Haringey Council in north London has announced that it has issued fines totalling £108,000 to letting agents and landlords who have failed to license their houses in multiple occupation (HMO) since the start of this year.

As many of you will already know, letting agents and landlords who rent out properties to at least three tenants forming more than one household who share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants are legally required to obtain a license.

An additional HMO licensing scheme has been in operation across the whole of Haringey since 2019.

Anyone found to be deliberately avoiding HMO licencing in Haringey will be subject to a Civil Penalty Notice (CPN) which can lead to a maximum penalty of £30,000.

Tenants who live in unlicenced properties may be entitled to up to 12 months’ rent repaid back to them through Rent Repayment Orders.

Eubert Malcolm, assistant director for stronger and safer communities, at Haringey Council, said: “Our priority is and always will be to protect our tenants welfare and ensure they live in safe, well-maintained homes.

“These fines send a clear message that we will not tolerate negligence from landlords and letting agents.

“We are committed to upholding high standards for all rental properties in Haringey.”