Tower Hamlets Council has won £820 following a failed court appeal by an estate agent.

In December, Foxtons was fined £38,000 for not providing information which the council requested.

The agent appealed the fine, but the appeal was rejected and last month the costs arising from the case was awarded to the council.

Tower Hamlets has 46,000 rented properties, with 9,000 being houses in multiple occupation (where three or more people are paying rent).

Councillor Sirajul Islam, cabinet member for housing, said: “We believe in supporting private renters so it was important to pursue this case and send a strong message to landlords and agents that we will protect renters in the borough. I’m pleased that the appeal has upheld the council’s position.”

Last month, a consultation was launched to guage support for a licensing scheme which would give tenants more clarity about their rights as renters.

To contribute to the consultation, which is open until May 24, visit towerhamlets.gov.uk/HMOAdditionalconsultation.