A local authority in south London has seized several unlicensed properties from a rogue landlord.

Merton Council decided to take control of the properties after the landlord persistently failed to license them in what is a first move of its kind for the London borough.

The council used special powers to take temporary control of the homes as part of its ‘Selective Licensing Scheme’, introduced last year.

The tenants’ rental income will go towards the management of the property, while the owner remains responsible for paying the mortgages.

Cllr Andrew Judge, Merton Council’s cabinet member for housing and sustainable development, said: “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.”