Residents of Shard Place, a luxury residential building in London’s Southwark district, have raised concerns about a range of rules and additional charges since moving into the development, which opened last June after significant delays and cost overruns.

The 27-storey building, located opposite the Shard, offers 176 fully furnished apartments managed by Real Estate Management (UK), a company owned by the Qatari state. Developed by the same group behind the Shard, the project aimed to blend boutique hotel luxury with the autonomy of private residence living. Rents start at £4,095 per month for a one-bedroom unit, significantly above the Southwark average monthly rent of £1,843 for similar properties.

While residents have access to amenities such as an 18-metre heated rooftop pool with views of the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral, a plush cinema, and an on-site gym, tenants say they have been subject to unexpected fees and restrictions. Some report that starting in March, internet service incurs a mandatory monthly charge of £60, with no option to select alternative providers. Additionally, residents must pay a one-time £50 fee to use the gym, a policy some tenants say they were not informed about before signing their leases.

Residents have also voiced frustration over restricted access to shared facilities. The rooftop pool often requires booking and is frequently reported as fully booked, and guests are prohibited from using the pool altogether. Cinema usage is limited to a certain number of monthly slots per resident. Moreover, food delivery drivers allegedly have been prevented from leaving deliveries with the 24-hour concierge service, despite the building’s promotional materials emphasizing this convenience.

Tenant guest policies have also been a point of contention. Shard Place limits guest stays to 14 days within any 90-day period unless prior permission is granted by management. Some residents view these regulations as overly restrictive given the premium cost of living in the development.

Not all feedback has been negative; some residents expressed satisfaction with their living experience and raised no significant concerns. A spokesperson for Shard Place stated that the majority of residents choose to remain long-term and emphasized the building’s commitment to safety, security, and comfort. The spokesperson also welcomed resident feedback as part of ongoing management efforts.

The project’s five-year delay and budget overrun of more than £200 million, according to accounts from St Thomas Street Development — controlled by the Qatar Central Bank — have overshadowed an otherwise high-profile addition to London’s luxury housing market. The emerging complaints highlight the challenges of balancing exclusivity and convenience in high-end residential developments.