Imagine being forced to relieve yourself in a bathtub or seek out public restrooms for nearly two months! This was the reality for tenants in a London shared house, who endured a broken toilet and a negligent landlord. But here's where it gets controversial: the landlords claimed ignorance due to a co-landlord's memory loss, despite owning multiple similar properties.
In a recent tribunal, it was revealed that five tenants in Greenwich, south-east London, suffered from a broken toilet and a faulty ventilation system. The toilet issue began when one tenant admitted to breaking the lavatory bowl in October 2023, but the landlords took a staggering 58 days to fix it. During this time, tenants had no choice but to use the bath or visit a nearby furniture store for their basic needs.
Adding to their discomfort, the ventilation system was so loud it disrupted their sleep and caused mould to grow. The tenants took action and applied for rent repayment, arguing that the landlords lacked the necessary licence to operate the property as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
The landlords admitted they were unlicensed, attributing this to one co-landlord's memory loss after a severe brain injury in 2021. However, the tribunal found that their understanding of licensing requirements was limited, especially considering they owned and managed other HMO properties.
The ventilation issue was also addressed, with the landlords initially believing it served the entire building. After discovering their mistake, they arranged for a specialist company to inspect and repair the system, which was found to be functioning at only half capacity, with mould affecting the vent openings.
In the end, the tribunal ordered a Rent Repayment Order of £5,300, which was 40% of the maximum amount of £13,229. This decision took into account the licensing, disrepair, and other issues faced by the tenants.
And this is the part most people miss: while the tenants received compensation, the landlords' lack of awareness and responsibility raises questions about the broader issue of landlord accountability and tenant rights. Should landlords be held to higher standards, especially when managing multiple properties? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
