In May we saw an increase in the number of record fines handed out to rogue landlords and agents in several local councils. We could also see an increase in enforcement by local councils. This month, we continue to see new licensing schemes being introduced, with several more under consultation.
At Kamma, we understand that property licensing is complex, inconsistent, and ever changing. Our technology and software cuts through that complexity to keep you on top of all the changes with clear and accurate advice. We analyse and sort data to help agents, landlords and surveyors understand the impact of Property Licensing and Planning Permission on their properties and assets. We leverage technology and data to help agents and landlords stay on top of new property licensing schemes and avoid licensing fines.
Contact us or book a demo now to understand how Kamma can solve property licensing for you.
May’s Top Rogue Landlords:
Letting agent fined £11,500 for breaking HMO housing rules
A letting agent in Oxford signed a rent to rent contract in July 2019 and then issued individual tenancy agreements to unrelated occupants. When the local council visited the property they found it was occupied by 4 tenants and that the agent failed to comply with local licensing schemes needed for HMOs in the area.
The agent was fined over £11,000 for managing an unlicensed HMO, and for breaching several fire and safety regulations, including failing to provide adequate fire blankets and faulty fire doors.
Previously prosecuted agent and property management firm faced with banning order from Camden council
Camden council recently secured a banning order against Simple Properties Management and agent Cabeo Cespedes, who in February were found guilty of operating an unlicensed HMO and breaching several safety regulations.
The previous hearing resulted in fines of £40,000 for the business and £30,000 for the agent. The banning order will take effect in about six months, and if breached can result in up to 51 weeks imprisonment, court fines and/ or a civil financial penalty of up to £30,000.
Rogue landlord in Lambeth council faced with fines up to £20,000 after renting out a 6 bedroom flat to 8 people
Following a council investigation, a landlord was fined £18,500 after the local council discovered he was operating an unsafe and unlicensed HMO with eight tenants living in six bedrooms.
They also discovered that the landlord had no written tenancy agreement with any of the occupants, would frequently collect rent in cash, and had failed to both provide rent receipts and protect their deposits as he is legally required to. The council found the landlord to have been financially motivated to ignore council warnings and to not comply with licensing requirements.
Contact us or book a demo now to understand how Kamma can solve property licensing for you.
