The HarinGey Council in North London recently announced that a landlord, failing to obtain a license for their House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) properties, has been ordered to refund £20,000 in rent. Additionally, two landlords in Wood Green have received civil penalty notices for similar violations, with fines of £5,000 and £2,000 respectively. These serious legal actions reflect the strengthened regulatory efforts of the HarinGey area on private landlords.

According to Cabinet Member Councillor Sarah Williams, there have been 46 landlords fined for non-compliance with the licensing system, resulting in total fines exceeding £250,000.

The council emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards non-compliance and underscores the importance of the licensing system.

In one case, a landlord was required to refund £20,000 in rent to tenants. This measure aims to ensure the safety and proper maintenance of privately rented accommodations, effectively protecting the rights and interests of private renters.

Councillor Sarah Williams encourages residents to actively participate in consultations, providing opinions and suggestions for the new HMO Additional Licensing Scheme.

Under the area's licensing system, a property is classified as an HMO if at least three unrelated tenants reside together, sharing bathroom, toilet, and/or kitchen facilities.

On the other hand, the existing HMO Additional Licensing Scheme is set to conclude in early next year. Therefore, residents in the HarinGey area are invited to actively engage in providing feedback on the proposed new HMO Additional Licensing Scheme.

This participatory decision-making process aims to ensure widespread public involvement, creating a rigorously regulated and professionalized landlord industry. It seeks to foster a better business environment for exemplary landlords and provide tenants with a safer, healthier, and more responsible rental environment.