Estate agents fined £35k over failure to provide safety information on HMO

Estate agent Foxtons has been fined £35,000 following action against it by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Foxtons failed to provide safety information required for council inspections of private rental properties that are more than three storeys high where bathrooms or kitchens are shared by five people or more.

The fine was imposed at Bow Magistrates Court, where Foxtons pleaded guilty and was also ordered to pay £3,603 in costs.

Environmental health and trading standards officers from the council investigated a house in Whitechapel, and for 18 months asked Foxtons to provide certificates showing gas, electrical and fire alarm installations had been checked, together with details of residents and the ultimate landlord.

Foxtons failed to comply, although the property was believed to be in good condition.

A charge was brought under Section 236(1) of the Housing Act 2004 for failing to comply with a notice served under Section 235 of the same Act.

Foxtons told the court it prided itself on its reputation and was remorseful about the failings that led to the offence. 

The court said it took account of Foxtons size, profits and the ease with which it could have provided the information when setting the fine.

Deputy mayor and cabinet member for housing Sirajul Islam said: “This case has sent a very strong message out to local landlords and agents. They must cooperate with the council so we can check safety certificates and issue licences for houses in multiple occupation.”

A spokesman for Foxtons said it was unable to comment at this moment in time as it is appealing against the decision.

Mark Smulian