A London lettings agency has been handed financial penalties for operating an unlicensed private rented property.

Rashidat Adebukola Edekunle-Mohammed, the property owner, and Tunde Coker of Alpha Property Services, were sentenced at Croydon Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty.

The case involved a property in Camberwell which was let to a single family who reported defective heating to the council. Upon investigation, it was found that the property fell within Southwark council’s selective licensing area and was being rented without the required licence, despite both the landlord and letting agent being notified of the obligation to license the property.

All private-rented single-household properties within a designated area of the borough are required to be licensed.

The court ordered Edekunle-Mohammed to pay a total of £1,128 in fines and costs, while Coker was fined £2,256. Both amounts were reduced due to their early guilty pleas.

A council spokesperson says: “This case demonstrates our commitment to holding landlords and letting agents accountable when they fail to meet their legal obligations. Licensing ensures that rented properties in Southwark are safe and well-maintained for our residents. We will continue to take action against those who put tenants at risk and encourage residents to report unscrupulous landlords.”