Merton Council has taken control of 18 rental properties in south-west London following repeated licensing failures and safety concerns. 

The homes are operating as houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), were seized under enforcement powers after the landlord allegedly failed to maintain safe and compliant living conditions.

The council will manage the properties for a five-year period, though the unnamed landlord remains liable for mortgage payments throughout.

Merton Council stepped in to take control of a portfolio of HMOs in August 2024 following tenant reports of unresolved repairs and poor management.

The intervention began with a one-year Interim Management Order, allowing the council to temporarily oversee the properties. During that period, officials issued multiple enforcement notices to the landlord—none of which were addressed, according to the council.

After many months of the landlord being resistant the authority escalated its response by issuing a Final Management Order. This legal measure strips the landlord of all management responsibilities and rental income, while ownership of the properties remains unchanged.

Under powers granted by the Housing Act 2004, local councils can issue legal orders to take over the management of rental properties that fall short of regulatory standards.

Merton Council confirmed that rental income from the 18 seized HMOs will be reinvested directly into maintaining the buildings and safeguarding tenant welfare.

Andrew Judge, cabinet member for housing and sustainable development, said the decision to assume long-term control sends a clear message: “We will not tolerate landlords who neglect their legal responsibilities or compromise the safety of residents.”

Andrew Judge, Merton Council’s cabinet lead for housing and sustainable development, said the decision to take sustained control of the properties delivered a firm signal, he said: "a clear message to rogue landlords".

He added: 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."