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Landlord fined £7,000 for unlicensed HMO (7 October 2015)

Date: 07/10/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Landlord fined £7,000 for unlicensed HMO

A landlord in Islington, north London has been fined nearly £7,000, after failing to obtain a licence for a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Christos Loizou of Hall Lane in Chingford, Essex admitted being in charge of an unlicensed HMO on 14 May 2015.

Islington Council had repeatedly asked Mr Loizou to licence his property at 668 Holloway Road, London N1, but he failed to do so, forcing the council to take legal action.

At Highbury Magistrates' Court, Mr Loizou was fined £6,700 and ordered to pay £715.50 costs, a victim surcharge of £120 and a court charge of £150.

It is a legal requirement for HMOs to be licensed, to ensure residents are provided with adequate facilities.

HMOs are also considered to be at higher risk of fire or other hazards such as unsafe gas and electrics. Licensing HMOs protects tenants against poor housing conditions and health and safety risks.

From 1 September, Islington Council introduced additional licensing requirements for landlords of HMOs in Caledonian Road and Holloway Road, after council research revealed poor management of many rented properties in both streets.

Islington Council's executive member for housing and development, Councillor James Murray, said:

“More and more people in Islington are renting privately – and we want to help make sure they have decent homes to live in.

“Most landlords are good and make sure they keep to the law and licensing rules – but if landlords fail to meet their responsibilities, we will take action.

“If landlords or tenants have concerns about property licensing, we would ask them to contact the council in confidence for help and advice,” Cllr Murray added.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise landlords, private rental tenants and public sector tenants on housing matters, including Local Authority housing, housing possession, housing benefit and tenancy agreements.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis can also advise on disrepair of rented property and unlawful eviction.

For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

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