Tenant wins £7,884 rent repayment over unlicensed HMO

A tenant living in Muswell Hill has successfully reclaimed almost £8,000 in rent after a tribunal ruled her landlord had been operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The First-tier Tribunal ordered the landlord to repay £7,884.84 in rent, along with £341 for application and hearing fees.

The tenant, who resided at the Leaside Avenue property from May 2023 to May 2024, brought the application following an investigation by Haringey Council's enforcement team. She reported multiple concerns about the property's condition, including extensive mould in communal areas, blocked kitchen facilities, exposed pipework, and a lack of basic fire safety measures such as fire doors and smoke alarms. A collapsed ceiling and fire hazards were also noted.

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Tribunal's Findings

The tribunal determined that the property met the legal definition of an HMO, requiring a licence throughout the tenancy. As no licence had been obtained by the landlord, an offence was committed. The tribunal also noted that the landlord had previously been subject to a separate Rent Repayment Order concerning another property, suggesting a pattern of non-compliance with licensing regulations.

Councillor Tammy Hymas, Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-Deputy Leader at Haringey Council, stated that the case serves as a clear warning to landlords who break the law. She emphasised that no tenant should endure living in an unlicensed property with significant disrepair and inadequate safety provisions. The council is committed to taking action against those who exploit residents.

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New Forum for Private Renters

In response to such issues, Haringey Council is launching a Private Renters' Forum. This initiative aims to provide tenants with a stronger voice and assist in identifying landlords who are exploiting residents. The first meeting of the forum is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 September, from 6pm to 8pm at George Meehan House, 294 High Road, London N22 8YX. Interested tenants can register for a place via the Haringey Council website.