10:02 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago 36
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A Labour MP who describes himself as a “renters champion” and a “good landlord” has been forced to admit that his rental properties are plagued by ant infestations and black mould.
Jas Athwal, the newly-elected MP for Ilford South, owns 15 rental flats, making him the biggest landlord in the House of Commons.
An investigation by the BBC also reveals that despite some of Mr Athwal’s properties being in a selective licensing area in Redbridge, none of the seven properties have the required licence.
According to the BBC, nearly half of Mr Athwal’s tenants have to regularly clean their bathroom ceilings to remove mould. One tenant claims he was threatened with eviction for further complaints about the mould in the flats.
When the BBC visited some of the properties, they found fire alarms hanging loose from the ceiling, and a washing machine dumped next to a set of stairs.
Mr Athwal has apologised and says that while his properties are managed by a letting agent, he will sack the agent within 48 hours. He also plans to personally apologise to each tenant and meet with them soon.
Andrew Boff, Conservative chair of the London Assembly, slammed Mr Athwal for failing to license his properties, pointing out that Mr Athwal was once the leader of Redbridge Council.
Mr Boff told the BBC: “Here we have a situation where somebody who is the leader of Redbridge Council, introduced a licensing scheme, which he told everybody else to sign up to, and he didn’t do it himself.”
Mr Boff adds the Labour party and Redbridge council must investigate the matter as soon as possible.
Generation Rent also criticises Mr Athwal for the conditions of his properties, saying that if proven, he should be banned from letting out homes.
The tenant campaign group said on X, formerly Twitter: “Shocking allegations that an MP is profiting from letting homes ridden with mould and infestations, without a legally required license.
“If proven, anyone putting renters at risk by dodging responsibilities should be banned from letting out homes.”
Mr Athwal did not respond to a request for interview but said in a statement to the BBC: “My properties are managed by an agency, selected for their quick response times and excellent customer service. This is evidenced by the long tenure of the tenants – over 87 years across 15 properties.
“I pride myself on being a good landlord and no tenants have ever been evicted. Repairs and improvements have been made to properties as recently as two weeks ago.
“To ensure tenants enjoy a secure, long-term home, rents are kept below market rate and, in many cases rents are frozen at the rate first agreed.
“I’m shocked at the reported condition of a number of the properties and have asked the managing agent for an explanation and immediate action to rectify any issues.
“I know it’s my responsibility to have issues addressed as soon as they arise and have met the property management company to understand failures in communication.
“I’m profoundly sorry that tenants have been let down and will be reviewing the property management and how matters are escalated going forward.”
On the licences, Mr Athwal said: “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.”
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Cider Drinker
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Sign Up10:13 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago
I look forward to hearing what the penalties are for Mr Athwal.
Unfit to be a landlord and unfit to be a Member of Parliament in my opinion. But then, that never stopped Rayner.
I’m expecting another ‘let’s brush it under the carpet’ exercise.
Blueskies
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Sign Up10:28 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago
I'm not defending this landlord but so much of what is called damp and mould is actually condensation caused by tenant lifestyle choices.. i.e. drying washing indoors and lack of ventilation. (Ok I know we will soon be responsible for that as well 🙁 but... ) As for ant infestations how can the landlord be responsible for that? It is a potential yearly seasonal occurrence... how a landlord can prevent that I'm not sure... I realise the managing agents seem to be at fault here... but just saying...
Robin Guy
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Sign Up10:38 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago
Regarding this Labour MP not having the correct licensing you literally couldn’t make it up?
Reluctant Landlord
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Sign Up10:47 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago
The issue of the damp and ants have all been blown up because it fits the media 'criteria' of a bad landlord. Inevitably down to tenant behaviour if there are no structural issues.
To me the biggest concern is the lack of SL. The Council should go to town on this as this is simply black and white. No licence where one was needed = fine and prosecution as there is no defence. I will be following this closely to see what happens!
THE NRLA should be going to town on this too seizing the opportunity to rub the governments nose in this big time. What are the chances? Wonder if Shelter et al are going to pipe up too?
Dylan Morris
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Sign Up10:49 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago
Reply to the comment left by Blueskies at 02/09/2024 - 10:28Tenant is responsible for putting down some ant powder and has to look after the property in a “tenant like manner”. Warren v Keen 1953.
“washing machine dumped next to a set of stairs” well perhaps the tenant could get off his arse and move it. If not needed the tenant should put it out for the scrap man. It’s not the landlord’s job to move it.
Unloved Landlord
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Sign Up10:55 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago
A typical champagne socialist dictating how we manage our properties and never following the rules themselves.
JB
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Sign Up11:00 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago
Has anyone checked his Fire Risk Assessment?
Blueskies
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Sign Up11:23 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago
Reply to the comment left by Dylan Morris at 02/09/2024 - 10:49
It shouldn't be the landlord's job to dispose of the washing machine (and all the other stuff they leave) but it will be! Hey Shelter etc etc - see what we have to put up with?
Sally Robinson
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Sign Up11:30 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago
Hi Blueskies, yes you have a point - the mould could be due to poor living standards, but not paying for the licenses is definitely the landlord's problem...... and he's a very naughty man.... how can he be trusted? What is Starmer going to do with this one? And when will the council issue fines as well?
Denise G
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Sign Up11:32 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago
Reply to the comment left by Robin Guy at 02/09/2024 - 10:38
but clearly, as one party in this must be lying, someone did!