A landlord has been hit with a hefty fine of £75,000 plus additional costs after illegally letting out two flats in North Finchley through popular platforms Airbnb and Booking.com.
The individual at the centre of the case, George Nathanel, had been managing the properties on behalf of Zenobia Properties. His actions eventually drew the attention of Barnet council following complaints from frustrated neighbours.
In November 2023, Barnet council served Nathanel with a formal notice ordering him to stop using the properties for short-term lettings. Despite this warning, the flats continued to appear online, welcoming guests for brief stays.
These two flats had originally secured planning permission from the council back in January 2016, but this approval was strictly for use as self-contained homes for single households. Instead, the enforcement team uncovered evidence showing the properties being advertised for short stays, often attracting large groups.
Neighbours reported that the flats were frequently booked for gatherings and parties. With no soundproofing installed on the party walls, the noise regularly spilled over into the early hours, disturbing the peace of local residents.
One neighbour even provided a statement to the court describing the ordeal as “stressful and devastating.” They detailed how the constant disruption had a damaging effect on their mental health, sleep, and day-to-day life.
According to evidence presented by the prosecution, the two flats were occupied for at least 220 days during just the first ten months of 2024. This figure highlighted the scale of the short-term letting operation.
Despite being summoned to appear at court hearings, Nathanel failed to attend. He claimed he was living in Russia with his children at the time and was awaiting an operation, which prevented his return.
In correspondence, Nathanel attempted to shift the blame onto what he described as ‘long-term tenants’. He also insisted he had no knowledge of the Airbnb or Booking.com listings connected to the properties.
However, this defence was undermined by evidence shared in court. Reviews left on Airbnb described Nathanel as an “amazing, attentive and responsive host,” contradicting his claim of being unaware of the lettings.
Furthermore, the prosecution demonstrated that advertisements to book the flats were still live on the rental websites even at the time of the court proceedings.
At Willesden Magistrates’ Court, Nathanel was ultimately found guilty of failing to comply with a Breach of Condition Notice. The court handed down a fine of £75,000, ordered him to pay council costs amounting to £5,400, and added a victim surcharge of £2,000.
A spokesperson for Barnet council said the landlord had been given every chance to resolve the matter before legal action was taken. They explained, “We gave Mr Nathanel ample opportunity to stop using the properties as short-term rentals, but were left with no alternative but to take him to court when he didn’t stop.”
They added that Barnet council has a firm stance on landlords who disregard planning rules, saying: “Barnet council clamps down hard on rogue landlords and where they don’t cooperate, we will always bring them to justice.”
The council also thanked local residents whose complaints helped bring the issue to light. “This is a great result for the neighbours whose lives were made a misery,” the spokesperson said. “The prosecution and huge fine highlight the seriousness of the case and should act as a strong deterrent to other landlords tempted to break the rules in Barnet.”