ila reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Shame on Swan Street House Landlord

After a year in Swan Street House Manchester with numerous issues with Heating and Hot water faults, now my daughter is being told that they are unable to leave on the end date of their original AST and must now give 2 months notice, despite them giving one month notice and despite the original AST ending in a month. There is no good will allowing them to leave at the original agreed end date. They are using the Renters Rights Act to extract more money from these students - shamefull!! My daughter was even told that they could not give notice until their AST completed adding another month of rent to their woes. This is blatantly incorrect and attempted profiteering. I will be complaining to the Ombudsman about this and the stress it has caused my daughter and her friends

Steve · 28 May 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I had a great experience viewing the apartment, and Megan was fantastic throughout the process. She was friendly, professional, and made the whole viewing feel relaxed and informative. Megan took the time to answer all of my questions and provided clear details about the property and the building. She was very welcoming and knowledgeable, which made the viewing really enjoyable. It’s always reassuring to meet someone who genuinely seems to care about helping you understand the property rather than rushing through the appointment. Overall, a very positive experience, thank you, Megan!

Emma · 19 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

I wanted to leave a review for the…

I wanted to leave a review for the whole team here at Oldfield Wharf, Salford, especially Azaria, Ade and Mia. Ade was the one who informed us about this new build after a viewing at the sister site on Swan St. From the moment we arrived, (four months ago) Azaria and Mia went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. They were the one who greeted us when we moved into our new apartment and even helped carry some of our plants in, such a small gesture but it made a huge difference during a busy move.

Oluafemi · 5 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I moved in hairpin house in early September of this year and it’s the best decision I’ve made. The apartments are clean and I love the communal areas and having someone at the front desk 24/7 is extremely handy. The team, Laurence, Millie and Megan have been absolutely fantastic. In particular Megan has gone out of her way to ensure that our residency in hairpin house has been stress free. I couldn’t be more grateful to the team!

Zahra · 28 November 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We’ve just renewed our tenancy at Hairpin House. The building is secure, clean, and feels safe, which we really appreciate. Meghan is always friendly and sorts us out whenever we need anything. Lawrence is the same, always happy to help, and both of them will do whatever they can to make things easier for us. The coffee machine isn’t always stocked, but they do try to keep on top of it. The events and activities are mostly kid-friendly, which is a nice touch for families. The staff at Hairpin House make an effort to include halal food during events with food, which is really appreciated and thoughtful. Overall, it’s a comfortable and welcoming place to live, and we’re happy to stay on for another year.

Mariam · 29 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

I applied for Hairpin House with my friend at the end of July/start of August as we were both looking for somewhere to stay for our second year of uni. The entire process was dragged out unnecessarily communication was slow, our emails were ignored at times, and in the end our application was simply cancelled. This was a major disappointment, especially as I had already told them I’d be moving out of my previous place on 30th August. They cancelled the application just days before that, leaving me with no accommodation. As a result, I had to spend money I couldn’t afford on storage space and extra travel back and forth to my hometown, which is very far from Birmingham. The lack of empathy throughout this situation was shocking. It was also a hassle to get my £200 deposit refunded. For a student accommodation provider, I would have expected much more care and reliability instead it caused a lot of unnecessary stress and left me scrambling to find somewhere else at the last minute. I would not recommend Hairpin House to other students.

H · 29 September 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

I do not recommend Hairpin House based on my recent experience. Despite returning the property in good condition and providing video evidence of its cleanliness, the management attempted to unfairly withhold our deposit for cleaning and damage claims that could not be substantiated. It’s deeply concerning that tenants are forced to go through a formal dispute resolution process simply to recover what is rightfully theirs. Hairpin House’s actions showed a lack of transparency, accountability, and fairness. Tenants beware, document everything, take videos, and be prepared to challenge any claims. This experience was a frustrating end to our tenancy, and I would not recommend Hairpin House to future renters.

Damilola · 29 July 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

From the viewing of this apartment to my moving in, was professionally coordinated and managed , thanks to Megan for her swift response to mails and support. The serenity of the apartment is quite warming and exquisite.

Cokks · 19 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Great hospitality, friendly staff and amazing apartments! It was my first time moving out from London and I can confidently say that if you’re planning to move close to the city centre then Hairpin House is where you want to go. Safe security, easy to access keycards and plenty of rooms with en-suites or two-bedroom apartments. Overall I’ve had an amazing time moving in with my partner and have no regrets about it whatsoever.

Targen · 14 January 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Very good building to live in, great communal facilities also management listen to the concern of residents. There was a problem with some metal crates being dumped outside of the building by a company on the road. It looked a real mess and I was embarrassed to bring my friends to my apartment. Management soon engaged with the council and had them removed. Rest assured Hairpin House is a great place to live - management has your back - five stars !

