Octavia Housing reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Corrupt H.A

Like other (truthful) reviews have said, the description/website of Octavia Housing and (Dont) Care is a Fairytale. They tell you to email info@octavia you get an automatic reply, then nothing. Just ignored. Email the housing officer, ignored. They give their best flats to the worst tenants, who have drug addictions and mental health, and allow them to run riot. They have staff who are "friends" with some tenants telling them what's on your file or what you reported. As for Repairs, forget about it. They clearly hire the lowest price contractors who bodge the jobs, so they get paid to come back again and again. Mears are an absolute joke, they will send an "operative" out to "inspect" the repair and take photos, then a different man comes to do the job with no idea what/where it is, hasnt seen photos, so comes without the tools/parts and has to go and buy them. Clearly a racket to get paid twice. They say you refused access etc when they come when they want. If you say you want an afternoon appt they turn up at 8.30/9am. Meanwhile someone else has asked for a morning appt spends the whole day waiting til 5/6pm for the men to turn up. When you get understandably angry, they accuse you of being rude/hostile/abusive. I sued them last year for this reason. Instead of fixing the leaking roof, they sent roofers out several times. The leak repeatedly came back then I was put on a "high alert" on my tenancy for "abusing contractors". Meanwhile the roof is dripping into bedroom and living room and they are determined not to send a surveyor. That's when I looked up no win no fee repairs solicitors and they were Happy to take my case, as it was so winnable. Not to mention I had videos of the times the contractors came (learned to do this a long time ago) that clearly showed I was not swearing/abusing them, but was fed up with guys turning up saying they don't know and havent seen photos (that were taken last week) plus the many that I had sent over email. Never deal with Octavia or their contractors without recording EVERYTHING, as the lies are just horrendous and they will shift the blame onto you any way they can. Buildings are falling apart but they still buying new stock and advertising shared ownership. Then they want to talk about Octavia Hill who started this charity for vulnerable and impoverished women. They are not fit to say her name!!

TheWholeTruth · 15 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Octavia Housing need to take Health and…

Octavia Housing need to take Health and Safety issues more seriously as its totally incompetent. Ive had a series of Safety issues one being that two Bikes were stored in an electrical cuboard this is a serious breach of there safety. Alao Heavy large Pots on the edge of a balcony wall which the health and safety Building inspector said to be removed As not been completed as three pots still remain being that the neighbour wanted more time. Its now 231 days past this agreement and im still in the process of dealing with but its all delays, I feel lied to and betrayed as I agreed to giving more time. Also very large Umbrellas are put up on the balcony which there size dimensions are overlapping the balcony edge. These are the issues im still dealing with and feels its never ending. The personnel that are dealing with these issues are showing nothing but ignorance and using delay tactics.and lying at every level. Ive had a meeting sent emails but it still goes on and on. The case is still ongoing.

Terry · 24 March 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Are Octavia’s Financial Team Even Qualified?

I have encountered many problems with Octavia getting the numbers wrong on my rent statements and service charges. Why is their financial team always making such glaring mistakes? It’s deeply troubling and makes me question their qualifications. It feels like no one at Octavia gives a toss or is even paying attention. Can the CEO please take charge of this issue and ensure that no further financial errors occur? The staff’s apparent lack of interest suggests that intervention at a higher level is needed.

RS · 18 August 2024

★★★★★ 4/5

Trustpilot

Great Customer Service from Caio…

After several frustrating calls and speaking with multiple customer service representatives, I finally got through to Caio, who completely turned my experience around. He was by far the most helpful person I spoke to, professional, patient, and genuinely committed to solving my issue. Despite how annoyed I felt at first, his calm and confident manner quickly put me at ease. He not only resolved my problem efficiently but also restored my trust in the company’s customer service. I genuinely appreciated his support and professionalism throughout the call.

Hippie · 31 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Mould alert at Octavia managed property and refusal to deal with it professionally Every autumn/winter we have mould regrowing due to excessive condensation. Something is terribly wrong with either the insulation or ventilation in this loft flat. The advice card received from Octavia states that condensation on windows may be, among other things, due to poorly installed or faulty windows. We are currently having the window overhaul. Out of 5 windows in the flat Octavia Asset managers have authorised only 3 windows to be replaced due to them being rotten, but the other 2 were left in situ. Presumably, they have all been installed at the same time and if replacement is required would it be sensible to leave 2 windows to continue fester in mould at the time of the once in two decade overhaul? Just two weeks after the window overhaul completion we have mould regrowth on the 2 timber frames that were left in situ and are feeling like we are losing the battle with the mould and this has been going on for the past 12 years. The advice from Octavia Housing Complaints Reviewer is as follows: “Mould in property I am sorry to hear of the condensation you are experiencing on your windows. As you are aware condensation can occur in the winter months when warm air inside the house condenses on the cold glass of the windows. It is important to wipe this away when it occurs, as over time it will cause damage to the frames and as you rightly point out mould can form. I understand from the team completing Cyclical Maintenance works at your property that they have been in touch with you and discussed how to deal with condensation in your home. Once the new windows are installed, we will return to repaint all the cills with mould inhibitor paint. Even after this has been completed you should continue to wipe away any condensation on the glass. I understand that we have shared with you Octavia’s mould and condensation booklet and our contractor Mears have visited your home and explained how to manage condensation. You are in contact with the team on this issue and they will continue to engage and support you, in line with the behaviour order. Separately, RBKC will be visiting you in the new year once you have booked an appointment with them in relation to the mould. Once this has been completed, I am sure they will share their findings with us.”

