In a decisive move to uphold housing standards, Enfield Council has served a formal notice to a rogue landlord unlawfully operating a former police station building in Southgate as a hostel.
After several weeks of meticulous investigations and evidence gathering, the Council confirmed a breach at the building on Chase Side, N14.
Consequently, a planning enforcement notice was issued, ordering for the occupation of the property to cease.
The investigation revealed that the building was not only illegally advertised for room rentals but also housed tenants placed by homelessness teams from other London boroughs.
Enfield Council has since contacted these authorities, instructing them to refrain from placing any more tenants in the building.
Cllr Susan Erbil, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, praised the efforts of the enforcement officers: “This case demanded a significant amount of information and evidence to gain access and investigate the property. I commend the hard work of our enforcement officers and thank the members and residents who provided crucial information.”
She continued: “This is just the beginning of a lengthy process. The Council is committed to taking all necessary steps to tackle rogue landlords who flout regulations and provide substandard accommodation. Such practices are unacceptable, and we will always take justified and defensible enforcement action.”
The notice requires the owners to cease using the building as a hostel and remove all associated furniture and facilities within three months. The compliance period begins on 31 January, following the right of appeal.
In addition, the Council’s Private Rented Housing Team in collaboration with the London Fire Brigade is diligently addressing fire safety deficiencies identified in the building.