Concerns raised over 'rogue landlord' in Bowes Park

Property illegally converted into eleven bedsit flats “not fit for human habitation” according to former resident, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Myddelton Road and (inset) Bounds Green councillor Mary Mason

Residents in Bowes Park have called on Haringey Council to tackle “rogue landlords” after concerns were raised over a property with no heating being crammed with people.

The building in Myddleton Road was illegally turned into eleven studios, forcing the council to take landlord Andreas Antoniades to court. However, despite a successful prosecution, the property has remained largely unchanged.

Mike Weekes-Quinn, a former tenant who lived at the property for eight years, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it was “not fit for human habitation”.

Mike said his room was a “box” no more than six metres by two metres, with a bed and a fridge. He added “you were lucky” to also have a shower and toilet as those who didn’t had to share.

He said there was no heating in the rooms, mould and damp were common, and the walls were thin enough to hear the people next door. Other tenants included people addicted to illegal substances. Some even used the oven to try to stay warm.

For all this Mike said his rent cost him over £900 per month.

Independent Socialist and Bounds Green ward councillor Mary Mason said there was a “crisis in housing” and has called on the council to tackle it.

Cllr Mason said: “It’s unbelievable that people live in one room with no heating and no hot water and pay a wealthy landlord almost £1,000 a month, but it’s true. This is where people, our neighbours, live and die.”

Haringey Council is currently investigating the property. A spokesperson said: “Our priority is to raise standards in the private rented sector across Haringey to ensure tenants live in healthy, safe and well managed homes.

“Following concerns about poor standards, our teams inspected the property, and several improvements were made at our request.

“However, we have since received further complaints. Our officers are currently investigating the property to establish the level of intervention required.

“Should there be a failure to comply with what is needed, we will not hesitate to take further enforcement action.”

Since moving out almost four years ago, Mike has visited occasionally and said “marginal improvements” had been made. There are now fire doors in the corridors and a light showing the exits, but apart from that it looked “the same”.

Cllr Mason added: “We must do better, rogue unlicensed landlords running houses of multiple occupation must not get away with this. Please report them, not once, not twice, but until they are stopped!”

Andreas Antoniades was approached for comment.

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