News Prohibition Notice remains in place at Miller Heights
Frequently asked questions
Please click here for our FAQs.
Miller Heights update – October 2026
Maidstone Borough Council has been informed by Miller Heights’ managing agent, Centrick, that residents will not be able to return to the building during 2026.
Further flooding in the basement has damaged newly installed electrical equipment and affected the recovery programme. Centrick is assessing the extent of the damage and what further work is needed.
We understand how upsetting this latest setback will be for residents.
Miller Heights is privately owned and managed. The Council’s Prohibition Notice remains in place, meaning residents cannot return until the building is safe.
Residents should contact MillerHeights@Centrick.co.uk with questions about the building and repairs, and their insurer about any available support or cover. Housing advice remains available from Maidstone Borough Council.
Important information for residents
- Homeowners and landlords: you should contact your insurance provider as your first point of contact.
- Tenants: the prohibition notice does not end your tenancy agreement. You are still expected to meet the terms of your tenancy, including paying rent. You should speak directly with your landlord and seek independent legal advice if needed.
- Placed by another council: if you were placed in Miller Heights by another local authority, you will need to contact and return to that council for support.
- Alternative accommodation: if you are currently staying in accommodation not arranged by the Council, please let us know, even if you do not wish to access our services. This helps us monitor the situation and ensure everyone is accounted for.
- If you haven’t contacted us: please get in touch so we can understand your situation and offer support where possible.
Council tax exemption update
Maidstone Borough Council will apply a Council Tax exemption for Miller Heights properties from 12 May, as there is a legal prohibition on residents living in the building.
If you have already paid your Council Tax in advance, any overpayments will be refunded automatically.
Residents advised to check home insurance
Residents are also encouraged to check their home insurance and speak to their provider, as this may offer more suitable or longer-term solutions depending on individual circumstances.
We have received a number of questions about responsibility for the building. Miller Heights is privately owned and has never been owned by Maidstone Borough Council. The building is part of a government-led programme of improvement works, which sits outside the Council’s remit and is overseen by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
We remain committed to supporting residents through this situation. We are working closely with government, Kent County Council, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and those responsible for the building to ensure residents receive the support and information they need. While this is a complex situation involving a number of organisations, we will continue to provide guidance and support to anyone affected.
Support from Maidstone Borough Council
Anyone who needs support to get in touch via our dedicated email address.
Those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, click here.
Miller Heights frequently asked questions
What has happened at Miller Heights?
A flood in the building’s basement has damaged electrical systems, resulting in a loss of power and safety risks. As a result, the building cannot currently be occupied safely.
When can I go back home?
Centrick, the managing agent for Miller Heights, has advised residents that they will not be able to return to live in the building during 2026. There is currently no confirmed date for residents to return. Residents can only return to live at Miller Heights when the necessary works have been completed and the building can be safely reoccupied. The Prohibition Notice currently remains in place.
Why has the return been delayed again?
Centrick has advised residents that a further flood has taken place in the basement of Miller Heights.
According to Centrick, the water originated from the cold water storage tanks and affected newly installed electrical distribution equipment, interrupting the recovery programme. Technical assessments are being undertaken to establish the condition of the equipment and what further repairs or replacements are required.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, so it would not be appropriate for Maidstone Borough Council to comment on responsibility for the flood.
Does the council own Miller Heights?
Maidstone Borough Council does not own Miller Heights, the building is owned and managed by a third party.
Do I have to pay council tax still?
Maidstone Borough Council will apply a Council Tax exemption for Miller Heights properties from 12 May, as there is a legal prohibition on residents living in the building.
If you have already paid your Council Tax in advance, any overpayments will be refunded automatically.
Why do I have to leave my home?
You must leave because a prohibition order has been formally issued. This is not a precaution; it is an essential safety measure.
- The building has been assessed as unsafe for occupation
- It is not safe for residents to remain inside
- It is a legal requirement that residents leave until the order is lifted
When is the next resident access day at Miller Heights?
There are no plans for additional resident access to the building currently.
What support is available to me?
Maidstone Borough Council is providing help and guidance to all residents affected, including advice, support and signposting to other services and organisations.
Am I eligible for emergency accommodation?
Most residents are eligible for emergency accommodation for up to 56 days from 12 May, when the prohibition notice was issued. After this period, the level of support may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Why can’t everyone receive accommodation from the Council?
Some residents have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), which means they are not able to access most government benefits or housing support due to their immigration status.
These rules are set by national legislation, and the Council must follow the law. We cannot override these restrictions, but we will work with partners to help where we can.
Will I be housed in Maidstone?
