Haringey landlords hit with £13,500 fine for dangerous HMO conditions

A series of Improvement Notices under the Housing Act 2004 were issued to the landlords after severe hazards were identified throughout the property, including communal areas.

Houses and flats in Mussel Hill, Haringey.

The owners of a large House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Haringey have been fined £13,500 after failing to repair multiple hazards within their property.

A series of Improvement Notices under the Housing Act 2004 were issued to the landlords after severe hazards were identified throughout the property, including communal areas.

DAMP AND MOULD

Additionally, four out of the eight flats within the property were found to be affected with damp and mould, posing significant health risks to those living the property.

Despite receiving multiple warnings, the landlords failed to take the necessary actions to address these issues.

Often when landlords fail to act voluntarily or when a disrepair poses a risk to occupants, the council will take tough enforcement action.

In this case, the owners were given every opportunity to comply with the Housing Act Notices within a reasonable timeframe. Their continued failure resulted in a Civil Penalty Notice totalling £13,500 – the latest in a string of fines issued by the council after The Neg reported last month that it ‘would do anything’ to deter bad landlords.

Eubert Malcolm, Assistant Director for Stronger and Safer Communities at Haringey Council, says: “This case highlights the importance of maintaining safe living conditions for all residents.”

ROBUST ACTION
Eubert Malcolm, Assistant Director for Stronger and Safer Communities, at Haringey Council
Eubert Malcolm, Assistant Director, Haringey Council

He adds: “We will continue to take robust action against those who neglect their responsibilities and enforce the law to protect tenants’ rights and wellbeing.”

Elsewhere, agents and landlords in Reading are getting ready for a new extended licensing scheme for private rented property.

In Reading there are currently more than 1,400 HMOs licensed under the current mandatory scheme.

The Council’s latest consultation will look at extending the current licensing scheme across Reading, as well as introducing a targeted scheme to three specific wards which will cover all rental properties in the private rented sector.

The scheme will require all rented properties to have a licence, including those let to a single person or family, in three wards – Battle, Redlands and Park.


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