Merton Council has issued 397 Housing Improvement Notices since the introduction of selective and additional licensing in September 2023, according to a recent council meeting. These notices often address urgent issues such as the installation of smoke detectors, repair of leaking pipes and plumbing, and ensuring up-to-date gas and electrical safety certifications.
Councillor Billy Hayes asked the Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development about the impact of the licensing schemes. The Cabinet Member responded that of the notices issued, 222 have been complied with, resulting in properties with fewer deficiencies and associated risks.
The council also highlighted a case where it seized properties from a rogue landlord due to the introduction of Selective Licensing. Officers found three properties divided into six flats each, all requiring a selective license. The managing agent was deemed unfit, leading the council to issue an Interim Management Order (IMO).
Under the IMO, the council took over the landlord's responsibilities, collecting rent from tenants and using it to fund necessary home improvements that the landlord had neglected. The council took over the role of a landlord from the managing agent who was failing to ensure that the standards required were met, collecting rents from the tenants which have been used to deliver much needed home improvements the landlord had failed to complete. These improvements included installing smoke detectors, repairing leaking pipes and plumbing, and providing up-to-date gas and electrical safety certifications.
The selective and additional licensing schemes apply to most wards in Merton, with the same National Planning rules applying to Ravensbury. However, stricter planning regulations are in place in Graveney, Longthornton, Pollards Hill, Figge's Marsh, Cricket Green, Lavender Fields and Colliers Wood, requiring planning permission for HMOs accommodating between three and six people.
If residents believe that a HMO of seven or more occupants has been created without the necessary planning permission, they are encouraged to report it to the council for investigation. An enforcement case can be registered via the Council's website at merton.gov.uk/planning-and-buildings/planning/planningenforcement/report.
The council meeting took place on Wednesday 9 July 2025. The minutes of the meeting are available online.