A landlord in north London has been fined nearly £20,000 for illegally renting out a property as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) without the necessary licence.

The offence took place at a property in Duckett’s Green, near Turnpike Lane Tube station, where five tenants from three separate households were found to be living in unlicensed conditions.

An investigation by Haringey Council housing enforcement officers in November 2024 revealed that the property had been in use as an HMO since at least August 2023, yet had never been registered under the borough’s HMO licensing scheme.

Council inspectors uncovered tenancy agreements confirming multiple unrelated households were occupying the property. Despite this, the landlord had failed to apply for the correct licence — a legal requirement under Haringey’s property licensing regime.

The council issued a financial penalty notice of £23,500, taking into account the landlord’s sizeable property portfolio and proven awareness of the rules, given that other properties in their ownership had already been licensed.

Under a new enforcement policy, the landlord was offered a 15% reduction for early payment, bringing the fine down to £19,975.

‘The Consequences Are Real’

Councillor Sarah Williams, Haringey Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said the case showed that licensing laws are not optional.“Landlords who knowingly breach licensing laws will not get away with it — we’re taking firm action, and the consequences are real,” she said.“These rules aren’t optional. Tenants deserve safe, well-kept homes, and we won’t tolerate those who undermine that standard.”

Cllr Williams reaffirmed the council’s commitment to using its enforcement powers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of renters across the borough.

Licensing Rules in Focus

Under Haringey’s borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme, all privately rented homes shared by three or more people from different households must be licensed. Licensing allows councils to monitor property standards, fire safety compliance, and the management of rental properties.

Failure to license an HMO is a criminal offence and can result in fines of up to £30,000 per offence, banning orders, or prosecution.

Protecting Tenants’ Rights

The council is encouraging tenants in shared houses to check if their landlords have the correct licences and to report suspected breaches to the local authority.“This case is a reminder that licensing rules exist to protect tenants from unsafe or overcrowded conditions,” a council spokesperson said.