Merton Compliance Requirements
Complete guide to supported living and HMO compliance in Merton. Covers licensing, property standards, required documents, fees, and timelines.
3Licence Types
9Docs Required
£1,759.HMO Fee
Licensing Requirements
Mandatory HMO
Required
Additional HMO
Required
Borough-wide additional licensing for HMOs with 3-4 occupants
Selective Licensing
Active
Designated areas across the borough
Article 4 Direction
Not in place
Check with planning department for specific area requirements
Exempt Accommodation
Supported accommodation may be exempt under Housing Act 2004 s254/s257. Contact council for assessment.
Property Standards
Minimum Room Sizes
single bedroom: 6.51 sqm (1 person)
double bedroom: 10.22 sqm (2 persons)
kitchen: Adequate for number of occupants
living room: Required for larger HMOs
Fire Safety Requirements
- Smoke alarms on every floor
- Heat detectors in kitchens
- Fire doors on escape routes
- Fire risk assessment required
- Fire safety equipment
- Clear escape routes
Required Certificates
Gas Safety
Annual gas safety certificate (CP12)
Electrical Safety
EICR every 5 years minimum
EPC Rating
Minimum E rating required by law
Planning Permission
C4 use class for 3-6 occupants. Sui Generis for 7+.
Additional Requirements
- Adequate heating throughout
- Hot and cold water
- Adequate ventilation
- Secure entry systems
- Waste management facilities
Required Documents
HMO licence application
Gas safety certificate (CP12)
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Fire risk assessment
Floor plans with measurements
Building insurance certificate
Landlord identity verification
Proof of ownership
Fees & Timeline
Licence Fees
- HMO Licence
- £1,759 (5 bedrooms). Scales from £1,647 (3 bed) to £2,039+ (10+ bed).
- Additional Licence
- £1,450-£1,550 base + £50 per extra bedroom over 2. £50 accredited discount.
- Selective Licence
- £692 (£50 discount for accredited)
Timeline
- Licence Processing
- 8-12 weeks typical
- Typical Setup Time
- 4-8 weeks from application to approval
Merton-Specific Notes
- Three licensing schemes: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, and Selective Licensing
- Mandatory HMO fees scale by number of bedrooms
- Fees split into application fee and grant fee
- Pre-application advice available at £180/hour
- Non-compliance is a criminal offence
Frequently Asked Questions
What licences are required for HMOs in Merton?
Merton requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, Selective Licensing. Borough-wide additional licensing for HMOs with 3-4 occupants
What are the minimum room sizes in Merton?
Single bedrooms must be at least 6.51 sqm (1 person). Double bedrooms must be at least 10.22 sqm (2 persons).
How much does an HMO licence cost in Merton?
The HMO licence fee in Merton is £1,759 (5 bedrooms). Scales from £1,647 (3 bed) to £2,039+ (10+ bed).. Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.
What fire safety requirements apply in Merton?
Smoke alarms on every floor. Heat detectors in kitchens. Fire doors on escape routes. Fire risk assessment required. Fire safety equipment. Clear escape routes.
What documents are needed for compliance in Merton?
You need the following documents: HMO licence application, Gas safety certificate (CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Fire risk assessment, Floor plans with measurements, Building insurance certificate, Landlord identity verification, Proof of ownership.
Contact & Sources
Council Contact
Merton Private Housing Team
privatehousing@merton.gov.uk
020 8545 3025
Merton Compliance Checklist
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