Landlord's Properties Seized

In a landmark move to protect renters and improve housing standards, Merton Council has taken long-term control of 18 privately rented properties after the landlord persistently failed to meet legal obligations.

The properties, located in south London, were being rented as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Tenants raised concerns about poor management and unresolved repairs. Despite multiple legal notices issued under the council’s Selective Licensing Scheme, the landlord failed to act, prompting the council to intervene.

In August 2024, Merton Council imposed an Interim Management Order (IMO), granting temporary control of the homes. When the landlord continued to ignore compliance requirements, the council escalated the matter by issuing a Final Management Order (FMO) under the Housing Act 2004. This legal mechanism allows the council to manage the properties and collect rent for up to five years. The landlord retains ownership and remains responsible for mortgage payments but loses control over rental income and property management.

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

“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 - particularly to vulnerable tenants”.

Under council management, rental income will be reinvested into essential repairs and maintenance to bring the properties up to legal and safety standards. Any surplus funds will be returned to the landlord once the necessary works are completed.

This decisive action follows the introduction of Merton’s Selective Licensing Scheme, which came into force on 24 September 2023. The scheme requires all privately rented homes in Figge’s Marsh, Longthornton, Pollards Hill, and Graveney to be licensed, aiming to tackle poor housing conditions and antisocial behaviour through stricter oversight.

For the next year, agents appointed by the council will oversee the day-to-day management of the properties, ensuring tenants live in safe and legally compliant conditions.

Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the council has stated that further details about the landlord or individual cases cannot be disclosed at this time.

This article is for informational purposes. Always seek professional advice before making any property decisions.