Housing provider A2D apologises (again) after water leaks continue at Mortimer Street building

Housing provider A2 Dominion has again apologised to residents living in a housing block in Fitzrovia West after the landlord was forced to move some of them into temporary accommodation due to ongoing problems with rainwater coming in and a build up of damp.

Social housing tenants in the block of eight flats in Mortimer Street have had to endure ongoing and unresolved problems with water coming in every time it rains along with black mould growing due to the build up of damp since shortly after they moved in to their homes.

This year a number of households in the building had to be moved out on a temporary basis so that major repairs could be done.

The Fitzrovia News understands that at least one resident has been accommodated outside of London — far away from the support network and the hospital that provides their care.

But many residents who remain complain their homes are in a terrible state due to more than a decade of failures by A2D.

In addition, there have been ongoing problems with the intercoms on the street door which makes it difficult to let in support workers and visitors.

Some of the people in the block are extremely vulnerable due to serious long-term health conditions.

The Fitzrovia News has seen a letter sent to the residents still living there about decoration works taking placer in flats and communal areas.

But concern has been raised by some in the building that the contractor is just painting over the damp and mould — without addressing the deep structural and maintenance problems at the housing block.

In February this year The Fitzrovia News reported that a disabled couple have had to put up with water leaking into their flat every time it rained since moving there in 2015.

“The flat was flooded with water the day we moved in and we were kept in the flat sleeping in the lounge on the sofa for two months until they dried and refurbished the bedrooms,” said the couple.

Even when those repairs were done, every time there was heavy rain water came in, dripping from the ceiling, ruining bedding, and carpets.

“Each time we reported this, A2Dominion were very slow to fix the leak but never told us any details of the work done or the source of the leak.”

In 2020 A2D was also slow to repair the street door after it was left open and broken for weeks on end.

The Mortimer Street block opened as social housing as part of a s106 agreement between Westminster Council and Great Portland Estates who gained planning permission in 2014 for the redevelopment of the former Royal Mail delivery depot at Rathbone Place to create a residential and commercial complex at what is now called Rathbone Square.

Residents in shared ownership housing managed by A2D at Rathbone Square have also complained about problems with their homes.

Responding to the problems at Mortimer Street, Drew Warner, chief repairs officer at A2D, said: “We recognise the concerns raised by residents and appreciate the impact that ongoing building issues can have on their homes and wellbeing. We are sorry for the distress that this has caused to those affected.

“We are working closely with the building managing agent Savills. Through investigation work we have identified issues relating to the external façade and windows which have resulted in water affecting a number of flats during heavy rainfall. Due to the building’s location within a conservation area, these require specialist assessment and approvals, and this work falls within the responsibility of Savills. They have commissioned an external survey to determine the full extent of the work and a clear plan for this. Once the external issues are addressed, we will be able to complete the internal repairs.

“We have supported some residents with a temporary move where conditions have required this, and we will continue to work with the other residents to ensure that we are assessing their housing needs.

“Decorating works that have been completed form part of a planned maintenance programme and are not intended to conceal or address damp or mould issues. The door entry intercom system was upgraded earlier this year, and most recent attendance confirmed it was operating correctly. However, we are following up with residents to ensure any issues are identified and resolved.

“We’ll continue to work with affected residents and Savills to secure a permanent resolution and will provide residents with further updates once the upcoming survey is complete.”

According to the website Housing Records, which collates official information on housing providers, A2Dominion Housing Group is in the worst 10 per cent of English landlords for safety checks and Ombudsman complaints, and the worst 25 per cent for repairs.

In 2024 a government minister wrote to A2D after the Housing Ombudsman found “severe maladministration” in addressing problems of mould and damp.

“Your inaction left your vulnerable residents in damp and mouldy conditions,” wrote Michael Gove.

“This is unacceptable. You failed to provide the level of service your residents should expect to receive. When your residents report an issue, especially when vulnerable people are involved, it should be acted upon swiftly and effectively.”

A2D says its tenant satisfaction ratings for 2025/2026 was 59.7 per cent for its “social and affordable rent customers” and 27.6 per cent for its “shared ownership customers.”

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