Selective licensing in Merton
Yes. Merton operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Common questions
Do I need a selective licence in Merton?
Yes. Merton operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Which areas of Merton does the scheme cover?
Four wards: Figge's Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton, Pollards Hill. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Merton's scheme end?
The designation runs until 23 September 2028, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£747.60. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Merton before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Part A | £267 |
| Part B | £480.60 |
| Total | £747.60 |
- £50 discount for accredited or member landlords (LLAS
Merton, read 25 August 2026
What the designation says
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).
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent. Both maxima apply to conduct on or after 1 May 2026; before that date they were £30,000 and twelve months. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026 and possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Merton before letting.