Merton HMO licensing guide

HMO licence in Merton — do I need one?

Merton has 2 licensing schemes on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Merton announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: 24 September 2023 to 23 September 2028

Merton Additional HMO Licensing — 7 wards

Additional HMO licensing covering Colliers Wood, Cricket Green, Figge's Marsh, Graveney, Lavender Fields, Longthornton and Pollards Hill wards. Fees £1,450–£1,550 per property.

Read the original announcement →
SelectiveEffective: 24 September 2023 to 23 September 2028

Merton Selective Licensing — 4 wards

Selective licensing covering Figge's Marsh, Graveney, Longthornton and Pollards Hill wards. Fee £692 per property (£50 accredited-landlord discount).

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Merton-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

  • 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
  • A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
  • Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Merton schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with London Borough of Merton before letting or applying for a licence.