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Property Licensing Guide for Merton

This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.

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Merton Property Licensing Schemes

Got questions about licensing schemes in Merton? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Merton and how to apply for a licence.

Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.

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What are the licensing requirements for Merton? 

Mandatory licensing in Merton

Mandatory licensing is required in Merton if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form more than one household, including:

  • Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
  • Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
  • Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.

 

Do I need an additional property licence in Merton? 

Additional licensing requires that all HMO properties in a given area with three or more people from more than one household must obtain a licence. These schemes are implemented at the council’s discretion. 

Merton Council currently operates one additional licensing scheme, running from 24th September 2023 until 23rd September 2028. The wards covered are as follows: 

  • Colliers Wood
  • Cricket Green
  • Figge’s Marsh
  • Graveney 
  • Lavender Fields
  • Longthornton 
  • Lower Morden
  • Pollards Hill

Do I need a selective licence in Merton?

Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties in a given area obtain a licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed. 

 Merton Council operates one selective licensing scheme alongside their additional scheme, running from 24th September 2023 until 23rd September 2028. The wards covered are Figge’s Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton, and Pollards Hill. 

  • Figge’s Marsh
  • Graveney
  • Longthornton
  • Pollards Hill

How do I apply for a licence?

Merton Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Merton. Get in touch with us here to find out more.

How much does a license cost?

Mandatory licence – £1,774.88 for 5 units, with an additional £52.92 per extra unit 

Additional licence – Starts at £1450, with additional £50 per bedroom over 2 

Selective licence – £692

These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of August 2024

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  • Clear actionable advice for every property in your portfolio
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Merton?

Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Merton Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.

If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.

Licensing enforcement efforts in Merton

Merton Council actively enforces licensing conditions to improve housing standards and reduce rogue landlord activities in the borough. Their strategy includes rigorous inspection programs and prosecuting non-compliant landlords to ensure adherence to safety and management standards. In a notable case, the council successfully prosecuted a landlord who illegally converted a property into multiple flats without planning permission or adhering to safety regulations, resulting in fines exceeding £30,000. This enforcement action is part of Merton’s broader efforts to ensure that landlords maintain proper licensing for rented properties, address tenant safety concerns, and manage anti-social behaviour. By conducting regular property inspections and taking legal action against those who violate the rules, Merton Council aims to create a safer, more secure living environment for tenants across the borough

If you’re unsure as to the properties you manage may need a HMO licence in Merton, feel free to use our Merton property licence checker to receive a free licensing report.

Frequently asked questions: 

Is Merton council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?

As of now, Merton Council is not currently consulting on or planning to implement any new licensing schemes.

Why has additional licensing in Merton been introduced?

Merton Council introduced additional licensing to address the poor management and housing conditions associated with smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which fall outside the scope of mandatory HMO licensing. The council identified that a significant proportion of smaller HMOs in areas like Figge’s Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton, Pollards Hill, Colliers Wood, Cricket Green, and Lavender Fields were poorly managed, contributing to issues such as anti-social behaviour and inadequate living conditions. The council’s evidence highlighted these areas as having high rates of anti-social behaviour complaints and predicted serious health hazards, justifying the need for additional licensing to improve the quality of living for tenants and mitigate the negative impacts on the community.

Why has selective licensing in Merton been introduced?

Merton Council implemented selective licensing to tackle significant and persistent issues in specific areas where the private rented sector was linked to anti-social behaviour, poor housing conditions, and a high prevalence of Category 1 hazards, as defined by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). The wards selected for this initiative—Figges Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton, and Pollards Hill—were identified as having the highest rates of tenant complaints and incidents of anti-social behaviour, such as noise and refuse accumulation. By requiring landlords to obtain licences, the council aims to enforce better property management practices, improve housing standards, and reduce anti-social incidents, thus enhancing the overall quality of life and safety for residents in these areas.

What are the conditions to obtain an additional or selective licence in Merton? 

To obtain an additional or selective licence in Merton, landlords must comply with a series of conditions designed to ensure safety and quality standards in rented properties. Both licensing schemes require landlords to provide tenants with a tenancy agreement outlining the terms of occupancy and to protect any deposits taken through a statutory tenancy deposit scheme. Landlords must also demand references from prospective tenants and demonstrate that gas appliances have been certified safe by a registered Gas Safe contractor annually. 

Additionally, landlords must maintain electrical appliances and furnishings in compliance with safety regulations and ensure that adequate refuse management facilities are provided. For properties subject to selective licensing, landlords must adhere to conditions addressing anti-social behaviour by informing tenants of expected conduct and retaining signed acknowledgments of these responsibilities. Fire safety requirements mandate the installation and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, with landlords needing to declare the condition and positioning of these alarms to the council on demand. Both schemes necessitate the provision of an Energy Performance Certificate and compliance with space standards set out in the Housing Act 2004

Merton Property Licensing

About Merton

 

Merton is an outer borough of London, part of the historic county of Surrey, established in 1965 by merging Mitcham, Wimbledon, Merton, and Morden. It includes areas like Wimbledon, known for its annual tennis championships, and Morden, home to the Baitul Futuh Mosque. Merton’s history dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, with remnants of a Roman road in Morden. The borough features historic buildings such as Wimbledon’s Old Rectory and Morden Hall. Significant growth occurred between the World Wars, transforming it into a residential and industrial hub. The borough covers 15 square miles and had a population of 199,693 in 2011, with over one-fifth being ethnic minorities. Merton is known for its extensive public open spaces, including Wimbledon Common and Morden Park.