leave, but only my insistence caused him to get the renters to vacate the property. When I told the manager I was prepared to have the utilities shut shut off if he did not get the renters out, he told me "You can not do that". Wrong thing to say to a former Marine. The next issue is a systemic problem with Leighton, (again, shame on me for not reading the contract!) but they do not pay the property owners until after the 15th of the month. So you can go weeks without your money from renters, if the Leighton accountant is not on vacation (that delayed a payment to me by an additional week!) I am demanding of any service provider but I expect support from them when they represent my property. Leighton is responsive to calls and questions but you get very few satisfying answers, only their overriding concern for their profits. Or the manager's refusal to address controversial issues. It got to where I was told I was not allowed to call their office: only the manager and not even the other owner of the business! I would suggest that anyone who choses to use their rental services ask lots or questions and be prepared to demand what was agreed upon. You need to know: when do you get your money? how will Leighton react to violations of the lease/rental agreement? how do they react/will they contact you if there are complaints about renters on your property? what are all the charges you will incur? how will they 'advertise' your property? how do they come up with suggested weekly rental rates ( I found their proposals to be ridiculously low: just look at comps on line in your area to establish realistic pricing) Overall my experience was not good. When things went smoothly everything was fine except for the long payments delays. But when there was an issue, the response was terrible. I think it may be partly due to inexperience: I believe that Leighton has only been in the rental business for a few years which is another red flag (looking in the mirror). By his own admission, the manager at Leighton told me had had never filed an insurance claim when I demanded he do so for the cigarette burn on my 1 year old Trex decking. Again, my advise would be: if you want to work with this company be sure you understand: they are not convieniently located to many towns on the Cape, they are slow to give you your money, and their response to problems might not be in line with your expectations. If you can satisfy yourself they can provide in those areas, you may be satisfied with their service.