A guide to living in West Midlands

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

A routine inspection carried out with no areas of concern conveyed to me. 2 weeks later when the flat had not been occupied for some weeks, all personal items removed and thoroughly cleaned the final report when tenancy ceased listed problems related to items in the flat which were not new when I moved in and one would assume normal wear with usage. They have listed a small area of unpainted skirting board, however I think unlikely a tenant would remove the paint to expose bare wood. They itemised areas of dust which one would assume does collect as the cleaning had been undertaken a week before and the air system would generate a small amount of dust. They mentioned marks on a chair, however my photographs do not endorse their report and I personally checked all furniture for any stains. I will be pursuing these issues as it would appear that this company generally uses this tactic when residents finish their tenancy to generate additional income. Disappointing a company uses such methods. They did not mention the loose top over the toilet system which was reported to them when the toilet system did not work weeks prior to my departure, therefore demonstrating the selective nature of their report.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Slow to respond to repairs and not completed to a reasonable standard.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Take detailed photographs of everything and list every minor imperfection and ensure they sign that they have been noted as your final report will not be an accurate account.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The location is brilliant. Being right next to Cannon Hill Park gives you so much peace and quiet, and because the building isn't boxed in by other high-rises, you get beautiful, open views that you just can't find anywhere else in the B5 area. Well-connected to city centre with less than 10 min by bus. Aldi is right over the street 🙂 PureGym is in Corkfield building but you need to pay separate membership (it's not free for residents) EV parking is available and you pay a fixed amount for parking and you can use it unlimited.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

It is pretty quick and always they are looking for some improvement. Of course sometimes problem or issues happen, but they are keen to resolve it and communicate with residents well. They provide monthly newsletter and updates regarding any issues or scheduled events in our community.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

A price is a bit higher than their similar building in Birmingham. Gym is not included. Wife is included. You can rent private room for free. Parcel room.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

All staff are very welcoming and friendly. Everyone you see around has a smile on their face. The events planned are something I am looking forward!

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

A small issue was raised and I was contacted straight away by building management who arranged a time convenient for me via WhatsApp to come and it was sorted quickly!

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I knew how happy I would feel living here on my own before coming so that I could have had the confidence sooner to move!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Great neighbourhood. I live on the edge of the development, so it's very quiet and private. Short walk to the local shop too. Overall, a very peaceful environment.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Building management has always responded to issues promptly and professionally.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Nothing comes to mind. All of my questions were answered before I moved here.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Recently moved up from Wales for work, and couldn't have found a better place to live for someone new to the city. The building has a bus and a tram stop outside, or is only a 15 minute walk, for going into the city center. There's a supermarket opposite and a cinema behind. It's on the border of Edgbaston Village, which has some high end bars and restaurants.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Problems or issues are dealt with immediately. Issues are raised via an app and are resolved by the time I get home from work the next day. A report of any work is logged on the app. Extremely efficient.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Relocating to Birmingham couldn't have gone better because of how convenient everything is when living here. The accessibility, security, culture and support here has been fantastic.