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An estate agency in north London has been ordered to pay more than £10,000 in fines and costs after it was found to be managing an unlicensed property.
Gracechurch Property Services in Edmonton was prosecuted by Enfield Council for breaching its property licensing regulations.
The rules place responsibility for licensing on anyone who is a person managing or in control of a privately-rented property. This includes property management and letting agents and is not just the responsibility of landlords.
Selective licensing in Enfield applies to all privately rented residential properties occupied by one or two persons, or single family households, in 14 areas of the borough.
The property management and letting agency was convicted for managing a privately rented property that was required to be licensed under the council’s selective licensing scheme.
Gracechurch Property Services was ordered to pay a £7,500 fine and £1,299 in costs with an additional £2,000 victim surcharge – a total of £10,799 – during a recent sentencing hearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.
Cllr Susan Erbil, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for licensing, planning and regulatory services, said: “It is disappointing to see landlords breaking the law by not obtaining the legally required licence to let their properties.
“The council’s successful prosecution of Gracechurch Property Services Limited should be wake up call to all unscrupulous landlords who do not comply with the law.
“There are many law-abiding landlords in the private rented sector in the borough, and the council is here to help and advise them to ensure their properties reach the required standards and are properly licensed.
“My advice to landlords would be to get in touch with the council today if you have any questions on property licensing.”
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