The London Renters Union has called on Labour MP Jas Athwal to resign following allegations that he violated housing law.
Athwal is the landlord of 15 London flats, found to be infested with mould and insects during a BBC investigation. One tenant told the BBC that the letting agent threatened to evict them if they complained, or began to claim housing benefits.
The MP for Ilford South has debied any wrongdoing and claimed that he did not rent to tenants on housing benefits so as to prevent a “conflict of interest” with his previous role as a council leader for Redbridge.
Courts have ruled that so-called ‘no DSS’ policies are unlawful, discriminatory and against the Equalities Act. It is unlawful for a letting agent to refuse to rent to someone because they receive housing benefits, even if the landlord requests it.
“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,” said London Renters Union spokesperson Hester Sullivan.
“Athwal has also admitted to refusing to let out properties to renters who receive housing benefit, a practise that prevents many low-income people from accessing adequate housing and that has been ruled illegal by a court.”While Athwal has apologised to tenants and sacked the managing agent of his properties, and the Prime Minister has called the situation “unacceptable”. London Renters Union — which represents over 7,000 London tenants — said it was not enough.
“For as long as Athwal remains an MP, many renters won’t trust parliament to fix the housing crisis.”
“Athwal is trying to blame his estate agent, but landlords who use an estate agent still have to follow the law. Tenants told the BBC that Mr Athwal himself was unresponsive to their complaints,” said Sullivan.
“Anyone who discriminates against people who receive benefits and puts their tenants at such risk by ignoring housing safety laws is clearly not fit to be an MP. Athwal must resign. For as long as Athwal remains an MP, many renters won’t trust parliament to fix the housing crisis.”
Athwal is currently the biggest landlord in the House of Commons, it is claimed. The London Renters Union claimed that if he remains in his post it could call into question the effectiveness of upcoming legislation safeguarding tenants’ rights.
“The upcoming Renters Rights Bill is a chance to make sure councils issue fines against any landlord who breaks safety laws,” added Sullivan. “The presence of landlords like Athwal in parliament is a dangerous obstacle to the Renters Rights Bill providing improvements to renters rights.”The London Renters Union has also written to Redbridge Council to request an investigation into both the allegations of discrimination against people on housing benefits, and potential breaking of the council’s licensing scheme rules. The Union has also requested that the Labour MP’s tenants are given support and advice on whether they are eligible for a Rent Repayment Order (RRO).
“Redbridge Council is committed to a fair and consistent process for every landlord.”
A RRO can be made by a tenant against their landlord if they have managed an unlicensed property. Athwal has admitted to the BBC that his properties did not have the correct licenses — despite having introduced the scheme under his tenure as a council leader for Redbridge.
“Redbridge Council is committed to a fair and consistent process for every landlord applying to the selective licensing scheme. In all cases, we expect those with properties that require a license to apply for it,” a council spokesperson told Homes & Property.
“Following the introduction of a new licensing scheme in April 2024, we will continue to work with landlords to ensure that they are compliant and their properties are in a condition suitable for tenants. This ongoing programme of work reinforces our commitment to the safety and well-being of people in Redbridge.”
Jas Athwal has been approached for comment.
