Merton council has ‘confiscated’ a landlord’s properties who has consistently failed to license his homes which has created a precedent as it is the first time an authority has taken this action.

The authority has used these powers as part of its new scheme to ‘confiscate’ and take control of private rental sector homes to make sure that tenant’s rent is ploughed back into managing the property to reach the decent homes standard; the landlord will still have to pay the properties’ mortgages.

Last year the council introduced a new selective licensing scheme making it mandatory for all PRS homes in four wards which empowers the authority to deal with PRS homes that are not fit for purpose and anti-social behaviour in those areas after consulting residents.

Merton’s cabinet member for housing councillor Andrew Judge, says: “Everyone deserves to live in a safe and decent home and the council is committed to improving housing conditions in the private rented sector.

“While many landlords operate within guidelines, there are also others who do not, often taking advantage of some of the most vulnerable members of our community. This leads to issues affecting health and safety, the wider community, as well as the environment.

“This action sends a clear message to landlords: if you do not license your property, the council can and will use its powers to take over the running of it.”

Following complaints from tenants living in the landlord’s properties council officers inspected the rented homes and issued several notices to him.

After several months of the landlord ignoring the orders and failing to licence his properties led to the council being able to introduce an ‘Interim Management Order’ to take over the running of the properties.

Councillor Judge adds: “Merton council recognises the important role that private sector landlords have in the borough and has worked in partnership with private landlords for many years to meet housing needs.