Merton Council has taken ownership of properties from a rogue landlord after months of tenant complaints were ignored.

The council will use the rental income to manage the property, while it took control using ‘Interim Management Order’ powers under a Selective Licensing Scheme which was introduced last year. The landlord had failed to carry out repairs in 18 properties over the course of the year.

Councillor Andrew Judge, Merton Council’s cabinet member for housing and sustainable development, said: “Everyone deserves to live in a safe and decent home and the council is committed to improving housing conditions in the private rented sector. While many landlords operate within guidelines, there are also others who do not, often taking advantage of some of the most vulnerable members of our community. This leads to issues affecting health and safety, the wider community, as well as the environment.

“This action sends a clear message to landlords: if you do not license your property, or act in such a way that the property cannot be licensed, the council can and will use its powers to take over the running of it.”

The council has employed agents to manage the properties for the next 12 months.