Marble Properties, based in Poplar, was hit with the hefty penalty after it failed to “appropriately licence” a rented home in Leytonstone, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter

A managing agent has been fined £12,000 for improperly licensing a home in Waltham Forest.
Waltham Forest Council slapped Marble Properties, based in Poplar, with the hefty penalty after it failed to “appropriately licence” a rented home in Jansen Road, Leytonstone.
Councillor Khevyn Limbajee, the cabinet member for community safety, said: “Waltham Forest has successfully operated private rented property licensing schemes for many years.
“Our enforcement policy reflects our view that organisations like Marble Properties that specialise in property management should be aware of their legal obligations and that they should expect a bigger fine to be imposed if they do not comply.”
Marble Properties had been managing the home, which was rented out to several occupants, on behalf of a private landlord.
Waltham Forest’s minimum penalty for managing such a home without a proper licence is £5,000.
The agent was told the fine would be reduced to £9,000 if it was paid within 28 days. It instead appealed against the penalty and took the council to court.
The five-figure penalty was challenged at an Upper Tribunal hearing after the agent claimed it was excessive, though the court eventually ruled in the council’s favour.
The First Tier Tribunal, which oversees disputes, had initially ruled that £8,000 would have been a more appropriate penalty, as per the town hall’s own policies.
The council successfully appealed and the case progressed to the Upper Tribunal, before a judgment was handed down in January.
The Upper Tribunal, which handles appeals and reviews, said the First Tier had misinterpreted the council’s policies on reductions and reinstated the £12,000 fine.
Cllr Limbajee added: “The Upper Tribunal found that the First Tier Property Tribunal, which first considered the appeal against the penalty brought by Marble Properties, was wrong to reduce the level of the penalty to be paid.
“Waltham Forest will continue to take a robust approach where there is evidence that landlords and agents have failed to meet their legal obligations.”
Marble Properties was approached for comment but did not respond in time for publication.
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