Three students in London have successfully claimed over £20,000 in rent back from their landlord due to unsafe living conditions in their flat
London: Three students living in a flat that was deemed a health hazard have won back over £20,000 from their landlord. They took action after discovering serious issues in their home.
The tribunal found that the flat, located in Sherwood Court near Hyde Park, had problems like cold, damp, and mould, along with poor fire safety measures. The students, Jaime, Alexandra, and Annie, decided to stand up for their rights against their landlord, Tope Osazee.
They filed for a rent repayment order under the Housing and Planning Act 2016, claiming their landlord was managing an unlicensed property. The tribunal agreed, ordering Mr. Osazee to pay them a total of £20,880.
These students had been living in the flat at different times from August 2021 to August 2023, paying a hefty rent that increased over the years. The tribunal noted that the living conditions were dangerous, citing issues like excess cold and mould.
Mr. Osazee argued that he didn’t know he needed a license until April 2023, but the tribunal found that he should have been aware of the regulations. An inspection revealed serious heating issues and mould growth, confirming the students’ complaints.
Despite Mr. Osazee’s claims that only one student had complained, the others backed up their experiences of living in a cold, damp flat. The tribunal concluded that he was indeed a professional landlord and should have known better.
In the end, the tribunal’s decision highlighted the importance of safe living conditions and the rights of tenants. It’s a win for the students and a reminder for landlords to keep their properties in good shape.
