A Tottenham landlord and managing agent have been fined £12,500 after failing to license their house in multiple occupation and allowing tenants to live in unsafe conditions.
Haringey Council discovered the unlicensed property on Clonmell Road, N17, following a complaint about damp and mould. Enforcement officers found the property operating as an unlicensed additional HMO with multiple hazards including inadequate fire protection and dangerous stairs.
The property owner received a £2,500 civil penalty while the managing agent was fined £10,000. The managing agent appealed to the First Tier Tribunal, which dismissed the challenge as misguided and upheld the council's decision.
"This case makes our position absolutely clear: Haringey will not tolerate landlords or agents who put residents at risk," said Sarah Williams, cabinet member for housing and planning and deputy leader of the council. "Every property must meet legal standards, and those who ignore their responsibilities will face decisive action."
The managing agent has been added to the Greater London Authority's Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker, a public register of landlords and agents fined or convicted of housing offences.
The property has since been licensed following enforcement action. An improvement notice issued by the council led to all disrepair being addressed, and the home now meets required safety standards.
"Our priority is protecting tenants and driving up standards across the private rented sector, and we will continue to pursue anyone who fails to provide safe, secure and properly managed homes," Williams added.