Charter · 23 November 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

You ruining abri..

You ruining abri... your child staff are idiotic. I need to speak to a grown up and I get children to deal with. Do not reply as tell me to go on Facebook as I am not on social media as I am a grown up! Sort out your companies and get your staff trained. Government has put me in arrears, so take this up with them.

Kymm · 13 January 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Great service

Respect to Paul from Octavia handling all of my issues in one go! Very professional and extremely polite. Thanks Paul!

Polly · 21 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

I would give 0 star if I could. Worst house service and management. Difficult to approach for reporting repairs, and even after I kept chasing them for repairs for weeks, they couldn’t fix the WIFI issue. All they did was over promising to reply me in the next day/week, which never really happened. They provided inconsistent service for tenants in the same building. New tenants get updated wifi connections, but if you have been living here for a long time, they don’t care about you. All you get is increasing bills.

XI · 17 March 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Since 17 December, I have completely lost access to the building parking gate. I have visited the Octavia office multiple times and was instructed to purchase a new remote control at my own expense. Unfortunately, the new remote does not work either. This parking gate is unreliable year-round. In practice, it works for approximately one month per year and remains open the rest of the time. Ironically, this is the one month it is operational, except for me. I have sent over 50 emails to the parking manager (Simi) without receiving a single response. I am now being told to wait until after the January holidays, while I remain completely without access. All other residents have either touch remotes or standard remotes. I am the only resident without any parking access, and because the issue affects only one tenant, it appears to have been ignored entirely. As a direct result of this failure, I have incurred over £100 in parking costs within two weeks and have been forced to walk long distances simply to access my own vehicle. This situation constitutes a failure to provide a paid-for service, poor complaint handling, and a lack of reasonable adjustments or interim solutions. If this matter is not resolved promptly, I will have no option but to escalate the issue through a formal complaint, seek reimbursement for incurred costs, and pursue further action via the Housing Ombudsman and legal channels if necessary. Octavia’s handling of this issue has been unacceptable, negligent, and deeply disappointing.

R · 17 January 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Appalling. My 89 year old aunt has been left with water pouring down her wall for the last six weeks from a leaking roof. They refuse to commit to repairing it and it has spread across the ceiling. What will they do when the ceiling collapses on top of her. Where is the health and safety ?

Sarah · 23 November 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Octavia Housing Association

Octavia Housing Association. How can I get you to put actual working heaters in my flat and the extractor fan suggested by your surveyors. You keep saying oh the heaters are ordered meanwhile you don't provide any alternative heat source. I had to buy my own. How can I get you to put the extractor fan in the kitchen so the flat isn't full of condensation and the windows stop growing black mold. How can I get you to fix the giant wet spot up in my ceiling?. You are really good at ignoring me, and not fulfilling your legal obligations to fix storage heaters that don't work and are over 30 years old. Emailing info@ Octavia doesn't work, phoning doesn't work,making complaints doesn't work?. Please don't respond with the same old Sorry please contact us @, because you haven't responded the numerous last times. I can get K&T heating to come and tell me they ordered new heaters in September and still haven't received them. I am tired of being cold and wet in the flat that I live in. Do the basics legal requirement and make this flat livable. I have emailed info min 10 times about this. Your staff keep telling me it's ordered but you never get the work done, I don't have any heat other than the two heaters I had to purchase. I have sent all my details numerous times including the two official complaints I have done. I shouldn't have to go to the extreme lengths to get you do your legally required repairs. I wish I could upload the pictures I have sent to you and now environmental health and Monday ombudsman it didn't have to get to this. If you would just do what you committed to repairing. This has been going on since August. I gave a 5 star review when I first became a tenant two years ago. Really sad. I feel you have all just given up

Louise · 25 January 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Slum lords

I writing because these ppl have put me in a rat infest house with backs of tha cabinet is missing and rats are coming in they say it’s my responsibility so who responsible for the miss wood in the back hole all through out the kitchen and let’s not talk about the floor Smdh this hosing association has caused me soooooo much stress to the point I have been to hospital I never miss my rent which they are happy to take every month but can’t fix nothing.

Nikol · 23 January 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

I believe in giving credit when it's…

I believe in giving credit when it's due. Thank you Simone Clarke and Marie. Since Abri has come on board it's like night and day. I feel full of sunshine 🌞. I am getting everything dealt with in my flat. My stress level has come down significantly, I feel heard. Thanks very much. Louise Giordano

Louise · 14 May 2025

★★★★★ 3/5

Trustpilot

Good properties and reasonable prices.

