Landlords hit with £207,500 in fines for unlicensed HMOs

A council crackdown on unlicensed HMO landlords has seen fines worth £207,500 being imposed, though just last month it faced stinging criticism from the Housing Ombudsman.

The action from Haringey Council has seen 59 formal warnings being made to landlords who have been renting out unlicensed HMO properties to groups of three or more individuals not belonging to the same household.

Of the 59 warnings, 43 led to fines being levied against the non-compliant landlords.

The same council was slammed by the Housing Ombudsman last month for its ‘apathy’ and failures in addressing mould, damp and leaks in its properties.

The Ombudsman said the council had a lack of accountability, ownership and motivation when having to deal with tenant complaints.

‘Protect our residents in the private rented sector’

Of its crackdown on private rented sector landlords, Haringey’s cabinet member for housing services, private renters and planning, Cllr Sarah Williams, said: “We will do everything in our power to protect our residents in the private rented sector in Haringey.

“Our HMO licencing scheme provides us with an even better platform to do this.”

She added: “Whilst we continue this journey to improve housing standards across the borough, we will fight for renters’ rights and ensure residents across Haringey live in homes that are well managed, of good quality and most of all, safe.

“As shown with this case, landlords who fail to comply will face tough enforcement action. Rogue landlords will not be tolerated in Haringey.”

Civil Penalty Notices to target property owners

Haringey handed out Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs) to target those property owners who had sidestepped their legal obligations.

By employing this strategy, the council aims to reinforce the standards within the private rental sector and uphold the well-being of residents within the borough.

Along with being fined, the council says that the landlords also face having to repay rent to their tenants.

The council says its action highlights its commitment to ensuring safe and suitable living conditions for all residents – and creating an ‘accountable rental sector’.