A council is urging HMO tenants whose homes have been unlicensed to seek Rent Repayment Orders (RROs).

Bromley council says it’s protecting tenants by clamping down on unlicensed HMOs, claiming:  “Licensing requirements help ensure properties are suitably managed and maintained, while providing important protections for tenants, including for safety.”

It cites the case of a landlord fined £27,500 for operating a licensable HMO in Bolton Gardens, Bromley without the required licence. 

“An appeal against the penalty was subsequently struck out, and the penalty is now being recovered by the council” says there authority, which goes on to say that tenants can check whether a property holds an HMO licence on its public licence register. 

And it adds: “Tenants living in an unlicensed HMO may also be able to apply for a Rent Repayment Order and recover up to two years’ rent”.

The council already has Article 4 Direction powers to limit the creation of additional HMOs, and a spokesperson says: “Licensing requirements and housing standards are there to help protect tenants and ensure rented properties are properly maintained. 

“By taking action where standards fall short, we are helping to protect residents and improve housing conditions across the borough.

“Landlords face significant financial penalties if they do not comply with the licensing legislation and planning requirements for HMOs. 

“Landlords and managing agents have clear obligations, and where breaches are identified, we will not hesitate to use the enforcement powers available to us. This action sends a clear message that non-compliance will not be tolerated.”