"We are committed to providing housing that is safe, secure and compliant. Agents who fail to comply and put residents at risk, will face the consequences."
- Cllr Sarah Williams - Haringey Council
Sixteen letting agents in Haringey have been fined more than £100,000 for failing to meet tenant protection requirements and putting renters at risk.
The council confirmed that several businesses had breached client money protection regulations and failed to display clear fee information, in violation of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Half of the agents received more than one penalty notice.
The companies operate across neighbourhoods including Harringay, West Green, Tottenham Hale, Noel Park, Alexandra Palace, Tottenham Central, South Tottenham, and Hornsey.
Client money protection rules are designed to safeguard rental income and deposits, ensuring landlords and tenants are not left out of pocket if an agent collapses or commits fraud. The legislation aims to build confidence and accountability in the private rental market.
Most of the fines have been paid, with the remainder subject to payment plans agreed with the council.
“With over 100 letting agents in the borough, we must ensure they are meeting their legal obligations,” explained Cllr Sarah Williams, cabinet member for housing and planning and deputy leader of the council. “This gives tenants and landlords confidence that their money is secure and that they have access to dispute the issue if needed. We are committed to providing housing that is safe, secure and compliant. Agents who fail to comply and put residents at risk, will face the consequences.”
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 also prohibits agents from charging unauthorised fees, although relatively few complaints are reported. The council suggested this may be linked to concerns from tenants about possible repercussions, such as the loss of their homes.
Local authorities are encouraging both landlords and tenants to report non-compliance. The council said that transparency and adherence to legislation support a fairer rental market.
