Do I need a landlord licence in Merton?

Yes — some rentals in Merton need a licence beyond the national HMO rules. Whether yours does depends on the property’s address and who lives there.

Mandatory HMO licensing (national)

Yes, everywhere in England

This is national law, not a council choice: any property rented to 5 or more people who form 2 or more separate households is a licensable HMO anywhere in England. If that describes your property, you need a licence from the council whether or not it runs any local scheme.

Official council source →

Selective licensing in Merton

Yes — a scheme is in force

Selective licensing covers four wards only: Figge's Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton and Pollards Hill. The designation was made on 19 June 2023, came into force on 24 September 2023 and ceases to have effect on 23 September 2028. It applies to privately rented homes let to a single household or two unrelated sharers. If your property falls inside the designation, letting it without a selective licence is a criminal offence. Schemes change and new designations appear, so always confirm on the council’s own page before relying on this.

Official council source →

Additional HMO licensing in Merton

Yes — a scheme is in force

Additional HMO licensing covers seven wards: Colliers Wood, Cricket Green, Figge's Marsh, Graveney, Lavender Fields, Longthornton and Pollards Hill. It applies to all section 254 HMOs occupied by 3 or more people in 2 or more households, in force 24 September 2023 to 23 September 2028. If your property falls inside the designation, letting it without a additional licence is a criminal offence. Schemes change and new designations appear, so always confirm on the council’s own page before relying on this.

Official council source →

Is your exact property covered?

Designations in Merton can run street by street. Check where your property stands in 3 minutes — free, no account.

Get your free compliance scoreFull audit + call — £99

Common questions

Do I need a landlord licence in Merton?
It depends on the property: larger HMOs (5 or more people from 2 or more households) always need a mandatory licence anywhere in England, and Merton’s own selective or additional schemes can extend licensing to other rentals — see the current position above.
What happens if I let an unlicensed property in Merton?
Letting a licensable property without a licence is a criminal offence: unlimited fines on conviction or civil penalties of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to 12 months’ rent, and restrictions on regaining possession.
How do I check if my exact address is inside a licensing area?
Designations are often street-by-street. Check the map or address checker on Merton’s licensing pages (linked above), or take our free compliance score and we’ll flag licensing as something to verify for your property.
How much does a landlord licence cost?
Fees are set per council and per scheme, typically several hundred pounds per property for a five-year licence. Merton’s current fees are on the official page linked above.
Can LetClerk handle the licence application for me?
Yes — checking your address against current schemes and preparing the application is part of our done-for-you compliance service. Start with the free score or the £99 audit and we’ll take it from there.