> Most properties never attempted to renew my contract

Martin & Co by any chance? They tried this, but they must have forgotten that the property was an annex next to the landlady's main house, and we spoke every day. The estate agent served me an eviction notice, so I just signed a new rolling contract with the landlady directly.

Other evidence of their genius comes from the fact I specifically told them I was wanting to rent a place for my new job in the area, and them then writing to my old employer in Manchester to confirm my future income.