Total fines for letting agents and landlords in London have now surpassed £8.6 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.
March Top Rogue Landlords & Agents
Letting agent ordered to pay over £25,000 for serious fire safety breaches
A letting agent in Northampton has been fined a total of £25,800 after serious safety issues were discovered at a shared house. The West Northamptonshire Council executed a warrant at the property in May last year after concerns were raised over its safety. During the inspection, the electrical meter was found to have been tampered with, seriously endangering the safety of the four people living there. The council instructed an electrician to attend the property to carry out emergency work to make the property safe.
Along with the unsafe electrics, a number of fire safety breaches were identified, including poorly maintained fire doors and missing smoke alarms. In December 2022, the council fined the agent £25,000 for breaching license conditions for a house in multiple occupation (HMO). She had three months to appeal against the decision, which has now passed.
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Rogue landlord allowed tenants into house with Prohibition Order
A landlord has been prosecuted after Rochdale council discovered they had unlawfully allowed occupation of a property that had been ruled prohibited. Following a complaint from a recently vacated tenant in February 2022, Rochford council officers inspected the property under the Housing Act 2004.
It was deemed unfit for human habitation and a prohibition notice under the provisions of the Housing Act 2004 section 20 and 21 was served on the March 2 2022. But on May 3 2022 the council received information that persons were living in the property. A warrant was then obtained for entry and persons were found residing in the property in breach of the Prohibition Order. Prosecution proceedings were started and now the landlord has appeared at Basildon Magistrates Court for a plea hearing. The landlord pleaded guilty to the offence and received a £300 fine, ordered to pay £1,700.00 prosecution costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
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Agent and landlord given fines over £22,000 after council action
An agent and landlord faced enforcement action over flat with bed bugs infestation and serious damp issues. The letting agent and landlord have been fined a total of more than £22,000 for failing to provide acceptable living conditions at a flat in east London. They were convicted after ignoring multiple notices to take action.
Living conditions at the flat in Butteridges Close, Dagenham, included an infestation of bed bugs, and damp and mould throughout the property, especially around the bathroom window and ceiling. An enforcement officer from Barking and Dagenham Council found only one working heater, no smoke detection alarms and broken lights. There was a broken front door with locks so old it wasn’t possible to make the flat secure. According to the council, the officer also found issues in the kitchen where all the cupboards were in disrepair and the oven was not working.
