A frustrated homeowner unable to use his living room for almost a year because of a leaky roof has “been through hell and back” in his fight to have it fixed.
Plumber Steve Fort bought the leasehold flat in New Meridian Village, Ramsgate, as a new-build in 2010.
However, he says “from day one” he has had issues with damp, with the problems gradually escalating until water started seeping in through the ceiling.
The 68-year-old told KentOnline: “I kept getting a damp patch and the management company at the time said it was just snagging.
“I trusted them and kept painting over it – then it got worse and worse.
“It started blistering in 2018 and then water started to drip through the ceiling.”
Dad-of-two Mr Fort says repairs were made sporadically, but the issue always came back.
In December 2023, a gaping hole was in his ceiling made to investigate the source of the leak, but without success.
Mr Fort’s wife, Vicky Price, who lives in her own flat in Birchington, said: “Since the beginning, with all the work that’s been done, nobody has come in and looked internally to see what was happening.
“My understanding is, until you can identify the source of the problem, you can’t fix the problem.”
The couple married last year but says the issues have put a dampener on their time as newlyweds, with Mr Fort unable to have a sofa in the living room and forced to eat in his bedroom.
“We can’t live here,” said Mrs Price, 72.
“It’s a one-bedroom flat and there’s no living room.
“I do feel mean sending Steve back to his little hovel, but I can’t live here.
“It’s not acceptable and it’s just not fair.
“I know we’re going to go through another winter when it’s like this – it’s not a life.”
The damp has taken an emotional toll on Mr Fort.
I’ve been to hell and back,” he said.
“Vicky does all the paperwork because I’m just done with it. I can’t worry about it anymore.”
Mrs Price says he has sent a number of emails to previous management companies and the current firm, Horizon Management.
Scaffolding was put up and “patchwork” carried out on the roof, but water still leaks into the home when it rains.
“All this time, we’re all paying a service charge,” Mrs Price said.
“It’s not something we can withhold. He has to pay for it.”
Explore Living, a subsidiary of large corporation Laing O’Rourke, built the estate.
Mr Fort and his wife have questioned the quality of the build, but Laing O’Rourke says there have been only “three minor issues” reported.
A spokesman said: “We can confirm our subsidiary, Explore Living, completed New Meridian Village in 2009.
“Since then, our aftercare team has dealt with three minor issues that were raised by residents through the management company, the last of which was in 2021.
“We have not been made aware of any problems since then and advise any resident with concerns to contact the management agent in the first instance.”
Horizon Management has not replied to multiple emails requesting comment.
