Landlords in Haringey have been slapped with fines totalling £207,500 for failing to license their houses in multiple occupation (HMO), the borough council has confirmed.
Since the enforcement began, 59 warnings have been issued to landlords for illegally renting out unlicensed HMO properties, and 43 of these have resulted in fines.
The council has been utilising Civil Penalty Notices (CPN) to enforce the law, strengthening the private rented sector and safeguarding the residents of Haringey. Unlicensed landlords not only face the prospect of CPN fines but may also be ordered to repay rent to their tenants.
Cllr Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning, said: “We will do everything in our power to protect our residents in the private rented sector in Haringey. Our HMO licensing scheme provides us with an even better platform to do this.”
Williams further emphasised the council’s commitment to ensuring high-quality housing in the borough. “Whilst we continue this journey to improve housing standards across the borough, we will fight for renters’ rights and ensure residents across Haringey live in homes that are well managed, of good quality and most of all, safe,” she said.
The stringent enforcement measures make it clear that the council has zero tolerance for rogue landlords. “As shown with this case, landlords who fail to comply will face tough enforcement action. Rogue landlords will not be tolerated in Haringey,” Williams added.
