Council prosecution secures £75k fine for landlord behind illegal Airbnb listings

George Nathanel, who managed the flats on behalf of Zenobia Properties, was issued with a notice by Barnet Council in November 2023 to cease use of the properties, following complaints and a request to investigate a potential breach of planning control by neighbours.

The two flats at Grove Road were granted planning permission by the council in January 2016 to be used as a 'self-contained, single household'.

However on inspection, the council's planning enforcement team found both flats were being advertised on websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com for short-term rentals.

According to the council, neighbours complained of significant noise disturbances as there was no soundproofing to the party wall, and unsociable hours with loud noise into the early hours of the morning.

Evidence provided by the prosecution showed at least 220 days of occupancy across the two flats in the first 10 months of 2024.

The landlord failed to appear at court hearings, claiming he was living in Russia with his children and was awaiting an operation, according to the London borough.

Nathanel was sentenced at Willesden Magistrates' Court on 26 June 2025, where he was found guilty of failing to comply with the requirements of a Breach of Condition Notice issued by the council, and ordered to pay a fine of £75,000 and council costs of £5,400. A victim surcharge of £2,000 was also levied.

Cllr Ross Houston, Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, said: "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.

"Barnet Council clamps down hard on rogue landlords and where they don't cooperate, we will always bring them to justice."

He added: "The prosecution and huge fine highlights the seriousness of the case and will be a strong deterrent to other rogue landlords from breaking the rules in the borough of Barnet."

George Nathanel has been approached for comment.

Adam Carey