Seven Living Broadway Residences - Birmingham City Centre

I had to pay to park outside because the car park gates didn't work, even though I'd brought my car after being told parking was available. The concierge staff were extremely unhelpful, especially the balding man with a strong Birmingham accent. The corridors smelled bad, the carpets were dirty, and the windows wouldn't open, leaving the place stuffy and uncomfortable. The lifts weren't working, and I was told that had been going on for two years, which is disgraceful. This whole building needs major work, or should be closed if they won't spend money fixing these problems. My booking was through Airbnb (Seven living). Worst place I've ever stayed. Avoid like the plague.

The lift repairs have dragged on for almost six months, and maintenance is poor. With windows that won't open, the place gets intolerably hot and stuffy in summer, with no ventilation at all. Avoid renting or living here at any cost.

The one positive is the city centre location. But living here has been a waste of money for me. Ginger energy charges commercial rates, apparently among the UK's most expensive, and residents can't switch providers, so the electricity bills are extremely high. In winter, the heating is inefficient and uses a lot of energy, yet we keep freezing. The poorly designed water tank gives only about six minutes of hot water in a winter shower. Heat escapes badly because the wall insulation is inadequate, and the window glazing is poor. The windows are sealed and the ventilation barely works, so in summer the hot air builds up inside the flat and it's hard to breathe. How did Birmingham council approve this office building as housing when it misses such basic living standards?

They've cut the power for no reason, and I expect the water to be shut off next. There's no lift or hot water, and the water tank is cracked. Why provide sofas, chairs, and beds at all? Come take those too.