Tenant awarded nearly £8k from landlord over unlicensed HMO

The rent repayment order followed an investigation by Haringey Council's enforcement team after reports of mould, fire hazards and a collapsed ceiling at the property.

According to Haringey, the First-tier Tribunal found that the landlord had been operating the flat without the required HMO licence and ordered them to repay £7,884.84 in rent, plus £341 in application and hearing fees. 

The former tenant, who lived at the property for 12 months between 2023 and 2024, brought the application after discovering no HMO licence was in place despite the flat being occupied by three people from separate households. 

“The tenant also raised concerns about the property's condition, including a ceiling collapse, extensive mould in communal areas, blocked kitchen facilities, exposed pipework and a lack of basic fire safety measures such as fire doors and smoke alarms.”

The Tribunal ruled that the property met the legal definition of an HMO and required a licence throughout the tenancy. As no licence had been obtained, the landlord had committed an offence by managing an unlicensed HMO. 

The Tribunal also noted that the landlord had previously been the subject of a separate rent repayment order involving another property.

Haringey Council said it was a case that “highlights how renters can challenge rogue landlords and win”.

Cllr Tammy Hymas, Cabinet Member for Housing and Co Deputy Leader, said: “No tenant should have to live in an unlicensed property with mould, serious disrepair and inadequate fire safety measures. Yet too many landlords continue to put profit before people, leaving renters to live in unacceptable conditions. 

“This landlord thought they could collect rent while ignoring their legal responsibilities. Thanks to the determination of the tenant and the work of our enforcement team, they have now been ordered to pay that money back.”

Cllr Hymas added: “We are stepping up inspections, strengthening enforcement and taking tougher action against landlords who fail to meet the standards our residents deserve. Cases like this show there are consequences for breaking the rules. 

“But we know this is about more than one property. Too many renters feel powerless when things go wrong. That's why we're launching a Private Renters' Forum, giving tenants a stronger voice and helping us identify the landlords who are exploiting residents.”