A rogue landlord has been fined £23,500 for knowingly failing to license one of their properties in Haringey.
Council officers visited several times during autumn 2024 to gather evidence that the house was being rented by the room. A follow-up visit in November uncovered a tenancy agreement showing it had been operating as an HMO since August 2023 and was not licensed.
The landlord eventually applied for a licence, but this was only granted for one year rather than the usual five due to their involuntary application and awareness of Haringey’s long-standing HMO licensing requirements.
It adds that the large fine reflected the size of the landlord’s portfolio, and knowledge of the regulations, particularly as their other properties were already licensed under the council’s scheme. The landlord settled the fine within 28 days of receiving a Final Notice and was given a 15% early payment discount.
Councillor Sarah William (pictured), cabinet member for housing and planning and deputy leader of the council, says landlords who knowingly breach licensing laws won’t get away with it.
“These rules aren’t optional,” she explains. “Tenants deserve safe, well-kept homes, and we won’t tolerate those who undermine that standard. We remain committed in our mission to enforce housing law and defend the rights of renters across the borough.”
Earlier this year the London borough revised its Civil Penalty Notice policy so that rogue landlords can now be handed penalties of up to £30,000 per offence.
Failing to comply with an Improvement Notice will cost landlords £22,500, while not licensing an HMO starts at £17,500. In March, Kamma reported that Haringey is one of the highest earning councils for HMO licensing revenue, taking £16.5 million.
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