Can a convicted criminal get an HMO licence for their property? Apparently so

I know of a landlord successfully prosecuted three times by Haringey Council for HMO housing offences who has since been granted multiple HMO licences... by Haringey Council.

There is a legal "fit and proper" person test that should bar serious criminals and those convicted of housing offences from getting a licence.

I called the council housing team to ask why this landlord had been given a licence and I was told that "everyone gets a licence". I asked how this could be, given the fit and proper person test. The person I spoke to wouldn't budge from this position until I pushed it and asked what if a convicted rapist said they wanted to open a women's refuge HMO. They put me on hold for a couple of minutes to take advice and then told me that if a landlord wouldn't pass the fit and proper test, they would advise the landlord to get an estate agent and apply again in the estate agents' name and then they would get the licence. Quite amazing.

It seems the problem isn't the law, it's Haringey Council not applying it properly.

If you want an end to this, please sign the petition at: https://www.safehomesharingey.org.uk/