In a pioneering move for the country, Merton council in south London has assumed long-term control of 18 rental properties, citing the landlord’s ongoing failure to obtain the necessary licenses.
The council utilized special authority to temporarily take over the properties , following tenant complaints regarding unresolved repairs and property management issues.
Council officials issued multiple notices to the landlord under the Selective Licensing Scheme, but these were ignored for several months. Subsequently, the council conducted an inspection of the properties.
In a statement, the council explained, “With no reasonable expectation of the rental homes being licensed in the near future, we have now implemented a Final Management Order to manage the properties for up to five years.
“Merton council will allocate the tenants’ rental income to ensure that property management meets our standards. The landlord will still be responsible for mortgage payments.”
Credit to : UK BULLETIN