Following complaints from tenants, an Islington letting agent has been given a court order after it failed to repay deposits or put them in a recognised Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

David Philips Estate Agents in Crouch Hill, was reported to Islington Trading Standards by tenants who were not receiving their deposits back and by landlords who were not receiving their due rents.

Cllr James Murray, Islington’s housing chief, said: “More and more Islington residents are renting privately – and with so many people being desperate to find a flat, tenants can be exploited by unscrupulous letting agents. 

“We will use the powers we have to make sure agents behave the right way.”

David Philip Copestake, director of the company DP Homes Ltd, of 12 Crouch Hill, did not attend the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, where costs of £6,542 were awarded to the council. The order states that he must pass on rent to landlords and any breach of the order is classed as contempt of court and could lead to jail or an unlimited fine.