Haringey Council issues fines totalling £108,000 to wayward landlords

A north London council has slapped landlords and letting agents with fines totalling more than £100,000 for failing to license houses of multiple occupation (HMO).

Landlords who rent out their properties to at least three tenants forming more than one household who share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants must by law obtain a license.

In the six months since January, Haringey Council has issued fines totalling £108,000 to landlords and letting agents who have not done this.

“Renting properties without a licence is not tolerated in Haringey,” said a council spokesperson.

“Anyone found to be deliberately avoiding licencing will be subject to a Civil Penalty Notice (CPN) which can lead to a maximum penalty of £30,000.”

Tenants who live in unlicensed properties may be entitled to up to 12 months’ rent repaid back to them through Rent Repayment Orders.

Since 2019, the council has also operated an extra HMO licensing scheme across the whole borough, to “ensure landlords take maximum responsibility”, and keep shared housing safe and in good repair.

Eubert Malcolm, Assistant Director for Stronger and Safer Communities, at Haringey Council, said: "Our priority is and always will be to protect our tenants welfare and ensure they live in safe, well-maintained homes.

“These fines send a clear message that we will not tolerate negligence from landlords and letting agents.

“We are committed to upholding high standards for all rental properties in Haringey."

Haringey Council encouraged tenants to report any concerns about their living conditions via its website.