"We’re taking firm action, and the consequences are real. These rules aren’t optional. Tenants deserve safe, well-kept homes, and we won’t tolerate those who undermine that standard"
- Cllr Sarah Williams - Haringey Council
A landlord in Haringey has been fined £19,975 for operating an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO), following a council investigation that revealed the property had been rented by the room without the required licence.
Council officers carried out multiple inspections during autumn 2024, gathering evidence that the property was being let as an HMO. During a further visit in November, officers obtained a tenancy agreement confirming that the property had been in operation as an HMO since August 2023. At that time, it was not licensed under Haringey’s scheme.
Although the owner did eventually submit a licence application, the council issued only a one-year licence rather than the standard five years. This shortened term was imposed as a consequence of the late application and the landlord’s awareness of Haringey’s long-standing licensing requirements.
The fine reflected the size of the landlord’s portfolio and their existing knowledge of the borough’s regulations, with other properties already licensed under the scheme.
Initially set at £23,500, the financial penalty was reduced by 15% after the landlord paid within 28 days of receiving the Final Notice, in line with the council’s early settlement policy.
“Landlords who knowingly breach licensing laws will not get away with it,” said cllr Sarah Williams, cabinet member for housing and planning and deputy leader of the council. “We’re taking firm action, and the consequences are real. These rules aren’t optional. Tenants deserve safe, well-kept homes, and we won’t tolerate those who undermine that standard.”
Williams added, “Licensing homes in the private rented sector is not only a legal requirement but a key step in making housing across the borough safer, fairer and better managed. It helps protect residents, supports responsible landlords, and ensures those who fall short are held to account.”
