Ceiling cracks and damp, Roof damage? Extent of damage and repair?

[diydoger]

Damp and cracks in communal hallway, ceiling shown in image, roof is above the hallway ceiling.
I have enhanced the image to make it more visible.

Here is what it looks like in reality without photo enhancement exaggeration, and how it actually looks like in real life.

The tenants and landlord of the top floor flat will not allow me access to the roof to check. That's now under a solicitor to gain access.

What would you say is going on by the second photograph, is this normal damage? Should I be concerned? What kind of repair could there be? Do you think there is possible roof damage above the ceiling.

 

[diydoger]

Here are some others of the ceiling. enhanced picture.

this is what it actually looks like

There is also cracking in the corner of the wall.

 

[datarebal]

how about a picture from outside...

 

[diydoger]

The above pictures in the OP show the ceiling of the top floor hallway.
I dont have any pictures from (inside the roof), as the leaseholder will not allow access, so my solisitor is pursuing them legally to gain access.
I dont have pictures showing (outside the roof).

 

[diydoger]

Can you tell from the pictures about the damp and cracks? could this be from an old issue? What has caused the cracks and patches?

 

[diydoger]

I cannot tell what they are from because, I need access to the loft, but the tenant and his landlord will not allow access, my solicitor has to pursue them legally.

If the cause of the damp was fixed, or is an old issue that was fixed. What would be the repair to the fault shown in the images.
Also what is the likelihood that its an old issue? would the problem areas not be the same color as the rest of the ceiling? Or do old problems permanently discolor that area?