London · Council licensing
Merton operates discretionary property licensing. Letting an unlicensed property where a scheme applies risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000 and a rent repayment order — check whether your property is covered below.
Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities. Check the council for the current fee.
The London Borough of Merton operates a selective licensing scheme covering four wards. The scheme was approved by Cabinet on 19 June 2023, came into force on 24 September 2023, and runs for 5 years until 23 September 2028. Applies to properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers in Figge's Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton, and Pollards Hill wards. Estimated 5,000+ properties affected. Licence fee £692 (early bird discounts of two months were available, plus discounts for accredited landlords).
Areas: Figge's Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton or Pollards Hill wards
Scheme runs until: 23 September 2028
The London Borough of Merton operates an additional HMO licensing scheme covering seven wards. The scheme was approved by Cabinet on 19 June 2023, came into force on 24 September 2023, and runs for 5 years until 23 September 2028. Applies to all HMOs not covered by mandatory licensing in Figge's Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton, Pollards Hill, Colliers Wood, Cricket Green, and Lavender Fields wards. The scheme includes section 257 HMOs (converted blocks of flats where less than two thirds are owner-occupied and the conversion did not comply with relevant Building Regulations). Approximately 700-1,000+ unlicensed HMOs estimated in the area. Licence fee starts at £1,450 for a two-bedroom property. Article 4 Direction also applies in these seven wards (since 17 November 2022, made permanent April 2023) requiring planning permission for C3 to C4 conversions.
Areas: Colliers Wood, Cricket Green, Figge's Marsh, Graveney, Lavender Fields, Longthornton or Pollards Hill wards
Scheme runs until: 23 September 2028
Source: Merton licensing page →
A valid Gas Safety certificate (annual), an EICR (every 5 years), a valid EPC, a protected deposit, smoke & CO alarms, the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet, and a current How to Rent guide — plus the new Section 8 possession rules since Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026.
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