Mike · 10 October 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Its a wonderful place to live. Apartments are modern, stylish and affordable. The community itself is one of its greatest strengths, welcoming, friendly, and full of warmth from the moment you arrive. The staff are always kind, super helpful and go out of their way for you, Laurence especially. Locationally, its about a 10 minute walk from the bullring and is in the heart of Digbeth, effectively just around the corner from the custard factory. In terms of affordable, modern and enjoyable city living, this is the pinnacle.

Henry · 16 March 2026

★★★★★ 2/5

Google

Mid. Rubbish / Litter constantly scattered around the grounds, disgusting and unhygienic. Parking is £100 a month, covered parking is reserved for staff. Had my vehicle vandalised, turned out to be another resident I have never previously met. Garden room is closed at 8pm daily, no chance to actually use it as I have a job. All events organised for daytime between 2pm-6pm, so nobody who has a job can attend. Coffee machine now £2 per use, after being sold to us as a USP of the building to have free coffee. Staff / "security" feel the need to stare through your windows as they please. Is this the ILA headquarters or my apartment? The apartment itself is lovely, the maintenance and cleaning staff are incredible. However, the issues mentioned make Hairpin House a strange place to live.

Cameron · 19 June 2024

★★★★★ 4/5

Google

Hairpin staff is well informed and helpful. Accommodation is good, new apartments, one is encouraged to make the apartment yours as much as possible as tenant. It has not the highest finishing in materials but shows luxury. Maintenance is there when needed and with great service as well, all in all it made us feel very welcome in our first month in the UK.

Paul · 15 December 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

This review is in regards to the viewing we had. We had a viewing with Laurence who was very nice and friendly, he showed us around and even gave us some fun and interesting facts about Birmingham, as we've just moved here. The flats were very nice and spacious, and with a desk which we haven't seen in any other apartments. The common areas are very welcoming and the co-working space is great with some small cabins to work in. I would definitely recommend if you're searching in Digbeth area.

Alexandra · 28 November 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Hairpin House is an amazing place and Millie is amazing so helpful with whatever I need

Mabinto · 16 March 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Would strongly avoid living with ILA

Following being assaulted by another resident whilst living there ILA refused to take any action. After explaining that me and my partner felt unsafe living there and providing evidence/police reports they still refused to take any action. Based on this they mutually agreed for us to leave our tenancy early. They are now refusing to return our deposit despite having emails where they stated it was mutual to leave and there would be no fees. We have not asked for any of the fees for moving or anything for the stress caused by the whole event all we want is our deposit back.

Michael · 14 October 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I've recently moved to Hairpin House and it has been nothing but absolutely DELIGHTFUL! The staff have been more than helpful and are super warm. Everything is so well thought out and planned and makes it a breeze to settle in. The reception staff is very knowledgable and have answers to every question you can possibly think of. The management is also super responsive and puts in 100% effort to sort out issues ASAP. Above all its pet friendly!!! It is literally everything i could ask for in a home. :)

Likitha · 16 August 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I've had the privilege of calling numerous build-to-rent properties home over the years, but Hairpin House is by far the most impressive. From the superior quality apartments to the exceptional amenities, it stands head and shoulders above the rest. What truly sets Hairpin House apart is the extraordinary staff. Morgan, Megan, Beth, Emma, Sharon and the rest of the team are incredibly dedicated and attentive. Their friendly and professional demeanour ensures that all issues, no matter how big or small, are promptly and satisfactorily resolved. Furthermore, Hairpin House isn't just a place to live, but rather a thriving, friendly community. The neighbours I've met have been welcoming and affable, contributing to a vibrant, congenial environment. Overall, I couldn't be happier with the decision me and my partner made to live at Hairpin House. The quality of life here far exceeds my experiences elsewhere. This isn't just an apartment, but a place that truly feels like home. Five stars, without hesitation.

Alberto · 16 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Terrible.

Haven't had a good experience at all. We moved in without an induction. Things including the internet aren't working properly. No one answers your emails and there's no one to go to.

Mohsan · 16 September 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Recently moved into the building and could not be happier! Application process was quick and went smoothly, any queries or concerns I had with the process were sorted and communicated with me within minutes by Megan. Megan was so helpful to us throughout the process, along with the rest of the team at Hairpin House being kind and welcoming. Facilities at Haipin House give such a luxury feel to living and a sense of community with tenants. 10/10 place to be could not recommend enough!

Charlotte · 12 June 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Lived here coming up to our 3rd year now and what a great place to stay. Management are super friendly and extremely understanding and accommodating, Megan's the best, Lawrence, night staff Dave, Emma, Millie all a massive help, thank you for making this block of red bricks feel like home.

