Merton Council


Have your say on landlord licensing and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

Description: 

We are proposing to introduce new licensing schemes for privately rented properties and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), as well as new planning controls for HMOs, in some parts of Merton.

We are consulting on plans to implement a licensing scheme in 4 wards for private rented properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated individuals.

Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) consisting of 5 or more people from 3 or more households already need to be licensed under separate mandatory HMO schemes. This proposal would introduce a ‘selective licensing scheme’ to extend licensing to all private rented properties (excluding HMOs) in the designated areas.

We are also seeking to introduce an ‘additional licensing scheme’ into 7 wards which will extend the mandatory licensing scheme to all HMOs.

Additionally, we are proposing to introduce further planning controls (an ‘article 4 direction’) for small HMOs in the same 7 wards meaning that planning permission will be required for all HMOs within those wards, whatever their size.

We want to hear from residents, tenants, businesses, private landlords and managing agents who live, work or have a connection to the areas under consideration, including those living in neighbouring boroughs with an interest in the scheme.

Summary of results: 

Following consultation, the Council met on Wednesday 19 April 2023 to consider the responses, representations and feedback on introduction of the Immediate Article 4 Direction. Having reviewed the information, the Council confirmed the Article 4 Direction, resulting in it becoming permanent, in the 7 affected wards.

Consultation start date 14 November 2022
Consultation end date 22 January 2023
Take part in Have your say on landlord licensing and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) (External link)

For more information about this engagement, please contact:

Organisation
Consultation run by: Environment & Regeneration
Contact
Future Merton