Kamma Rogue Landlord Roundup: February 2023

Total fines for letting agents and landlords in London have now surpassed £8.5 million for the first time ever. Not only are we seeing a big increase in fines handed out to landlords and agents, Kamma also predicts that this year will be a record year for property licensing in the private rented sector with several new licensing schemes planned to start in the next three months and throughout the year. 

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.

February Top Rogue Landlords 

Landlord company face second non-compliance penalty fine

A landlord company based in Liverpool has pleaded guilty to falling to apply for an HMO licence for two separate houses. The presiding judge described how the company was badly run with a lack of regard for tenants by failing to obtain licences and comply with other legal requirements. The properties had issues with safety and poor management, including faulty fire doors, overflowing drainage and intermittent electricity and gas supplies. 

The company was undoubtedly aware of the legislation and had previously been fined £45,000 for a similar breach in 2020. This time, the company was fined £15,000 per property, plus other costs and victim surchage of over £1,000.

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Estate agency in North London fined £35,000 for leasing a property without a licence

An estate agency in north London has been prosecuted and ordered to pay £35,000 for falling failing to obtain the correct licence for three of their properties. Following an investigation, council officers found that not only did the three homes not have the correct licence, but that there was also evidence of disrepair inside the properties.

Fire safety deficiencies, damp and “a general lack of management” were all reported. The agency was convicted in November last year, and did not attend the sentencing hearing earlier this month.

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Landlord fined almost £14,000 for failing to maintain proper safety standards

A landlord based in Brighton and Hove City Council was fined after the landlord failed to meet three conditions of the HMO licence for the property in Brighton. The fine was made up of failure to provide a fire detection and alarm system, failure to construct a fire resistant enclosure around electrical intake equipment, failure to provide a means of ventilation to the kitchen.

The council operates licensing schemes for HMOs to ensure the properties are safe and habitable for tenants. If properties do not meet the required standards, conditions are put on the licence requiring landlords to carry out the necessary work.

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