Landlord penalized £20K for operating an unlicensed house in multiple occupancy (HMO) – TNT

A rogue landlord has been fined a total of £19,975 for operating an unlicensed HMO (House in Multiple Occupation in Haringey.

Council officers visited the property several times during autumn 2024 to gather evidence that the property was being rented by the room. A follow-up visit in November uncovered a tenancy agreement showing the property had been operating as an HMO since August 2023 and was not licensed.

A licence application was eventually submitted by the owner but only granted for one year rather than the usual five, a further consequence for the involuntary application of the licence and their awareness of Haringey’s long standing HMO licensing requirements.

The level of fine issued was reflective of the size of the landlord’s portfolio, their knowledge of the regulations given the fact that the other properties were already licensed under the council’s scheme.

The landlord settled the original fine of £23,500 fine within 28 days of receiving the Final Notice, in doing so under the new policy he benefited from a 15% early payment discount.

Cllr Sarah Williams, cabinet member for housing and planning and deputy leader of the council, said: “Landlords who knowingly breach licensing laws will not get away with it—we’re taking firm action, and the consequences are real.

“These rules aren’t optional. Tenants deserve safe, well-kept homes, and we won’t tolerate those who undermine that standard. We remain committed in our mission to enforce housing law and defend the rights of renters across the borough.

“Licensing homes in the private rented sector is not only a legal requirement but a key step in making housing across the borough safer, fairer and better managed. It helps protect residents, supports responsible landlords, and ensures those who fall short are held to account.”