Tottenham: Landlord without HMO licence to refund tenants £20,000

A north London landlord has been ordered to pay £20,000 to tenants after not registering a property as a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

The sum covers a refund of 12 months' rent as well as a £2,500 fine.

The Tottenham landlord was also told to ensure the property was licensed and to pay the application fee.

A property is classed as an HMO if at least three unrelated tenants are living in the property, and they share bathroom and kitchen.

If a landlord has been renting out a property without the correct licence, their tenants can claim a rent repayment of up to 12 months, depending on the duration of their tenancy.

In extreme cases, the council can revoke the landlord's property licence and take control of the property via a management order.

Councillor Sarah Williams, Haringey Council's cabinet member for housing services, said: "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 will 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."

Using HMO licensing powers, council officers have also been able to tackle properties that are in a poor condition.

To date, 46 fines, amounting to £250,000, have been issued to landlords who have failed to license their HMO houses in Haringey.

The licensing scheme has been in operation since May 2019.

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