Tenant Awarded £11,960 At 50 Lancaster Road, London
Introduction
On 10 March 2025, the First-tier Tribunal ruled that landlord Stoyan Tabakov must repay £11,960 to his former tenant, Veselka Atanasova. The tribunal found that Tabakov had rented out the property at 50 Lancaster Road, London, as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) without the necessary license, violating housing regulations. The decision underscores the importance of landlord compliance with licensing laws and highlights tenants' rights to seek redress.
What Happened?
Who was the tenant? Veselka Atanasova
Who was the landlord? Stoyan Tabakov
What was the issue? The landlord failed to obtain the required HMO license for the property.
How long was the property unlicensed? From 15 August 2022 to 13 August 2023.
Atanasova applied for an RRO, seeking to reclaim the total rent paid during the unlicensed period, amounting to £11,960. The tribunal hearing took place on 7 March 2025.
What Did the Tribunal Find?
Landlord's Non-Attendance: Tabakov did not attend the hearing and provided no substantial defense.
Property Licensing Requirements: The tribunal confirmed that the property required an HMO license during the specified period but was not licensed.
Living Conditions: The tenant reported serious issues, including a fire without proper safety equipment, a leaking shower causing floor damage, and lack of deposit protection and safety certificates.
What Was the Final Decision?
Amount repaid to tenant: £11,960
Additional fines or fees: The tribunal awarded the tenant £300 to cover application fees.
Reasoning: The tribunal held the landlord fully accountable for failing to license the property and address significant safety concerns
What Can Landlords and Tenants Learn from This?
For Landlords:
Ensure your property has the appropriate HMO license if required. Non-compliance can lead to substantial financial penalties and legal repercussions.
For Tenants:
If you suspect your landlord is operating an unlicensed HMO, you may be entitled to reclaim rent paid during the unlicensed period. Familiarize yourself with local licensing laws and seek legal advice if necessary.
Final Thoughts
This case serves as a critical reminder of the legal obligations landlords must adhere to and the avenues available for tenants to seek justice. Landlords should proactively ensure compliance with all licensing requirements, while tenants should remain vigilant about their rights and the conditions of their rental properties.
For a detailed account, you can access the full tribunal decision here.
Could this apply to you?
Nearly every case in this series turns on the same thing: a property that needed a licence and did not have one. That is not rare, and it is free to check.
- Look up the address on your council's public licensing register. Mandatory HMO licensing covers five or more people from two or more households, and many councils run additional or selective schemes covering ordinary lets too. How to check a landlord and property.
- Work out whether your home is an HMO and what that means for your rights. Your rights in a shared house.
- See what a claim involves, including the time limits. A Rent Repayment Order can return up to twelve months' rent, and you can apply after you have moved out. Claiming money back from your landlord.
- Read the wider pattern in our analysis of thousands of tribunal decisions. What Rent Repayment Order data says.
And whatever the outcome, review the landlord and the property. A tribunal decision helps the tenants who brought it. A review reaches the person about to sign next.