News
Haringey Council cracking down on rogue landlords and agents with another £41,000 civil financial penalties imposed
Haringey Council is cracking down on rogue landlords and agents with another £41,000 civil financial penalties imposed following two recent investigations.
Failure to comply with Housing Improvement Notices
The owners of a large House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Haringey have been fined £13,500 after failing to resolve multiple hazards within their property.
A series of Improvement Notices under the Housing Act 2004 were issued to the landlords after severe hazards were identified throughout the property, including communal areas.
Additionally, four out of the eight flats within the building were found to be affected with damp and mould, posing significant health risks to those living in the property.
Despite receiving multiple warnings, the landlords failed to take the necessary actions to address these issues. Often when landlords fail to act voluntarily or when a disrepair poses a risk to occupants, the council resorts to tough enforcement action.
In this case, the owners were given every opportunity to comply with the Housing Act Notices within a reasonable timeframe. Their continued failure resulted in a civil penalty notice totalling £13,500.
Letting an unlicensed HMO to eight unrelated people
A Haringey landlord as well as three directors from two letting agents have been fined £27,500 after failing to secure the appropriate licence for a property in Tottenham.
With a total of eight tenants from different households living together, it is a legal requirement to obtain an HMO licence.
Haringey Council are committed to ensuring landlords and letting agents meet the necessary safety and management standards of their properties. In this case, both have neglected their legal obligations, compromising the well-being of the tenants.
Following a breach of licensing regulations, it has been agreed, the fine will be paid in instalments.
Working with Companies House, the enforcing officer prevented one of the letting companies from declaring insolvency and the subsequent avoidance of paying the financial penalty.
Eubert Malcolm, Assistant Director for Stronger and Safer Communities, at Haringey Council, said:
“As shown with this case, we are committed to ensuring homes in Haringey are safe and regulated for our residents.
“It is imperative that landlords and letting agents adhere to the legal requirements to not only avoid prosecution, but also protect and maintain high housing standards in Haringey.“
“Our residents have always been at the core of everything we do, and we will continue to go above and beyond for their safety.”
Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in the London Borough of Haringey is available here.
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