"Athwal left his tenants facing toxic mould"
The London Renters’ Union (LRU) has urged Labour MP Jas Athwal to resign after an investigation exposed black mould and ant infestations in his rental properties.
The union has also written to Redbridge Council urging it to investigate Mr Athwal over what it called “housing law violations”.
Mr Athwal owns 15 properties, making him the biggest landlord in the House of Commons.
He previously said he was “shocked and sickened” by the state of the flats and that he had stopped using the services of the agency that managed the properties.
Sir Keir Starmer said: “It’s not good enough.
“It’s unacceptable for any landlord, and I’ll be really clear about that. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a Labour MP or anybody else, it’s unacceptable.”
A BBC investigation also found the properties had dirty communal areas, faulty lights and loose fire alarms.
One resident reported an ant infestation affecting their child while another claimed they were warned of eviction if they claimed benefits.
Jas Athwal also admitted his flats lacked the required licences under a scheme he introduced as Redbridge Council leader, despite earlier claiming compliance.
LRU spokesperson Hester Sullivan said:
“Athwal left his tenants facing toxic mould and dangerous disrepair and has broken laws on licensing, which is a key part of the tenant safety system.
“Athwal has also admitted to refusing to let out properties to renters who receive housing benefits, a practice that prevents many low-income people from accessing adequate housing.”
She said renters do not have trust in Parliament’s ability to resolve the national housing crisis if Mr Athwal were to remain an MP.
Responding to the allegation about not accepting benefits-receiving tenants, Mr Athwal said he currently rents to people who receive housing benefits.
He said: “In my previous comments I was referring to tenants being placed directly by Redbridge Council specifically.
“It’s this conflict of interest I was preventing while renting properties while serving as the leader of the council.”
The Ilford South MP also said he would reimburse tenants who are out of pocket for repairs to the properties and that he would be surveying his renters to address any problems.
Redbridge Council’s Conservative leader Paul Canal called on Mr Athwal to step down as a councillor and requested the council’s officers to investigate.
A council spokesperson said it was committed to a “fair and consistent process for every landlord applying to the selective licensing scheme”, adding that it would “continue to work with landlords to ensure that they are compliant and their properties are in a condition suitable for tenants”.
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