A London council has staged night time enforcement raids in a clampdown on rogue landlords of HMOs.

Media reports in the capital say Barnet council officers visited 76 properties and identified 22 that are now under legal investigation for suspected licensing breaches.

A council spokesperson tells the London Now service: “Everyone in Barnet deserves a safe and properly managed home.

“Most landlords take their responsibilities seriously and provide good-quality accommodation for their tenants, but a minority continue to operate outside the law. 

“Our message to landlords is simple: understand your responsibilities, make sure your property is safe and, where a licence is required, get one.”

So far in 2026 the council has issued £187,000 in fines related to HMO licensing and management failures. 

Inspectors also found families living in poor and overcrowded conditions during their visits. The enforcement operations will continue throughout the borough over the next 12 months.

A statement from the council calls on HMO landlords to check they have the appropriate licence to avoid enforcement action.