Haringey probes Bowes Park rogue landlord claims

Haringey probes Bowes Park rogue landlord claims
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Haringey (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Haringey Council faces calls to act after residents in Bowes Park raise alarms about a rogue landlord accused of overcrowding a property with no heating.

The council had to take landlord Andreas Antoniades to court after the building on Myddleton Road was unlawfully converted into eleven studios. The property hasn’t changed much, though, even after a successful prosecution.

The property was “not fit for human habitation,” according to Mike Weekes-Quinn, a former renter who spent eight years there and spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. 

Mike described his room as a “box” with a bed and a refrigerator that measured no more than six meters by two meters. “You were fortunate,” he said, to have a toilet and shower as well, as others who didn’t have to share.

He claimed that the walls were thin enough to allow one to hear the individuals next door, that there was no heating in the rooms, and that mold and dampness were prevalent. Those with illicit substance addictions were among the other renters. Some even tried to remain warm by using the oven.

Despite all of this, Mike claimed that his monthly rent was more than £900. 

Mary Mason, an independent socialist and ward councillor for Bounds Green, stated that there was a “crisis in housing” and urged the council to address it. 

Cllr Mason said:

“It’s unbelievable that people live in one room with no heating and no hot water and pay a wealthy landlord almost £1,000 a month, but it’s true. This is where people, our neighbours, live and die.”

Haringey Council is currently investigating the property. A spokesperson said:

Our priority is to raise standards in the private rented sector across Haringey to ensure tenants live in healthy, safe and well managed homes.

Following concerns about poor standards, our teams inspected the property, and several improvements were made at our request. However, we have since received further complaints. Our officers are currently investigating the property to establish the level of intervention required.

Should there be a failure to comply with what is needed, we will not hesitate to take further enforcement action.”

Mike has visited periodically since he moved out nearly four years ago and reported “marginal improvements.” Although the hallways now have fire doors and a light indicating the exits, everything else appeared “the same.”

Cllr Mason added:

“We must do better, rogue unlicensed landlords running houses of multiple occupation must not get away with this. Please report them, not once, not twice, but until they are stopped!”

Andreas Antoniades was approached for comment.

How will the council’s new penalties deter rogue landlords in Bowes park?

With significant starting fines dependent on the seriousness of the offense, such as £22,500 for noncompliance with an Improvement Notice and £17,500 for nonlicensing a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), the updated Civil Penalty Notice (CPN) policy permits fines of up to £30,000 per offence. 

There is a powerful economic deterrent to disregard legal duties because of these severe financial penalties.

The revised policy ensures uniform and equitable enforcement by establishing a thorough and open structure for imposing fines. 

This clarity shows the council’s commitment to take strong action and aids landlords in understanding the dangers of non-compliance.

The council takes a stronger approach to repeat offenders, imposing harsher punishments and possibly banning them, and places a larger priority on evidence-based enforcement. This strategy deters landlords from consistently breaking the law.

Massimiliano  Verde

Massimiliano Verde is a journalist at Parliament News, He is covering Society and Culture News. Boasting a Master's Degree in Political Science, stands as a prominent figure in the Italian cultural landscape. His presidency of the Neapolitan Academy, a scientifically and sociolinguistically renowned group, attests to his relentless dedication to safeguarding and promoting Neapolitan language and culture. His activism and profound expertise have propelled him into the role of interlocutor for UNESCO as part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), a prestigious acknowledgment highlighting the significance of his efforts in preserving the linguistic and cultural diversity of our planet.

Verde's fervent passion for the history and culture of Southern Italy has driven him to immerse himself in research, resulting in numerous essays and articles that delve into the peculiarities and beauties of the region. His commitment extends beyond academia, manifesting in ongoing dissemination activities aimed at acquainting the general public with the rich cultural heritage of the South. His endeavors transcend national boundaries, as evidenced by his participation in international conferences and collaboration with various foreign institutions, rendering him an ambassador of Southern culture on the global stage and fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.