George Nathanel, the director of Zenobia properties, was advertising the flats on Grove Road, North Finchley, on sites such as Airbnb for short-term holiday rental.
The properties had been granted planning consent by the council in January 2016 to be used as “a self-contained, single household”, but the local authority found evidence that both flats were being illegally advertised online.
Evidence provided by the prosecution showed at least 220 days of occupancy across the two flats in the first 10 months of 2024, which exceeds the 90 days a year rules limit.
Nathanel was first issued a notice by Barnet Council in November 2023 following complaints by neighbours, including one who appeared in court and described the “detrimental impact on his life, his work, and mental health” the short-rentals have had.
Claiming he was living in Russia with his children and awaiting an operation, Nathanel did not appear at court hearings. He initially claimed that he was unaware of any short-term rentals via online platforms and said the stays were “long-term tenants”.
However, reviews left on Airbnb describe him as “an amazing, attentive, and responsive host.” The property remains live on Airbnb to this date.
Nathanel was found guilty of failing to comply with the requirements of a Breach of Condition Notice issued by the council. He was told to pay a fine of £75,000 and council costs of £5,400. A victim surcharge of £2,000 was also levied.
Cllr Ross Houston, cabinet member for Homes and Regeneration, said: “We gave Mr Nathanel ample opportunity to stop using the properties as short term rentals, but were left with no alternative but to take him to court when he didn’t stop.
“Barnet Council clamps down hard on rogue landlords and where they don’t cooperate, we will always bring them to justice.
“We would like to thank the residents who brought this case to our attention. This is a great result for the neighbours whose lives were made a misery by the illegal letting of these flats on Airbnb and Booking.com. The prosecution and huge fine highlights the seriousness of the case and will be a strong deterrent to other rogue landlords from breaking the rules in the borough of Barnet.”
