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Kamma’s Rogue Landlord Roundup: August 2023

Councils
Letting Agents & Landlords
News

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 schemes and avoid hefty fines.

August’s Top Rogue Landlords & Agents

Haringey Council Hits Non-compliant Landlords with £200,000 Fine

Haringey Council in London has shown its commitment to ensuring housing standards in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) by imposing fines totalling £207,500 on landlords who failed to license their HMO properties.

Over a four-year period, the council has issued 43 fines and handed out 16 warnings. The council is not only imposing fines but is also ready to support tenants in seeking Rent Repayment Orders (RROs) against rogue landlords.

In a recent statement, Cllr Sarah Williams, responsible for Housing Services, reiterated the council’s dedication to the local PRS residents. She emphasised the significance of the mandatory and additional licensing schemes in ensuring residents’ safety and well being. Haringey’s message is unequivocal: rogue landlords will face the consequences of their actions.

Councils Tighten Grip on Non-compliant Landlords with £32,000 in Fines

In a renewed effort to uphold housing standards, two prominent councils have imposed fines totalling over £32,000 on landlords. Walsall saw three landlords fined more than £20,000 for renting unlicensed HMOs and neglecting crucial safety measures. Another landlord faced penalties for lacking an electrical safety certificate.

An additional fine of £12,377 in Bridlington was levied against a London-based firm for multiple safety breaches in their properties. These actions underscore the councils’ continued commitment to ensuring safe and compliant housing for all tenants.

Dagenham Landlord Faces £15,000 Reimbursement for Overlooking Tenant Conditions

In a recent enforcement action, a Dagenham landlord has been directed to return almost £15,000 in rent after tenants were subjected to hazardous and unsanitary living conditions. The two-bedroom property, scrutinised by Barking and Dagenham Council, revealed a multiple issues from mould to a bed bug infestation.

Previously fined for not initiating improvements and lacking a license, the landlord now faces an RRO of £14,400 with an added cost of £300. This case reiterates the rising threat of RROs against negligent landlords

Cambridge Landlords Face Over £8,000 in Penalties for Unlicensed HMOs

In recent enforcement action, Cambridge City Council has imposed fines totalling over £8,000 on three landlords for operating unlicensed HMOs for several years, with fines ranging between £1,900 and £3,500.

The council has also mandated rectifications for existing property deficiencies and introduced a condition for landlords to undergo formal training. The collected fines will bolster the council’s enforcement initiatives, emphasising their commitment to upholding housing standards in the private rental sector.

Contact us or book a demo now to understand how Kamma can solve property licensing for you.


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