A landlord in north London has been ordered to pay £20,000 to tenants after failing to register a property as a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The Tottenham landlord was fined £2,500 and ordered to refund 12 months’ rent to the tenants.

The property was not registered as an HMO, which applies when at least three unrelated tenants share a property and its facilities.

The landlord must also ensure the property is licensed and pay the relevant application fee. Haringey Council, which issued the fine, has been using HMO licensing powers to address issues related to poor property conditions.