Council seizes control of landlord's properties

The landlord has lost management rights and income from the properties

A council in south-west London has seized long-term control of a landlord's properties after they were not licensed correctly.

Merton Council took control of the portfolio of 18 properties, rented as houses of multiple occupancy (HMO), because the owner "persistently failed to ensure they are safe and suitable for residents".

The local authority will control the properties for five years, while the landlord, who has not been named, will remain responsible for paying the mortgages.

The council said it was unable to discuss the case more fully due to ongoing legal proceedings - the details of which have not been shared.

'Clear message'

Merton Council said it intervened in the landlord's running of the HMOs in August 2024 after tenants complained about outstanding repairs and management issues.

It was initially given a one-year Interim Management Order to temporarily seize control of the properties. The council said notices were then issued to the landlord over that period, which were "ignored for months".

The authority went on to issue a Final Management Order, a legal directive where the landlord loses management rights and income from the property but retains ownership.

Local authorities have the right to issue such legal orders under the Housing Act 2004.

Merton Council said the rent from the portfolio it had seized control of would go back into the maintenance of the buildings and to ensure the safety of the tenants.

Andrew Judge, cabinet member for housing and sustainable development at the council, said the move to seize long-term control of the properties sent "a clear message to rogue landlords".

He said: "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."