Two people have been fined almost £60,000 due to housing offences which included failing to license their property as a HMO (house in multiple occupation) and other housing management offences.
The couple from Barnet pleaded guilty at the Magistrates Court to failing to submit a HMO for the two three-storey properties which were used to house some of the areas most vulnerable people. The owners had no fire safety certificates and the wiring system was so bad that its insulation was constantly overheating and could have started a fire. During the investigation by the local council, the pair obstructed them time after time by refusing to provide information. They also refused anyone access and the Environmental Health Officers were forced to obtain warrants to enter the properties. Camden Council even had to pay a handwriting expert to prove they had signed receipts for rent paid by the tenant.
Councillor Sue Vincent, Camden Councillor and Cabinet member for Environment, said “Camden takes the quality and safety of its private rented housing very seriously. This large fine reflects the importance of the case and the difficulties that Camden faced in getting evidence and taking it to court. The properties were in a dangerous condition, putting the residents at risk. This should act as a warning to other private landlords that Camden will ensure that they comply with the law.”
Landlords in the area were quick to point out that the couple were completely unrepresentative of other property investors in the area, who not only ensure they are completely up to date with legislatory requirements but also hold landlord insurance to cover their properties.
The Landlords, Mr and Mrs Stylianous, appealed to the Court against the £12,000 imposed on them for failing to license the houses. The court took little time to dismiss the appeal and even halved the period in which the fine had to be paid. They were also handed a Rent Recovery Order requiring the repayment of £9305.12 in Housing Benefit that was paid out to them while the property was unlicensed.