A landlord has been ordered to pay back £20,000 in rent to tenants after failing to have their home properly licensed.

Ignoring an initial warning from Haringey Council, the Tottenham landlord incurred a fine of £2,500 and was ordered to refund 12 months' worth of rent.

They were also required to ensure the property was licensed and pay the application fee.

Two other landlords who each have property in Wood Green have also received civil penalty notices after failing to license their properties.

Having ignored their responsibilities to comply, they appealed but this was not upheld by a tribunal. One landlord was ordered to pay £5,000 and the other £2,000.

With around 40% of Haringey’s population living in the private rented sector, the council says it has taken strong measures to ensure residents live in safe and well-maintained homes.

The authority says it has taken enforcement action against landlords who do not fulfil their legal responsibilities.

A property is classed as an HMO if at least three unrelated tenants are living there, and they share bathroom, toilet facilities or a kitchen.

Landlords must meet set standards to obtain a licence to let a property that meets the definition of an HMO. The scheme has been in operation since May 2019.

Cllr Sarah Williams, cabinet member for housing services, private renters and planning, said: "Thanks to the hard work of council officers, legal action has been taken against landlords that have failed to license their properties."

"Haringey Council has a zero-tolerance policy to rogue landlords; in one case the landlord has been made to repay £20,000 in rent to their tenants.

"Our licensing scheme is in place for a reason: to protect Haringey’s private renters by ensuring their homes are safe and well maintained.

"A tightly regulated and professionalised landlord industry helps protect and promote our good landlords, and creates a safer, healthier and more accountable rented sector for tenants."

To date, 46 fines amounting to over £250,000 have been issued to landlords failing to license their HMOs.

Changes are looming early next year with the potential end of the existing additional HMO licensing scheme.

Input is welcomed from Haringey residents on a new proposed licensing scheme to improve the private rented sector further.

Cllr Williams urged residents to take part in the consultation to shape the new scheme.

Further details regarding the proposed new scheme can be found at https://www.haringey.gov.uk/housing/about-housing-services/get-involved/housing-consultations/current-housing-consultations/proposed-new-hmo-licensing-scheme