Council Seizes Properties from Private Landlord

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A landlord in south London, who consistently failed to obtain licenses for several rented properties, has had these homes seized by Merton Council. This move represents one of the first instances of such an action in the UK under new regulatory powers.

The council has employed its special powers to take temporary control of the properties as part of a new enforcement scheme. This allows them to directly manage the properties and allocate the rental income towards essential health and safety improvements. Despite the council’s control over the properties, the landlord remains obligated to continue paying the mortgages on these homes. This intervention aims to address ongoing concerns about tenant safety and compliance with housing regulations.

All private rented homes in four designated wards are now required to be licensed as part of Merton Council’s selective licensing scheme, which was rolled out last year. This scheme is aimed at improving housing conditions and managing antisocial behaviour in these specific areas. The introduction of this scheme follows extensive consultations with local residents, highlighting the community’s concerns about housing standards.

The selective licensing scheme empowers the council to address and rectify issues related to poor property conditions and antisocial behaviour. By requiring landlords to obtain a licence, the council can ensure that rental properties meet certain standards and contribute to a safer, more stable environment for tenants.

Councillor Andrew Judge, Merton Council’s cabinet member for housing, commented on the initiative: “Everyone deserves to live in a safe and decent home. The council is fully committed to improving housing conditions in the private rented sector, and this scheme is a crucial step in achieving that goal. We believe that through effective licensing, we can enhance the quality of housing and ensure that all tenants are provided with the standards they rightfully expect.”

“While a significant number of landlords adhere to the regulations, there are also those who fail to comply, often exploiting vulnerable members of the community. This non-compliance can lead to serious issues affecting tenant health and safety, the broader community, and the environment.

“This action is intended to send a strong and clear message to landlords: if you choose not to obtain a license for your property, the council will use its authority to take over its management and ensure compliance.”

The council’s involvement began after residents lodged complaints about the condition of their homes. Following these complaints, council officers carried out inspections and issued several notices to the homeowner. Despite these efforts and the clear directives provided, the property owner chose to disregard the orders for several months, prompting the council’s decisive action.

Due to the evident lack of progress in licensing the private tenancies, the council decided to take decisive action by issuing an ‘Interim Management Order’. This order grants the council temporary control over the properties, allowing them to manage the homes directly. This step was taken to ensure that the properties are maintained to acceptable standards and that tenants’ rights are protected while the licensing process remains unresolved.

The council’s decision was driven by the understanding that the likelihood of these properties being licensed in the foreseeable future was minimal. The council recognised that without immediate intervention, the issues affecting the properties—ranging from poor health and safety conditions to general neglect—would persist, potentially worsening over time.

Councillor Andrew Judge pointed out that Merton Council values the significant role that private sector landlords play within the borough. The council has a long-standing tradition of working in partnership with landlords to meet the housing needs of the community. This partnership approach has been central to the council’s efforts to address local housing challenges and improve overall housing standards.

However, Judge made it clear that such measures are only taken as a last resort. The council is mindful that the vast majority of landlords are dedicated professionals who provide safe, secure, and well-maintained homes for their tenants. This recognition underscores the council’s commitment to supporting landlords who comply with regulations and work constructively with local authorities.

The decision to implement the Interim Management Order was not made lightly. It reflects the seriousness of the issues at hand and the need for immediate action to safeguard tenant welfare and ensure compliance with property standards. The order aims to address and rectify significant deficiencies in the property conditions, thereby protecting the tenants from further harm.

By exercising their authority to manage the properties temporarily, the council reinforces the importance of adhering to licensing requirements. This action also serves as a reminder to all landlords about the necessity of meeting regulatory standards and the potential consequences of failing to do so.