London council takes control of landlord’s 18 homes
9:11 AM, 27th August 2025, 8 months ago
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A London council has taken over the long-term management of 18 rented properties in response to the landlord’s repeated failure to comply with safety and licensing regulations.
The council says this is one of the first actions of its kind in the country.
But Property118 reported five months ago when Newcastle City Council took over seven poorly run properties.
And two years ago, Newham Council threatened similar action if landlords didn’t meet its selective licensing deadline.
Obtained an Interim Management Order
Now, Merton Council says it invoked special powers last August to implement an Interim Management Order for the rented properties
That enables the council to take temporary charge of the homes after tenants raised concerns about neglected repairs and poor property management.
Despite multiple notices issued under the selective licensing scheme, the landlord consistently ignored the council’s demands.
Inspections revealed ongoing issues, prompting decisive action.
Control for five years
With no immediate resolution in sight, Merton has now secured a Final Management Order, granting authority over the properties for up to five years.
Rental income will be redirected to ensure the homes meet required standards, while the landlord remains liable for mortgage payments.
Councillor Andrew Judge, the council’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.”
Tags:
Final Management Order, Interim Management Order, London Landlords, Merton Council, property management takeover, PRS enforcement, Rogue landlords, Selective Licensing
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Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 97
5:03 PM, 27th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Paul Essex at 27/08/2025 – 08:41
So if the council takes control of the houses, do they then become social houses ? in which case they will not have to comply with the very things that started this in the first place.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2197 - Articles: 2
5:23 PM, 27th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jack Craven at 27/08/2025 – 17:03
It amuses me that the organisations which cannot adequately control their own property think that they can manage another’s property. One thing is certain, the houses will be wrecked when returned.
Comments: 1
7:24 AM, 28th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 27/08/2025 – 12:00
It isn’t about the tenant, it is about the property. For example, when a car fails its MOT then it is not legally allowed to be driven on the road by the owner or anyone else. Therefore, if a property is unsafe and the owner is not for whatever reason making it safer, the council need to do so to help vulnerable people. A landlord that I know is heading a similar way because of severe reasons:
Illegal crowded HMOs which are serious fire risks to surrounding properties
Stealing electricity from the national grid and from tenants
Illegal immigrants growing cannabis and the list goes on but it has been five years until the council intervened. He has had five years to install one single smoke alarm.
Member Since January 2025 - Comments: 91
9:06 AM, 28th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Person Of The People at 27/08/2025 – 12:30
*Housing Act 1988
Member Since August 2025 - Comments: 1
3:03 PM, 28th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Paul Essex at 27/08/2025 – 08:41
Not really.
The council only took uncontrollably because the landlord persistently failed to repair the properties.
He also had innumerable notices and warnings.
So it is not terrible that the council acted, is it?
Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 4
7:37 AM, 29th August 2025, About 8 months ago
If councils can take over from private landlords when homes are badly run, then what about when the council itself is the one failing?
Many of us as tenants and leaseholders live with years of poor repairs, damp, broken lifts, or ignored complaints. If a landlord can lose control for neglect, why can’t we have the same right when the freeholder is the council?
Surely tenants should be able to take over the running of their own block when it’s clear the council isn’t doing the job properly. Otherwise it feels like one rule for private landlords and another for local authorities.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2197 - Articles: 2
8:40 AM, 29th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Anthony Winter at 29/08/2025 – 07:37
The residents should form a Right to Manage (RTM) company and take over the block.