Unlicensed Tottenham landlord told to refund one year's rent to tenant

Haringey Council took action against the landlord after they failed to license their property as a house in multiple occupation (HMO)

A landlord in Tottenham has been ordered to refund twelve months’ rent to tenants after failing to license their property as a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The fine was issued after the landlord ignored their initial warning, which resulted in a £2,500 fine and £20,000 in rent repayment to the tenants. The landlord was also required to ensure the property was licensed and pay the application fee.

In addition to this, another two landlords who each have property in Wood Green have also received civil penalty notices after failing to license their properties. Having ignored their responsibilities to comply, their appeal was not upheld by a tribunal. One landlord was ordered to pay £5,000 and the other £2,000.

With around 40% of Haringey’s population living in the private rented sector, the council says it has taken “strong measures” to ensure residents live in “safe and well-maintained homes”.

A property is classed as an HMO if at least three unrelated tenants are living in the property, and they share bathroom or toilet facilities and/or kitchen. The licensing scheme, which requires landlords to obtain a license to let a property which meets the definition of an HMO, has been in operation since May 2019.

Sarah Williams, cabinet member for housing services, private renters and planning, said: “Thanks to the hard work of council officers, legal action has been taken against landlords that have failed to license their properties.

“Haringey Council has a zero-tolerance policy to rogue landlords; in one case the landlord has been made to repay £20,000 in rent to their tenants. Our licensing scheme is in place for a reason: to protect Haringey’s private renters by ensuring their homes are safe and well maintained.

“A tightly regulated and professionalised landlord industry helps protect and promote our good landlords, and creates a safer, healthier and more accountable rented sector for tenants.

“Our existing HMO licensing scheme needs to be renewed next year so I’d encourage all residents, particularly those living in the private rented sector, to take part in the consultation that will help shape our new scheme.”

The existing additional HMO licensing scheme designation will be coming to an end early next year and residents across Haringey are now invited to give their thoughts on a newly proposed additional HMO licensing scheme which the council says “will further support measures to improve the private rented sector”.

To date, a total of 46 fines amounting to over £250,000 have been issued to landlords who have failed to license their HMOs in Haringey.

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