Residents of Croydon flats left without gas face possible financial ruin

Since March 2025, the 65-unit Admiral Court development in Croydon has been without gas, heating or hot water because of multiple dangerous leaks, leaving residents to bathe in buckets, gym showers or public pools. Owners, many of whom are young families, say the situation is “sheer hell” and fear they will be unable to sell their flats, potentially losing hundreds of thousands of pounds. The original developer, UK Land Assets, was liquidated, sparking a dispute over who must fund the remedial pipework.

The freeholder, Groundinvest (101) Limited, and managing agent Warwick Estates claim the lease makes leaseholders directly responsible, but also acknowledge the complexity and that the defect is not covered by the building warranty. Residents, led by the association secretary Izabella Skrzypczak, are exploring collective legal action, while estate agents warn the market value could collapse. The freeholder is seeking advice on installing electric heating and hot-water systems as an interim solution.