Hackney tenants still await £263,555 court order from billionaire landlord
Judge labelled John Christodoulou a rogue landlord; council and mayoral officials discuss enforcement and possible banning order
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Hackney residents who were awarded a rent‑repayment order in 2025 are still waiting for the court‑mandated sum of £263,555.69 from billionaire property developer John Christodoulou. The order covers 47 households across Olympic House, Simpson House and St John’s Court. As of 29 July 2026, the payment has not been received, leaving tenants without the compensation the tribunal ordered.
Background to the repayment order
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Somerford Grove Renters, a tenant‑led group representing about 170 flats in the area, challenged Christodoulou for operating unlicensed houses in multiple occupation. The group argued that the properties failed to meet required safety and quality standards. After a six‑year legal battle that began in 2020, the tribunal awarded a six‑figure sum to tenants from 15 flats in the two blocks, forcing the landlord to repay part of the rent collected illegally.
Legal characterisation as a rogue landlord
Judge Robert Latham, presiding over the case, said the respondent could only be described as a rogue landlord, as reported by MyLondon. The judge’s wording underlines the seriousness of operating unlicensed HMOs and the breach of tenants’ rights.
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Calls for a banning order
Green Party Assembly Member Benali Hamdache wrote to Hackney Mayor Zoe Garbett requesting that a banning order be placed on Christodoulou’s companies if the debt remains unpaid. Hamdache told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that “Time and again, tenants and leaseholders have had to challenge his business practices.” He warned that the landlord might be “phoenixing” his holdings to avoid liability.
Time and again, tenants and leaseholders have had to challenge his business practices.
Benali Hamdache, Green Party Assembly Member
Council and mayoral response
Hackney’s deputy mayor and cabinet member for Safer Homes, Dylan Law, said the landlord’s avoidance of repayment was unacceptable and highlighted flaws in the current system. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London explained that the city’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker can only be updated when boroughs submit enforcement data, and that the mayor’s office will work with councils to protect renters.
The next step for Hackney Council is to record the enforcement action with the Mayor’s database, which could trigger a formal banning order if the legal threshold is met. Tenants may also pursue further legal remedies to recover the arrears. The council has pledged to use all available powers to ensure the landlord meets his obligations.
Questions this report answers
+How much money did the court order John Christodoulou to pay?
The tribunal ordered John Christodoulou to repay £263,555.69 to 47 Hackney tenants. The sum covers rent overcharges identified in unlicensed HMOs and remains unpaid 18 months after the order, prompting further action from the council.
+What did the judge say about the landlord’s conduct?
Judge Robert Latham described the landlord as a rogue landlord in his ruling, as reported by MyLondon. The description reflects the seriousness of operating unlicensed houses and breaching tenants’ rights.
+Can the Mayor’s rogue‑landlord checker act without council input?
The Mayor’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker can only be updated when boroughs submit records of enforcement actions. Hackney Council must therefore upload the repayment order details before the database can be used against the landlord.
+What steps is Hackney Council taking now?
Hackney’s deputy mayor said the council will record the enforcement action with the Mayor’s database and explore all powers to hold the landlord accountable, including pursuing a banning order if the legal criteria are satisfied.
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