The Mercian, B15

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

I shared a 2-bed last year, but got a 1-bed this year. I haven't moved in yet, but I can't wait. The view is amazing! My friend Jing already sent me photos. It is exactly the city view I want: city lights, sunrise in the morning, and sunset in the afternoon. My last flat faced south and it was way too hot a few days ago.

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

The team really cares. They sort things and reply to emails so fast. Changing from a 2-bed to a 1-bed was super easy. Big thanks to Tayla, she is so patient!

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

I lived here a year and lost two parcels. Management needs a better way to manage the parcels. There is no real process. You tell the securityand they just open the door. They don't go in with you. You dig through a huge pile to find your box, then just walk out. No signing, no records. If a parcel is lost, you have to call the police. You can't check the CCTV because of GDPR. Of course, my stuff worth no more than £50, sometimesmaybe £200 max. I won't waste time calling the police. I just take the hit.

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

I moved out before, but I've decided to come back. You don't realize how great this place is until you leave. The management team, especially Tayla, replies to emails incredibly fast, which really touched me. They are the most efficient team!

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

However, I did have one bad experience. Last time I moved out, there was a dispute over the deductions. When I raised an objection, they stopped replying to me. It's been two months, and my deposit is still stuck. The only downside here is that the move-out process is very difficult, and getting your deposit back is a real struggle. Even the deposit company can't help because they get zero response from the landlord—no confirmation, no rejection, just nothing.

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

There is nothing I should know because I’m familiar of this place.

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

In terms of location, it's the perfect building for city living. All the necessary shops and restaurants are quite near. Parking slots are very limited

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

Yes. The maintance team have been quick to respond on maintenance issues.

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

Some of the common spaces are chargeable to residents

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

The Mercian has been our home for a year and will continue to be out home for many years to come. With all buildings there are nuances however, with the revived visible leadership from Helen we can see the changes. The front entrance doors continues to be an issue but is being dealt with. The funders and Moda Management should stay here for a week and 'live' the experience of not having a front entrance door working and having to use a back of house, unsafe entrance. Lounge is cleaned daily, facilities on the podium slab like BBQ and hideout are well kept and always well presented. The staff have a real sense of ownership of the building which is great. The AC in the lounge has struggled to cope with the heatwave and could do with adjusting to ensure the space is cooler for residents that use it regularly. With the bin shoot not working, there needs to be an alternative solution without having to trek to the bin store. Convenience-couldnt ask for anything more, Brindley Place 5 mins walk, New Street Station and Selfridges 15 mins walk. Everything is on your doorstep.

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

Rob and his time are superb. Always greet you a smile and take ownership of any queries raised even if they are not logged on the app. Rob could do with a few more operatives to support his maintenance activities.

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

We feel that our perks (facilities) are sometimes being taken over by friends of friends and seems to be taken advantage of. We pay premium towards the perks of being a resident however at times the perks are being abused. Its comforting to know when the facilities are used by residents they are respected and used as required.

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

Handy for living in the city centre. Front door could do with working more often. Kirsty is one of the most wonderful concierges in the building. Always helpful and always so civil.

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

Maintenance team are brilliant! Rob in particular is always willing to help when needed.

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

That the common area is not accessible to pets anymore. That changed after I had already moved in.