Haredon House, SM3

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

As a local resident, I can honestly say it’s not as bad as some people make it out to be, but it’s nowhere near as good as it was five years ago. The area has definitely changed for the worse. There seem to be more and more dodgy things happening, with thefts becoming increasingly common, and there have even been a few shootings nearby. There are posters on lampposts warning people about thieves on bicycles, which says a lot. It’s sad to see, but the neighbourhood has really gone downhill over the last few years.

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

Not at all. Reading some of the positive reviews here, I’m genuinely surprised, as I can’t see how anyone could describe this building as clean or well maintained. The communal areas are only cleaned by one lady who comes once every two weeks, which is clearly not enough. The building is dirty, unfinished, and poorly maintained, with exposed wires hanging around in some areas. The entire site looks like a construction zone rather than a completed residential development. Overall, it’s untidy, disappointing, and nowhere near the standard that residents should expect.

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

N/A - I can’t comment on this - was not perfect before but definitely better.

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

The area is still good overall, despite the growing number of thefts and rapidly increasing criminal activity. However, if I had children, I would probably choose a different location. Parking is extremely difficult. All the side streets are constantly packed, and the property's car park has been closed for the past two years. I honestly don't think it will be reopened anytime soon, as the development is progressing extremely slowly and is already far behind schedule. The bin area is absolutely disgusting. There aren't enough bins, and the existing ones don't have lids. As a result, we have had a serious rat infestation in the building for over a year and a half. There are rats on every floor, and the issue still hasn't been properly resolved.

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

The management might as well not exist. Emails are routinely ignored, the building is not properly looked after, and the whole operation appears extremely disorganised. Whenever you do manage to get a response, the staff are often rude, unhelpful and seem completely uninterested in resolving any issues. There is very little sense of accountability or proper management.

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

I absolutely loved this area 5-10 years ago,now it is just East-London 2.0.

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

My local area is a wonderful place to live. It is clean, safe, and peaceful. The people are friendly and helpful, creating a welcoming community. There are good schools, parks, shops, and reliable public transport, making everyday life convenient. The area also has beautiful green spaces and a pleasant environment. Overall, I enjoy living here because it is comfortable, friendly, and a great place for families

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

The building management has always responded promptly and professionally to any issues I have raised. They communicate clearly, keep me informed, and work to resolve problems as quickly as possible. I appreciate their helpful attitude and the effort they make to ensure the building is well maintained and comfortable for residents.

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

Overall, I have had a very positive experience living here, and there isn’t anything significant that I wish I had known before moving in. The building and facilities have met my expectations, and the management has been helpful and responsive. My move-in experience was smooth, and I am happy with my decision to live here.

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

The local area is quiet, safe, and well connected, with good transport links, shops, supermarkets, and parks nearby. The management team is friendly and responsive, and the building is kept clean and well maintained by the cleaning staff. The only minor downside is that parking can sometimes be limited during busy periods, but overall it’s a great place to live and I would happily recommend it.

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

The building management has always responded quickly and professionally to any issues I have raised. They communicate well, keep me updated, and make sure problems are resolved efficiently. Their friendly and helpful approach has made living here a very positive experience.

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

Nothing really. It’s been a great experience from day one.

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

The positive reviews here are highly suspicious. Many of them simply don't reflect the reality of living in this building. I've lived here since it was converted 13 years ago, and I can honestly say the new landlord is nowhere near as good as the previous one. I'm genuinely concerned that some of these 5-star reviews may have been posted by the owners or people connected to them, so I would encourage readers to treat them with caution. The reality is that the building is in a very poor state. There is mould in multiple areas, dirt and rubbish throughout the site, and maintenance work is constantly left half-finished. Tasks are started but rarely completed properly. I even witnessed a lady fall on a footpath that has remained unfinished for more than three months. There are also exposed wires hanging from walls and ceilings, along with sharp objects left in communal areas, creating potential safety hazards. Overall, the workmanship is of a very poor standard, and the condition and maintenance of the building have deteriorated significantly.Rats,dirt all.over.

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

Not at all. Most of the issues are simply ignored. Many residents have been left living with mould, broken boilers, and faulty equipment for months, and in some cases even years, without the problems being properly resolved.

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

I really enjoyed living here, but everything changed a couple of years ago when the new owner took over. Since then, the building and the surrounding area have gone downhill. Crime has increased significantly, and the area no longer feels as safe as it once did. The neighbourhood has also become very dirty, and the overall standard of maintenance has deteriorated. It's disappointing to see how much things have changed.