Failings of landlord see London council seize control of 18 rented properties through final management orders

The local authority said the move, aimed at securing the safety of tenants, was “one of the first actions of its kind in the country”.

Merton previously used special powers to take temporary control of the properties, in August 2024, following complaints by the tenants about outstanding repairs and management of the properties.

During this period of interim control, the council issued several notices to the landlord under its selective licensing acheme, which were “ignored by the landlord for months”.

The council has now made a final management order to take control of the properties for up to five years, as it judged there was “still no reasonable prospect of the rental homes being licensed soon”.

Merton Council said the rental income 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.

The owner remains responsible for paying the mortgages.

The council said it was unable to discuss the case more fully due to legal proceedings being ongoing.

Cllr Andrew Judge, Merton’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, said: “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 to provide safe and suitable homes for tenants, particularly those in vulnerable situations.”

Harry Rodd