In a south London tower block labeled a “hellhole” by one resident, inhabitants are being asked to vacate their homes for roughly two years following the discovery of significant defects just three years post-opening.

Tenants of The Fold, located on Park Lane in Croydon, have reported issues with dampness, mould, leaks, and sewage infestations, while fire safety concerns necessitate stripping the apartments down to concrete.

The building, owned by Legal & General (L&G), houses 251 flats, and the company has issued an apology, emphasizing that the safety of residents is its “top priority.” They are also providing support and compensation to those affected.

Renovations are expected to extend until at least 2027, with residents required to vacate by March 2026.

Marketed as a premium development featuring amenities such as a concierge service, a library, and a sky lounge, The Fold opened its doors in 2022 with monthly rents set at £1,480 for one-bedroom apartments.

During a recent meeting for residents, convened by L&G, the property management firm Urbanbubble, and the tenants’ union Acorn, some individuals described their living conditions as unsafe and distressing.

Residents recounted experiences of enduring water damage, ceilings collapsing, and sewage spilling into their bathtubs.

Many have reported health issues related to mould exposure, including respiratory problems, skin rashes, and hospital visits. Others highlighted issues with the reception area frequently flooding and sewage emerging from taps and bathtubs.

One tenant, Hannah, addressed about 70 attendees at the Croydon campus of London South Bank University: “Respect our lives and our time, and help free us from this nightmare. Would you be comfortable living in those conditions?”

Another resident, Dan, recounted: “We were unaware that the ceiling under us had collapsed, which allowed mould to spread from the floor, while my poor cat was tortured by the constant dripping. It nearly cost him his life.”

James, another tenant, shared a shocking experience: “We had sewage overflowing into the bath; it was essentially a bathtub full of waste.”

Residents also mentioned that the reception area has become a persistent flooding issue, with scaffolding in place almost continuously despite the building’s recent inauguration.

Many attendees at the meeting were parents with young children, expressing concerns for their offspring’s safety in such an environment.

Levander Walters remarked to the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “This isn’t a suitable place to raise a child. It’s frightening.”

James Hutton, who moved into the building with his partner at its opening, stated: “We were assured it was safe, but now it’s shut down.”

Residents have expressed a loss of faith in the management, accusing L&G and Urbanbubble of inadequate communication and proceeding with rent hikes despite knowing about the building’s issues.

Dan Batterton, L&G’s head of housing, informed the residents: “The only way to resolve these problems is to have the building unoccupied. We’ll need to strip some apartments back to their concrete framework.”

He continued: “This situation is unprecedented for us, and we are learning how to improve our communication. Please bear with us; we are making an effort.”

Urbanbubble, in a statement, acknowledged that relocating residents was essential due to the “disruptive works” taking place.

They added, “We regret the distress this has caused and will ensure regular updates and assistance are provided as residents seek new housing.”