AJ · 10 April 2026

★★★★★ 2/5

Google

The good things first- it's a location for anyone working city centre or commuting by train from Birmingham with decent sized flats (and spacious bathrooms) that you can make your own as much as you reasonably can as a renter. There is sometimes someone at reception who can handle post and any questions, and the security team have been helpful too especially with noise complaints although this is at best an "approximately 24/7" concierge service. The communal spaces (apart from the car park and the bin areas) like the co-working space, garden rooms and terraces are usually kept clean (which is at no small effort I'm sure, as many pets live here). The less good- we have low quality furnishings and finishings in our flat including a bath tub coating that keeps peeling off, and a cupboard drawer that took 4 months to replace when it fell off its mounting and that they tried to charge us £266 for, and materials that anyone actually constructing a home should avoid. Although these may be issues with contractors, it's worth mentioning if you are considering living here. The maintenance team used to be responsive and helpful when it comes to the every day fixes and repairs but we haven't used them for a while. We have also regrettably noticed increasing restrictions, including curfews on communal spaces (which is a shame because they are nice) and charges for using a coffee machine that used to be free with other charges creeping in and above inflation increases to rent each year. Meeting rooms tend to get booked weeks in advance so if you work from home you will have competition for a personal quiet space and I feel this system could be managed better. There are some access concerns with doors and gates sometimes being left open and fences that can be easily passed. Other reviewers have mentioned the rubbish situation so I won't go into it any further. Finally I'd add that the experience with management varies but quite often there's quite a adversarial relationship that seems to deteriorate if you have complaints. There's an unexpected passive aggressive tone in many emails that reflects poorly on management. Overall Hairpin House has potential and is allowing us to enjoy our time in Birmingham.

Adam · 8 December 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Hairpin House has felt like home since day 1. It has a really cozy and friendly communal space. Particularly Laurence at the reception has been really welcoming always. Overall it’s a lovely space to call home.

Abhishikta · 12 May 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

WORST EXPERIENCE! Read this if you have time. All I can say as a one-liner is, we dodged a bullet by choosing not to shift here. We almost rented an apartment at Hairpin House (March 2026) but luckily we escaped with just the loss of the holding deposit. We (me and my partner) are in full time education and clarified that FROM THE VERY START and mentioned we wouldn’t be paying upfront and we could provide guarantors. They said they can fully accommodate monthly payments and they didn’t need a guarantor (which was weird, but we didn’t care). On our viewing, we stated that we were students, have no formal income from the UK and wouldn’t pay upfront (plus the new legislation would prohibit landlords from procuring more than a months rent upfront) and they still confirmed that they could take monthly payment. We said we could provide guarantor and they mentioned they didn’t accept guarantors. We loved everything, we came back and they had a promotion that if the flat is booked within 24 hrs of viewing, there’s gonna be a discount on the rent. We paid the holding deposit within 24 hrs and then started with the procedure. The first procedure was of income verification and we again mentioned to our letting agent Megan that we DID NOT have formal income from the UK and she again confirmed that was okay. We did fail the income verification as expected and we called them. Megan didn’t respond promptly so we contacted the concierge desk which claims to be 24/7. They never pick up the first few calls, it always goes to voicemail, even during usual working hours (9-5), let alone after that, even though they claim to be 24/7. Never received a call back from them and had to keep calling to reach them. The 24/7 concierge was a red flag by then. Now, when we finally get a hold of them, they say since we failed the income verification, we had to pay upfront FOR 12 MONTHS! When we ask what will happen next year when we again fail the income verification and they cannot take upfront anymore due to the legislation change, they say nothing or say “we will do the verification again”, completely ignoring the fact that a re-verification will change nothing (we kept stating that in our mails). We were worried at this point and keep telling them that this is not what we were told at the beginning. They kept saying that our income verification failed as our bank statements were from an overseas account which was not in our name, regardless of the fact that we mentioned from the very start that we DON’T HAVE FORMAL INCOME. We booked the flat based on the belief that we could pay monthly notwithstanding our student status and we mentioned our circumstances from the first call. They didn’t budge or even cooperate, let alone help. We finally gave up and waited for our booking fees to be refunded to us as it is prescribed by legislations, and despite no lawful basis under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 or the Misrepresentation Act 1967, they refused to return it. We simply gave up and booked another flat at another place which is WAYYYY BETTER in every aspect and actually has the facilities they mention (which is more than Hairpin House and at the same rate). I WOULD SAY ONE THING TO ANYONE LOOKING TO MOVE IN HERE: DON’T. (I also have documented proofs of everything I said in this review.) UPDATE: They refunded the holding deposit after receiving this review. They accepted it was a misunderstanding and they wanted to further clarify and explain things.

Muse · 15 April 2026