Landlord faces £7,000 bill for failing to licence property

An Islington landlord has been left with a bill of more than £7,000 after failing to licence a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Christos Loizou, of Hall Lane, Chingford, admitted being in charge of a licensable HMO - a home occupied by more than one household - that was not licensed on 14 May 2015.

It is a legal requirement for HMOs of this type to be licensed, to make sure residents are provided with sufficient amenities and that these higher risk properties provide protection for occupants against fire, unsafe gas, electrics and other hazards.

Islington Council had repeatedly asked Mr Loizou to licence his property at 668 Holloway Road, London, N19 3NP but he failed to do so, so the council took legal action.

At Highbury Magistrates' Court on August 13 Mr Loizou was fined £6,700, and ordered to pay £715.50 costs, a victim surcharge of £120, and a court charge of £120.

Islington Council is urging landlords to make sure they have licensed HMOs where appropriate.

This is especially important as from 1 September the council introduced additional licensing requirements for landlords of HMOs in Caledonian Road and Holloway Road, after council research showed there is poor management of many rented properties in both streets.

Cllr James Murray, Islington Council's executive member for housing and development, 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 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."

For more information on Islington's new landlord licensing scheme for HMOs in Caledonian Road and Holloway Road please see
http://www.islington.gov.uk/services/housing/landlords/hmolicences/Pages/Additional-Licensing-Scheme-for-Caledonian-Road-and-Holloway-Road-.aspx

To get help or advice on HMO licensing in Islington please email izabela.pitera@islington.gov.uk or call 0207 527 3845