Where emergency accommodation is provided, we will always try to place residents within the borough. However, this is not always possible due to availability.
What should I do based on my situation?
- Homeowners/landlords: Contact your insurance provider as your first point of contact
- Tenants: Your tenancy agreement still applies, including rent – speak to your landlord and seek legal advice if needed
- Placed by another council: Contact that council for support
- Staying elsewhere: Please let us know, even if you don’t need help, so we can monitor the situation
- Not yet in touch: Please contact us so we can understand your situation and offer support where possible
What is a prohibition order?
A prohibition order is a legal notice which prohibits people from living in or using a building where there is a serious safety risk. Under this order residents cannot stay overnight, residents cannot return to live in the building and access is restricted and controlled.
Can I stay in my flat if I feel safe?
No. You must not stay in your flat under any circumstances while the prohibition order is in place. Even if you feel safe and you have no immediate alternative accommodation
Do I need to leave immediately?
Yes. Residents are required to leave the building as soon as possible. On-site staff and partners will support residents to leave safely.
What should I bring?
A full list of items that may be suitable for your grab bag can be found online.
Can I return to my flat?
No. Residents must not return to the building unless formally told it is safe to do so. The building will remain restricted while safety inspections are completed, electrical systems are repaired and risks are removed.
What should I do if I have nowhere to stay?
If you cannot stay with family or friends, we are here to offer guidance to anyone affected Call 01622 602127 you can also get in touch via our dedicated email address.
What support is available to residents?
Support is available, including emergency accommodation, welfare support for vulnerable residents and advice and ongoing assistance.
When can I go back home?
You will only be able to return once:
- The prohibition order is lifted
- Safety authorities confirm the building is safe
- Residents will be formally notified when it is safe to return.
What is being done to fix the issue?
Specialist teams have been instructed and are currently progressing with works to re-instate the power to the building and other items detailed within the prohibition notice.
What should I do about food and belongings left inside?
Any food left in fridges or freezers after this point is unsafe. For hygiene and safety reasons, please attend your property as soon as possible onthe arranged access day to empty and dispose of any perishable food. You may wish to contact your insurer regarding any losses and belongings should only be collected when safe access is arranged.
What should I do about rent, bills or my mortgage?
Residents should: check tenancy or lease agreements, contact landlords, managing agents or mortgage providers and seek independent advice where needed.
How will I receive updates?
We are committed to keeping residents informed. Updates will be shared through direct contact with residents where possible, council and managing agent communications and official council website and social media channels.
Where can I find more support?
The Maidstone voluntary and community sector is providing help and support to residents of Miller Heights.
- Breakeven - help for people affected by financial stress, housing pressure, or displacement
- Child’s Vision - support for children
- Maidstone Mencap - information and support for families with children who have special educational needs or disabilities
- Making a Difference to Maidstone - food and clothing bank and homemaker fund
- The Princess Project - support for families with children aged 0–5, including nappies, formula, clothing, toys, and larger equipment
- The Vine Church - food bank and household store
- Samaritans of Maidstone and Weald - mental health support
What is the council's position on the Prohibition Notice?
The Prohibition Order was served by Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS), not Maidstone Borough Council. The terms required by them to lift the notice, in our opinion, are likely to be complex and costly, and some interventions may require approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) before work can begin. As a result, it may take some time for the notice can be lifted. Ultimately, this sits with the building’s freeholder, working through their managing agent, Centrick.
Will the council relax or lift the Prohibition notice?
The situation at Miller Heights is serious and is being monitored by central government and the Building Safety Regulator. Recent fire risk assessments highlight several important issues, including poor fire separation within the building, which remain unresolved and are a major concern to the Council. Fixing these problems is likely to take time and could require significant works, meaning some flats may need to be empty during this period. Any solution will need clear plans, regulatory approval and confirmed funding before work can begin.
What is the timeline for a phased or conditional return to the building?
This sits with the freeholder and the managing agent, Centrick. Given the seriousness and complexity of the situation, the Council has sought specialist advice form the Joint Inspection Team (JIT) within the Local Government Association. This process is now underway, but we do not yet know how long it will take for advice to be provided.
Are additional works required before any residents can return?
Responsibility sits with the freeholder, Centrick, and leaseholders to work together to make the building fully safe, not just carry out minimum fixes. The Council will offer support, but the solution must be workable and fully funded by those responsible. The fire safety issues are classed as a serious (Category 1) hazard, so the Council must take formal action. We are working with the Building Safety Regulator and Kent Fire & Rescue Service to agree who will lead enforcement, and will confirm next steps once this is decided.