A Labour MP who six years ago promised to ‘come for’ rogue landlords is now facing accusations of being a rogue landlord himself.
Jas Athwal was elected MP for Ilford South at the 2024 General Election last month, and previously worked as leader of Redbridge Council for a decade.
The London MP is now the biggest landlord in the House of Commons, owning 15 rental flats.
But a BBC investigation found that one block of seven flats owned by Athwal was infested with ants and black mould.
One resident said the insects are ‘on my kid’s body and on their clothes’, while another said their entire bathroom ceiling ‘would be black’ if they didn’t clean the toxic mould every few weeks.
Visiting the flats, located above an empty shop, the BBC found the communal areas were dirty, lights didn’t work, fire alarms were hanging loose from the ceiling, and a washing machine had been dumped next to some stairs.
His flats also currently don’t have the correct property licences, he admitted – despite bringing in those licences as Redbridge Council leader.
He told the BBC: ‘It was my understanding all the licences for my properties were up to date, but I have recently seen an email which shared that licences are due to expire. I am in the process of renewing all licences.’
A Redbridge council spokesperson 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 it.
‘Where they do not have a licence, we will send notices and commence enforcement action.
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‘It is important that all landlords apply for their licences.
‘This is about maintaining the standards of our selective licensing scheme and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of people in Redbridge.’
Back in 2018, Athwal shared a link to an article about a local landlord being fined by the council, adding: ‘Rogue landlords, we are coming for you.’
But one resident said they’d been threatened with eviction by the letting agent if they complained about problems with their flat or started to claim benefits.
Athwal said he didn’t take on tenants who claim housing benefits to avoid ‘conflicts of interest’ with his former role as council leader.
After these allegations came to light, he claimed he had not been made aware of resident complaints because the properties were managed by an agency.
Athwal promised repairs and maintenance would be completed ‘swiftly’, adding: ‘I pride myself on being a good landlord and no tenants have ever been evicted.’
He also said he would review the property management company and said he is ‘profoundly sorry’ that tenants were let down.
Labour’s general election manifesto included a commitment to ‘transform’ the experience of private renting and prevent tenants being ‘exploited and discriminated against’.
Metro has contacted Athwal, the Labour Party, and Redbridge Council for comment
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