A London homeowner is facing ongoing difficulties after his flat became unlettable due to persistent mould and damp issues linked to water ingress. The tenant first reported signs of damp around the patio doors in November 2025, prompting the owner, Peter, to notify the management company, Centrick. The tenant subsequently gave notice in January 2026, citing the unhealthy living conditions caused by black mould.
The property owner remains responsible for mortgage payments, council tax, and service fees, including Centrick’s management charges, while the flat remains uninhabitable. After limited progress from Centrick through email exchanges, Peter commissioned an independent damp survey. This survey revealed that water was entering the flat due to a defective drainage threshold in the apartment above. Centrick indicated that repair costs would be covered by management fees, but the homeowner questioned why the building's insurance had not been engaged to cover the damage.
Legal experts note that whether repair costs are recoverable under the building’s insurance policy depends on the cause of the water damage and the specific terms of the insurer’s coverage. Typically, insurance policies cover sudden occurrences such as storms, flooding, or escape of water, but damage caused by gradual defects like a faulty drainage threshold may fall outside these protections. The lease agreements and the landlord’s repairing obligations also influence liability; generally, landlords are responsible for maintaining the building’s structure and exterior.
Homeowners are advised to request a copy of the latest surveyor’s report, review the building’s insurance policy, and seek explanations about why no insurance claim has been made. If the damage should be covered by insurance but no claim has been submitted within a reasonable period, the management company could be held accountable, and service charges related to the repairs might be contested.
The landlord’s repair duties exist separately from insurance claims, and the management company is typically required to carry out necessary maintenance. Under the Building Safety Act 2022, additional responsibilities may apply if the property is within a “higher risk building,” defined as one with two or more residential units and either a height of at least 18 meters or seven storeys or more.
Water ingress and mould problems are notoriously challenging to resolve, and affected landlords may need legal advice to navigate complex lease terms and insurance issues. Meanwhile, Peter has been advised to continue pressing for clear information on insurance coverage and a timeline for repairs, while maintaining detailed records including photographs, reports, and correspondence as evidence.