In one of the first actions of its kind in the country, Merton Council has taken long term control of 18 rented homes because a landlord has persistently failed to license the properties to ensure they are safe and suitable for residents.

The council used special powers to take temporary control of the properties in August 2024.

The one-year ‘Interim Management Order’ was made following complaints by the homes’ tenants about outstanding repairs and management of the properties.

Council officers issued several notices to the landlord under the council’s Selective Licensing Scheme, and the orders were ignored by the landlord for months. Council officers then followed up with an inspection of the properties.

With still no reasonable prospect of the rental homes being licensed soon, the council has now made a Final Management Order to take control of the properties for up to five years.

Merton council will direct the tenants’ rental income into ensuring the management of the properties is to the standard we expect for tenants. The owner remains responsible for paying the mortgages.

Councillor Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, said:

This sends a clear message to rogue landlords: we’re committed to raising the standard of living for everyone, and we will clamp down on landlords who are not meeting their legal obligations to their tenants.

Everyone deserves to live in decent housing, and we know there are many good landlords in Merton, but a handful are flouting their responsibilities to provide safe and suitable homes for tenants, particularly those in vulnerable situations.”