VDBM Avis 

Very disappointing handling of an ongoing property issue

I have been dealing with VDBM regarding an ongoing issue involving tobacco odour/smoke ingress at the residential block where I live.

The matter has been raised repeatedly over a considerable period of time, and I have provided information and correspondence concerning the problem. I have also repeatedly sought appropriate investigation of the issue, including asking for the communal area to be inspected while the tobacco odour is actually present.

Unfortunately, from my experience, the response and progress have been extremely frustrating. Despite the length of time the matter has been ongoing, I do not consider that it has been resolved satisfactorily.

More recently, I have asked VDBM for straightforward factual information about inspections undertaken in connection with the reported tobacco odour, including when an inspection took place, who attended, what was observed and whether a contemporaneous written record was made.

I appreciate that managing agents sometimes have to deal with complicated issues involving leaseholders, freeholders and contractors. However, when a resident repeatedly reports an issue affecting their home, I believe there should be clear communication, proper investigation and an adequate written record of what has been done.

Based on my experience to date, I have been very disappointed with VDBM’s handling of this matter.

I will update this review if the issue is properly investigated and resolved.

UPDATE – 4 September 2026

I have now read VDBM’s response to this review and disagree with a number of the assertions made. In particular, VDBM states that its handling of the smoke issue has been “exonerated” by Environmental Health, the Fire Service and The Property Redress Scheme. I do not believe that accurately reflects what those organisations have said. My complaint has never been that VDBM should prevent somebody from smoking within their own flat; it concerns tobacco smoke/odour entering other parts of the building and whether defects, gaps or service penetrations are allowing this to happen. Indeed, independent surveyors have now been instructed to investigate precisely this issue.

I also disagree with VDBM describing this as an “alleged smell of smoke”, particularly given the evidence and attendances that have already taken place. VDBM previously challenged this review on the basis that it was defamatory; the review was subsequently reinstated by Trustpilot. I stand by my review and will not be removing or changing my rating. Based on my experience of how this matter has been handled, if a zero-star rating had been available, that is the rating I would have given.

UPDATE – 30 September 2026

Unfortunately, the issues referred to in my original review remain unresolved.

The smoke-ingress problem at my flat has now been ongoing for approximately 30 months. Despite inspections, correspondence with the managing agents and involvement from professional surveyors, I am still awaiting a satisfactory resolution and a clear timetable for the necessary remedial works.

The matter has now reached the stage where I have written formally to VDBM requesting the full details and service address of the landlord/freeholder and confirmation as to whether VDBM is authorised to accept formal notices on their behalf.

I am preparing to pursue the statutory remedies available to a leaseholder, including the preliminary process associated with an application to the First-tier Tribunal for the appointment of a manager under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, should the management failures not be remedied.

It is extremely disappointing that an issue which, in my view, should have been investigated and resolved much earlier has had to reach this stage.

I will update this review again depending on how VDBM and the landlord respond.

The team at VDBM were, during the time we engaged with them, totally professional. We felt confident and reassured by their service. They gave us solid advice, were easy to talk to and listened to our suggestions. Most recently we were delighted with their handling of the sale of our commercial/residential property. In particular we were impressed with their negotiation skills on our behalf to ensure we gained a good price. We would like to thank both Toby and Neil for their patience, expertise and hard work.

I would like to thank everyone at VDBM for their hard work, dedication and support in helping us secure our lease. From the beginning, the team provided a professional and friendly service that made the entire process much easier than we expected.

A special thanks to Neil, Lauren and Toby for their exceptional assistance throughout.

I would highly recommend VDBM to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, reliable and professional company.

Toby was very efficient and althought the buyer took his time and his solicitor over the top we concluded a sale and i was very happy
would recomend them

I have enjoyed dealing with VDBM for the past 8 years and throughout that time have been very happy with the service I have received, particularly from Neil, Toby and Jasmine.
Their local knowledge, management support and ability to make things happen (most recently a purchase this April) is exceptional and I have no hesitation in recommending them.

I am a commercial property solicitor and dealt with Toby Woodward. The transaction proceeded very, very smoothly. I can certainly recommend VDBM if you are in the need for a good firm of commercial property agents.

“I was their tenant for several years, and Neil Altman was always very helpful. I leased the building for my fitness studio, and what I appreciated most was that Neil, as the owner of the company, is old-school—he keeps his word. That’s something the new generation often lacks. I hope he continues this way, as I believe it’s an important legacy.”

We've been using VDBM for over a decade now. Excellent service and quality advice for commercial lettings, sales and surveying. Highly recommended.

Just want to say a few words about VDBM. I was in need of sound and professional advice about some properties owned by our family.

From the outset, it was clear VDBM have an impressive depth of knowledge, give meticulous attention to detail, and a level of professionalism that set them apart from similar firms in this area. Throughout the project, their communication was clear and timely, and their advice consistently sound and practical. Every stage—whether initial consultation, valuation, reporting or follow-up—was handled with care, competence and integrity.

I would have no hesitation in recommending VDBM to anyone seeking highly capable, reliable, and trustworthy Chartered Surveyors. I found their commitment to quality and client satisfaction was evident in every aspect of their work.

We have used Neil Altman for over 10 years but this was the biggest job we have given him; the valuation of 5 commercial units in London. The report he produced was very thorough, he identified issues I had missed and overall I was extremely pleased with his work. I can definitely recommend him and his company for both commercial and residential.

Neil Altman has been looking after our commercial properties for over 20 years. The service an professionalism we have received throughout this period has been excellent and I thoroughly recommend VDBM as a company.

Thank you so much for the advice with our most recent purchase. Your professionalism and prompt responses were really appreciated - we would happily use your services again.

Thanks to Neil Altman and his team for help with my partners family commercial properties. They made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended!

Brilliant company- very professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Will be using again