Good properties and reasonable prices.Problem is that the company is poorly run. You need to call them hundreds of times and they always misplace your requests. They also use the worst service managament companies, meaning lifts never get updated and take ages to get fixed as the parts are no longer produced and repairs are of so poor quality they need redoing within weeks. Quite a few of the receptionists and customer service staff are hostile, but there are some nice ones.

Marc · 8 February 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Gone to the dogs

Gone to the dogs. I have been an Octavia tenant for 25 years (from back in the day when they were Marylebone Housing). It used to be a good housing association, good response times and efficient repairs. It has gone downhill over the last decade or so. I reported multiple repairs issues in the spring of this year. None have been resolved yet even though I have sent a large number of emails and phone calls. I raised an official complaint on 17th July. I have not received a response yet (9th December). Again, I followed up my complaint with many phone calls and emails. I also made a SAR request but I have not received this in readable form yet. Some of the issues are very serious, including scaffolding blocking the from door of my flat. It was fortunate that a stretcher was not required when an ambulance attended. I had collapsed, lost consciousness and sustained a head injury necessitating an emergency hospital admission. I was lucky to have regained consciousness and been able to walk to the ambulance. Octavia have shown callous indifference to the concerns of their tenants.

Fxstbsean · 9 December 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Stay away from this Housing Association

Lacking qualities necessary for effective conduct or action. Disgraceful Housing Association, how they are able to get away with their actions is beyond belief. Do not purchase a property from them. Do not rent from them. Any of their residents that have common sense are trying to move out, unfortunately their reputation proceeds them, which makes it difficult to swap properties. Mental health is a major issue within this housing association.

Octavia · 30 January 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Appalling service from the sales team

I am currently in the process of trying to sell my share ownership property. Octavia Housing have held up this process at every possible point, costing me time and money and a lot of stress. I am trying to sell in order to create more space for my growing family, Octavia are not supportive of this in any way. They are have been persistent in their failure to respond to queries I have at any stage, I have paid the required fees for various services that they need to carry out and there have been continuous delays. As I write this, I am still trying desperately to get hold of someone in the sales team in order for my sale to move forward. It's constant blockage and delays, and I am at risk of my buyer pulling out at this stage as everything is a battle. They are very happy to accept payment for fees for service, but never actually deliver and I truly don't know what to do at this stage. I have written a formal complaint, which I am yet to receive a reply for. I'm literally at my wits end.

Princess · 17 September 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Caio

Caio was really polite and helpful, calm and patient. Spoke to a manger immediately and rapt with my issue the best he could :)

Mariyam · 27 November 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Octavia Housing shows extremely poor management and a complete lack of professionalism. I reported a serious rat infestation in my home and, after more than a week, they have provided no response and no solution. They promise to call back but never do, leaving tenants neglected and unsupported when facing serious health and hygiene issues. This agency is inefficient, irresponsible, and fails to meet its basic obligations. I do not trust them and cannot recommend them.

Alejandro · 1 September 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Breath of fresh air

Octavia has had its problems in recent years, often leaving its residents disappointed and disillusioned in its customer service . However, I would like to mention two recent instances related to my personal experience which have been very positive. Firstly, during an unpleasant episode of ASB in my building last year, I was treated with kindness, respect and compassion by Ivor Cardoso and Mel Khan, and compensated for my troubles during the ordeal. More recently, several repairs and improvements were carried out in my property by the Adaptations Team, to a high standard and by professional tradesmen from Ashra. This has been a surprisingly positive experience and definitely worth mentioning on a public platform. After enduring years of incompetence by MEARS, the Adaptations Team and Aimie have been a breath of fresh air.

Marija · 21 July 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Ignoring complaints, emails and phone calls. What’s going on???

I have been with Octavia HA since 2016. When I moved in it was a good service. I had a named housing officer who I could email and if I phoned someone would answer the phone and deal professionally with my enquiry. It’s very different now. I have emailed several times over different issues and never had a reply. I made an official complaint which I had no response to. For the past week I have been phoning, hanging on for 30 minutes then trying again the next day. I know that the old CEO, Sandra Skeete has left and Octavia are considering amalgamation with another Housing Association so something is seriously wrong here. I suppose my next step is to go in person to the offices. I wonder if anyone will speak to me there. I think there needs to be a public meeting where Octavia can be held to account.

Maggie · 26 March 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

They are so bad no clue at all if you report a repair or any job to them there contractors mears always give them report to authorise then forget about it I m wait from Covid time reports to be sorted and people who are on customer service they have no clue at all there contractors mears good once authorisation come to them they are quick but Octavia very bad never recommend them

Muhammad · 16 September 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I have no words to describe the…

I have no words to describe the inefficiency, unprofessionalism, lack of any basic care of this company. Clearly it is wrong to just blame individual people within the organisation, when clearly the issue is the organisation itself, which does not fulfil any of the legal obligations vis a vis tenants and leaseholders. It should be erased and start from scratch, anything is better to what it is now.

Carlo · 30 September 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

I first reported no hot water back in July, on inspection was told I needed a new boiler. Absolutely no communication from Octavia, I am having to constantly chase them and get told someone will be in touch, still waiting to hear back 2 months later. Still no update when I will get a new boiler and no explanation why there is such a delay, very poor service .

Ruth · 17 September 2025