A Tottenham landlord and managing agent have been slapped with a £12,500 fine after failing to license their HMO, which was found to have serious hazards.
Haringey council 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 including inadequate fire protection and dangerous stairs, putting tenants at significant risk.
Cllr Sarah Williams, cabinet member for housing and planning and deputy leader of the council, said: “This case makes our position absolutely clear, Haringey will not tolerate landlords or agents who put residents at risk.
“Every property must meet legal standards, and those who ignore their responsibilities will face decisive action.
“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.”
The property was located on Clonmell Road, N17.
The managing agent appealed the penalty to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT). However, the Tribunal dismissed the appeal, describing it as misguided, and upheld in favour of the council.
The agent was ordered to pay a £10,000 fine and 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 owner remains liable for a separate £2,500 civil penalty.
After the enforcement action the property has now been licensed, and an improvement notice issued by the council has led to the issues being addressed.