At Kamma, we understand that property licensing is complex, inconsistent, and ever changing.
We analyse and sort data to help letting agents, landlords and surveyors understand the impact of property licensing and planning permission on their properties and assets, leveraging technology and data to help you stay on top of new property licensing schemes and avoid hefty licensing fines.
May’s Top Rogue Landlords & Agents
Landlord and letting agency fined nearly £7,000 for ignoring council paperwork
A Luton-based letting agency has been hit with a bill of over £5,700 for not producing the right paperwork to the council when requested. The local authority prosecuted the agency as punishment for hindering the council’s enforcement efforts. The property received several complaints that it did not have adequate fixed heating provision, water services or smoke detectors, nor did its electric cooker conform to current standards.
During the sentencing at Luton Magistrates Court, the District Judge ordered the agent to make the necessary improvements to the property if they intend to rent out it again. The landlord of the property was fined over £1,000, including a victim surcharge.
Private landlord fined £5,000 for failure to declare as a property agent
Welwyn Hatfield council has fined a landlord for failing to become a member of a government administered redress scheme. The culprit appealed the fine, claiming to be a guarantor and not an agent, but the appeal has since been overruled and the fine upheld.
Upper Tribunal Judge Rintoul was satisfied with a penalty of £5,000, commending the council’s private sector housing team for their dedication and vigilance. The council is determined to ensure that all local property agents in their district are members of a redress scheme, which offers protection to tenants by allowing them to escalate any complaint they have against a letting agent.
Cambridge landlord is fined £3,500 for unlicenced HMO
A landlord in Cambridge once again finds themselves on the receiving end of a Financial Penalty Notice. This time, a fine of over £3,500 has been been issued for continually renting a property to a tenant despite several complaints alerting the property owner to the property’s unsafe conditions.
The council issued the civil penalty under the Housing Act 2004. Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing, says that the ‘legal power to issue civil penalties is an important tool and is used alongside powers to take formal legal action when necessary.’ They also hope to ‘set an example to other landlords who fail to license their properties, and provide unsafe accommodation in Cambridge.’
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