A rogue landlord who persistently failed to license several rented properties has had the homes seized by a local authority, in one of the first actions of its kind in the country.

Merton Council has used “special powers” as part of a new scheme to take temporary control of privately-rented homes and direct the tenants’ rental income into ensuring the management of the property is to the standard expected for tenants.

The owner remains responsible for paying the mortgages.

All private rented homes in Figges Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton and Pollards Hill wards must now be licensed under the ‘Selective Licensing Scheme’, introduced by the council last year.

The scheme, which came in after consultation with residents, gives the local authority powers to tackle poor property conditions and antisocial behaviour in the selected areas.

Council officers inspected the rogue landlord’s properties following complaints from the occupants. The landlord was issued several notices, which were ignored for months.

Because there was no reasonable prospect of the private tenancies being licensed soon, the council was able to make an ‘interim management order’ to take control of the properties.

Councillor Andrew Judge, 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.”