Landlords converting a property of any size to rent out on multiple tenancies in seven areas of Merton could be required to seek planning permission.
The new rules, which Cabinet agreed on Monday to recommend to Council to approve, are designed to improve living conditions for tenants in homes which they share with people who are not related to them.
The council is concerned about the poor condition of some of these properties, which are known as homes in multiple occupation (HMOs), and first introduced a requirement for planning permission in November ahead of a public consultation, which asked people their views on both planning permission (known as an Article 4 direction) and council licensing of landlords.
The results of the public consultation showed that over 80% of residents supported the move to require landlords to seek planning permission before converting a home.
One-third of landlords were also supportive of the direction, although over half were opposed.
The seven wards where the rules are in force are Figge’s Marsh, Graveney; Longthornton; Pollards Hill; Colliers Wood; Cricket Green and Lavender Fields.
With more than 29,000 rented properties per capita in Merton, exceeding the national average, Cabinet believes the extension of the current planning requirement will help tackle the issue of rogue landlords profiting from badly-managed properties in poor condition, which can also lead to anti-social behaviour affecting neighbours and local residents.
The results of the consultation on landlord licensing are expected later this year.
Councillor Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, said:
“We are determined that Merton residents renting in the private sector should have access to well-managed homes in good condition. The confirmation of the Article 4 direction we have recommended to full Council will help us prevent inadequate conversions by landlords who are overcrowding and mismanaging homes with no thought for their tenants or neighbours.
“Requiring landlords to gain planning permission before a home is converted is the latest way we are standing up for private renters so they can feel at home here in Merton.”
UPDATE 20 April 2023
At a meeting of the full council last night, plans for an immediate Article 4 direction in 7 wards were approved.
FURTHER UPDATE MAY 2023
The Article 4 direction was referred to the Secretary of State for assessment. This is the usual process when a decision is made locally to introduce an immediate Article 4 direction.
The Secretary of State has the power to modify or cancel most Article 4 directions at any time before or after they are confirmed. However, the Secretary of State will not use his powers to intervene unless there are clear reasons for doing so, and the Secretary of State was satisfied that on this occasion there is no need for any further action.
This means the new rules can now come into force, and anyone who wishes to convert a residence to rent out on multiple tenancies must seek planning permission.