Labour MP accused of being a rogue landlord vowed to hold unscrupulous landlords to account | UK news

A Labour MP who promised six years ago to take action against unscrupulous landlords is now facing accusations of being an unscrupulous landlord himself.

Jas Athwal was elected MP for Ilford South at the 2024 general election last month and had previously served as leader of Redbridge Council for a decade.

The London MP is now the largest landlord in the House of Commons and owns 15 rental apartments.

But a BBC investigation found that a seven-flat block of flats owned by Athwal was infested with ants and black mould.

One resident said the bugs were “on my child's body and clothes,” while another said the entire bathroom ceiling “would be black” if he didn't clean the toxic mold every few weeks.

When the BBC visited the apartments, which are located above a vacant shop, it found that the common areas were dirty, the lights were not working, fire alarms were hanging loosely from the ceiling and a washing machine had been left next to a staircase.

He admitted that his apartments did not currently have the necessary property licenses either – even though he had applied for these licenses as Chairman of Redbridge Parish Council.

He told the BBC: “To my knowledge all the licences for my properties were up to date, but I recently received an email saying the licences were about to expire. I am in the process of renewing all the licences.”

A Redbridge Council spokesman told The Guardian: “We are aware of the situation with these properties. In all cases, we expect properties that require a licence to apply for one.”

“If they don’t have a license, we will send them notices and take enforcement action.”

“It is important that all landlords apply for their licenses.

“This is about maintaining the standards of our selective licensing system and ensuring the safety and welfare of the people of Redbridge.”

In 2018, Athwal shared a link to an article about a local landlord who was fined by the city council, adding: “You rogue landlords, we're coming to get you.”

However, one resident said he was threatened with eviction by the housing authority if he complained about problems with his apartment or applied for social benefits.

Athwal said he had not taken in tenants applying for housing benefit to avoid “conflicts of interest” with his previous role as council leader.

After these allegations came to light, he claimed he was unaware of the residents' complaints because the properties were managed by an agency.

Athwal promised that repairs and maintenance would be completed “promptly,” adding: “I pride myself on being a good landlord and have never evicted a tenant.”

He also announced that he would review the property management and expressed his “deep regret” that the tenants had been disappointed.

The Labour Party's election manifesto included a commitment to “transform” the experience of private renting and to prevent tenants from being “exploited and discriminated against”.

Metro has contacted Athwal, the Labour Party and Redbridge Council for comment

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