DREAM HIGH-RISE LIVING TURNING INTO ‘NIGHTMARE’ IN SALFORD QUAYS TALLEST TOWER

They thought they were buying their dream homes with panoramic views across Greater Manchester.

But people who moved into the new 27-storey Northill Apartments over the last 12 months claim that dream has become a ‘nightmare’.

Residents living in Northill – the tallest residential tower on Salford Quays – can pay up to £300,000 to live there. But some have alleged they have dealt with a catalogue of issues which they claim property managers are either too slow rectify or do not bother with at all.

Renters and people who have bought leases have complained of rowdy parties from homes that have been rented out on Airbnb, vandalism, anti-social behaviour and internal fire escapes blocked by rubbish.

One resident said: “Airbnb parties are a constant problem, particularly at the weekend. Often the smell of cannabis floats around the block. It’s appalling, especially for those of us with children.”

Another said: “Airbnbs are a nightmare. The visitors show no consideration for the people who live here. It’s a disgrace.”

Xenia Estates, who manage the building, said that residential apartments being used for short-term lets via channels such as Airbnb ‘is a recurring theme we are seeing throughout the sector in all blocks in Manchester city centre’. 

They went on: “Xenia Estates are currently taking steps to identify the offending properties and as per the terms of the lease agreement, manage these properties accordingly.”

Burst pipes and sewage issues

However, residents also claim the block has been hit with burst soil pipes with raw sewage impregnating apartments and unemptied bins. On top of this, they say they are having to pay soaring annual maintenance charges between £1,600 and £2,000 for services – including window cleaning – which they say are not being provided by management company Xenia Estates.

None of the residents living in the 264 apartment block we spoke to wanted to be identified. But a number have contacted the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) alleging they are deeply worried by the number of issues they say are plaguing the apartment block.

One said: “We have deep concerns about the deplorable conditions and appalling service provided by the property maintenance company Xenia who we as renters and owners have no faith in.”

Another said: “Despite repeated complaints to Xenia they have shown a shocking lack of responsiveness, leaving us in unacceptable living conditions.”

Another resident said they had “a vile sewage smell” when they moved in.

“We had sewage leaking into our own toilets, this is common with new buildings, apparently,” they said.

“However, it looks like they were keen to shove us all in as soon as possible, rather than wait until everything was working properly.”

The Xenia spokesperson confirmed that the soil pipe issues occurred in February as a result of a faulty pipe.

“The on-site caretaker, the property manager and a contracted plumber were on site until 11pm the same day to ensure the fault was taken care of and to assist with the clean-up. The pipework was repaired promptly and there have been no further issues since. 

“The bins at the building have now been cleared. Any delays in regular collections were as a result of access being blocked by cars being parked improperly. The newly installed ANPR cameras should mitigate any delays in the future.” 

They added: “Service charges are collected from owners based on a budgeted amount at the start of the financial year. 

“On occasion, if there is a surplus in the year-end accounts it is promptly credited back to the owner. 

“Xenia Estates accounts and service charges are independently audited, and we are fully transparent with owners in relation to what is budged and where the service charge is spent. If any owner wishes to discuss their individual service charge budget, they should contact Xenia Estates directly.”

Issues with post and thefts

Other residents also claim the apartment block has been targeted by criminals over the past few months. One said the main front door has been left open, broken into and ripped off multiple times.

“It took about 10 months to actually fix the lock on the door and this was only because the door was ripped off the hinges,” they said.

“This resulted in everyone having access to our parcels, as they have been and are currently still just left on the floor in the lobby on full view. This door issue resulted in multiple bike thefts from the ‘secure’ room.

“There has been reoccurring flooding on multiple floors ruining people’s possessions. This was fixed on multiple occasions yet still occurs.”

Another resident alleged their post was left in ‘unsecured areas’ that had been targeted by thieves.

“I have been told we are expecting a concierge – with no timescale or details – and have been charged extra for this, even though the building was advertised with this before we moved in,” they said.

“Unfortunately however, to this date (a year after I’ve moved into the property) our parcels and bikes still remain in an area that is not secure and where previous theft has occurred.”

A Xenia Estates spokesman said: “A 24-hour security/concierge will be in place at Northill imminently which will assist with any concerns over vandalism, anti-social behaviour or thefts taking place at the block. 

“Regarding comments in relation to the fire escapes being blocked by rubbish, Xenia Estates can confirm that if these issues were present on site, our on-site caretaker would make us aware and act accordingly. 

“Access to the building has been difficult due to cars being parked improperly and as such, ANPR cameras have now been installed. 

“We can confirm that adequate fire escape signage is installed throughout the building and there have been no concerns raised by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS).”

The LDRS has contacted GMFRS, but so far they have not responded.

A spokesperson for Airbnb told the LDRS: “While we have not received any complaints to investigate, we are concerned to hear these reports. Parties are banned on Airbnb and we have zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour, and we have introduced numerous technologies to help block unwanted bookings. 

“We are committed to being good partners to communities and our 24/7 hotline allows neighbours to contact us directly with any concerns, which we will investigate.”