News
Haringey landlord fined £2,500 for unlicensed HMO`
Wednesday 18th January 2023
A landlord in Haringey has been fined £2,500 after it was found he let his three-storey property to seven unrelated tenants.
The property also had a lack of adequate fire protection and detection system in place, putting tenants at risk.
The council also said the kitchen facilities were insufficient for the number of tenants living there.
The landlord appealed the fine to the First-Tier Tribunal, which upheld the decision.
Cllr Dana Carlin, cabinet member for housing services, private renters and planning, said: "The council's HMO licensing scheme is there to protect residents and ensure they are living in homes that are safe, well managed, of good quality and most of all, compliant.
"As shown by this case, those who do not comply with their obligations will face tough consequences.
"The health and safety of residents is of utmost importance, and we will do everything we can to fight for renters' rights and to strengthen the quality of Haringey's Private Rented Sector."
Landlords who fail to comply with the scheme can be issued with a Rent Repayment Order in addition to a fine. This requires them to return the rent paid by tenants while the property was unlicensed.
Haringey's HMO licensing scheme has been in operation since May 2019.
It dictates that landlords who let properties to three or more unrelated tenants living together, who share a bathroom or toilet facilities as well as a kitchen, must obtain a license.
Landlords; instruct an agent today and don't find yourself in breach of legislation. Instruct Affinity.