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Property Licensing Guide for Merton
Merton currently operates selective licensing in 4 wards and additional licensing in 7 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
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.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
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.
What are the licensing requirements for Merton?
Mandatory licensing in Merton
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Merton (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming 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 smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Merton operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Merton?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Merton operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 24 September 2023 to 23 September 2028 — covering Colliers Wood, Cricket Green, Figge’s Marsh, Graveney, Lavender Fields, Longthornton and Pollards Hill.
Selective licensing: 24 September 2023 to 23 September 2028 — covering Figge’s Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton and Pollards Hill.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Merton Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Selective licence fee | £747.60 (Part A £267, Part B £480.60). |
| Additional HMO licence fee | from £1,566 (2-bed) to £1,674 (4-bed). |
| Mandatory HMO licence fee | from £1,949.79 (2 units) rising to £2,464.43 (10 units). |
Fees updated 1 April 2026; accredited landlords may get £50 off.
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Merton Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Merton operate?
Merton operates selective and additional licensing (24 September 2023 to 23 September 2028), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Merton need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Merton, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Merton property licence?
You can apply through Merton Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Merton introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Merton introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Merton?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Merton
Licensing Enforcement in Merton
Merton Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
Neighbouring borough guides
Licensing schemes stop at the borough boundary — a property one street over can need a different licence. Guides for the neighbouring boroughs:
