Justice For Tenants a non-profit organisation successfully helmed a campaign which led to a rogue landlord being served with a Rent Repayment Order.

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Four former tenants of an HMO in Southwark claimed that their landlord’s property was unlicensed contravening the council’s HMO licensing scheme. The four ex-renters were backed up by the council and the Justice for Tenants organisation.

The organisation’s website states it provides training on new enforcement powers on the PRS to council and government staff. It has also taken part in forums to help advise landlords on legislation and regulations with the possible outcomes of non-compliance.

The tribunal judge served a rent repayment order on the landlord who must now pay £18,600 back to the four former renters which was the amount of rent he collected whilst illegally letting out the property. 

Al Mcclenahan, an outreach and training spokesperson for Justice for Tenants, says: “This application succeeded thanks to the joined-up hard work of the tenants, Southwark council's housing enforcement team and Justice for Tenants' Rent Repayment Order Team.

“It's vital that landlords do not believe they can make more money operating outside of the law, and this Rent Repayment Order helps break that business model.

“An HMO licence helps ensure that tenants have the bare minimum safety standards in their property. Southwark's willingness to work together with tenants and Justice for Tenants makes a huge difference to the quality of life of its residents in the private rented sector.”

The Southwark council spokesperson said: “We are proud that our property licensing scheme enabled these tenants to raise their complaint at the tribunal. With valuable support from Justice for Tenants they secured a rent repayment, because their landlord had failed to register with our scheme.

“We know that the majority of reputable Southwark landlords who let good quality properties, are already compliant. However, we hope that any who are not, take note of this result and hasten to license their property with us.”