A landlord and managing agent have been fined after failing to license a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

The pair have been fined £12,500 for failing to licence the property in London N17: enforcement action was taken for allowing tenants to live in unsafe conditions.

Haringey council initially received a complaint about damp and mould in the rented home. 

During their investigations, enforcement officers discovered that the property was operating as an unlicensed ‘Additional’ HMO. 

An inspection of the property revealed multiple hazards, including inadequate fire protection and dangerous stairs, putting tenants at significant risk.

As a result, the property owner and managing agent were issued civil penalty fines totalling £12,500 for failing to apply for the required HMO licence.

Challenge to the decision

The managing agent appealed the penalty to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT). But the Tribunal dismissed the appeal, describing it as misguided, and upheld in favour of the council.

The managing agent was ordered to pay £10,000 fine and has been added to the Greater London Authority’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker.

The owner/landlord remains liable for a separate £2,500 civil penalty.

Following enforcement action, the property has now been licensed, and an Improvement Notice issued by the council has led to all repairs being completed.