A landlord in north London has been ordered to pay in extra of £82,000 after he was discovered responsible of illegally letting two flats in north London.
George Nathanel, the director of Zenobia properties, was promoting the flats on Grove Highway, North Finchley, on websites akin to Airbnb for short-term vacation rental.
The properties had been granted planning consent by the council in January 2016 for use as “a self-contained, single family”, however the native authority discovered proof that each flats have been being illegally marketed on-line.
Proof supplied by the prosecution confirmed a minimum of 220 days of occupancy throughout the 2 flats within the first 10 months of 2024, which exceeds the 90 days a yr guidelines restrict.
Nathanel was first issued a discover by Barnet Council in November 2023 following complaints by neighbours, together with one who appeared in courtroom and described the “detrimental affect on his life, his work, and psychological well being” the short-rentals have had.
Claiming he was dwelling in Russia together with his kids and awaiting an operation, Nathanel didn’t seem at courtroom hearings. He initially claimed that he was unaware of any short-term leases by way of on-line platforms and mentioned the stays have been “long-term tenants”.
Nonetheless, critiques left on Airbnb describe him as “a tremendous, attentive, and responsive host.” The property stays reside on Airbnb to this date.
Nathanel was discovered responsible of failing to adjust to the necessities of a Breach of Situation Discover issued by the council. He was advised to pay a effective of £75,000 and council prices of £5,400. A sufferer surcharge of £2,000 was additionally levied.
Cllr Ross Houston, cupboard member for Properties and Regeneration, mentioned: “We gave Mr Nathanel ample alternative to cease utilizing the properties as quick time period leases, however have been left with no different however to take him to courtroom when he didn’t cease.
“Barnet Council clamps down onerous on rogue landlords and the place they don’t cooperate, we are going to all the time convey them to justice.
“We want to thank the residents who introduced this case to our consideration. It is a nice outcome for the neighbours whose lives have been made a distress by the unlawful letting of those flats on Airbnb and Reserving.com. The prosecution and big effective highlights the seriousness of the case and can be a robust deterrent to different rogue landlords from breaking the foundations within the borough of Barnet.”
