A tenant has secured almost £8,000 in refunded rent after taking her landlord to a tribunal over an unlicensed HMO.
The First-tier Tribunal ordered the landlord of the Muswell Hill property to repay £7,884.84. The landlord must also cover £341 in application and hearing fees.
The case followed an investigation by Haringey Council after concerns emerged about conditions at the property. Reports included mould, fire safety issues and a collapsed ceiling.
The former tenant lived at the property between May 2023 and May 2024. She applied for a Rent Repayment Order after discovering that the landlord did not hold the required HMO licence.
Three people from separate households occupied the flat during the tenancy.
The tenant also reported a series of problems with the property’s condition. These included extensive mould in communal areas, blocked kitchen facilities and exposed pipework.
She also raised concerns about fire safety. The property allegedly lacked basic measures including fire doors and smoke alarms.
The tribunal found that the Leaside Avenue property met the legal definition of an HMO. It therefore required a licence throughout the tenancy.
As the landlord had failed to obtain one, the tribunal found that they had committed an offence by managing an unlicensed HMO.
The decision also highlighted the landlord’s previous record.
According to the tribunal, the landlord had faced a separate Rent Repayment Order involving another property. The tribunal said this indicated a pattern of failing to comply with licensing requirements.
Cllr Tammy Hymas, cabinet member for housing and co deputy leader, said: “This case sends a clear message to landlords: if you’re breaking the law, we’re coming after you.
“No tenant should have to live in an unlicensed property with mould, serious disrepair and inadequate fire safety measures. Yet too many landlords continue to put profit before people, leaving renters to live in unacceptable conditions.
“This landlord thought they could collect rent while ignoring their legal responsibilities. Thanks to the determination of the tenant and the work of our enforcement team, they have now been ordered to pay that money back.
“We are stepping up inspections, strengthening enforcement and taking tougher action against landlords who fail to meet the standards our residents deserve. Cases like this show there are consequences for breaking the rules.
“But we know this is about more than one property. Too many renters feel powerless when things go wrong. That’s why we’re launching a Private Renters’ Forum, giving tenants a stronger voice and helping us identify the landlords who are exploiting residents.
“Private renting isn’t working. We want landlords to know that if they fail their tenants, we will act. And we want renters to know that we’re on their side.”
