Labour MP Jas Athwal Faces Scrutiny Over Poor Conditions in Rental Properties Despite Championing Renters’ Rights

Labour lawmaker asserts his role as an advocate for tenants amidst allegations of substandard living conditions in his properties

Jas Athwal, the recently elected MP for Ilford South, who owns 15 rental units, faces complaints from several renters about issues such as mold and ant infestations in their apartments.

Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 4

A politician from the Labour Party has positioned himself as a "defender of renters," even though the apartments he leases out are allegedly in substandard condition.

Jas Athwal, who was recently voted in as the MP for Ilford South, possesses 15 rental properties. However, several renters have reported that they frequently need to scrub the ceilings of their bathrooms to get rid of mould.

In a story initially covered by the BBC, a resident of a seven-unit apartment complex in Seven Kings, Redbridge, reported an overwhelming ant infestation, noting that the insects were found on their child's body and clothing.

Andrew Boff, a Conservative representative on the London Assembly, shared with Sky News that the properties he inspected are in "poor condition" and the level of maintenance is so inadequate that it poses "a risk to the residents".

In response to the inquiry, Mr. Athwal expressed his surprise upon learning about the alleged state of his properties, noting that a management agency handled them and had failed to report any issues to him.

"I consider myself an advocate for renters," he declared, noting, "I take pride in offering homes for rent with stable leases at rates lower than the market average."

"I am committed to ensuring all my tenants enjoy top-notch living spaces. I was stunned to hear about the poor state of several properties, and I have demanded a thorough explanation and swift resolution from the property manager to address these concerns."

"I understand that it's my duty to tackle problems as soon as they emerge, and I have consulted with the property management firm to pinpoint the breakdowns in communication.

"I sincerely apologize for the shortcomings in our service to tenants. We will be closely examining our property management practices and improving our procedures for addressing issues in the future."

He stated that the repairs and upkeep of the properties will be conducted promptly.

The announcement follows the Labour Party's pledge in their general election manifesto to revolutionize the private rental sector experience.

Previously serving as the head of Redbridge Council, Mr. Athwal must also obtain a specific property license to lease a building comprised of seven apartments—a regulation he implemented in 2017 during his tenure as council leader.

However, Mr. Athwal acknowledged that he had "recently viewed an email" indicating that the licenses were set to expire.

"He mentioned that he is currently updating all the licenses."

As the head of the council, I introduced London's most stringent landlord licensing program in 2017 and further extended it in 2023 and 2024. The program could have been more robust had it not been for the consistent dilution by Conservative housing secretaries.

"In 2019, I spearheaded an initiative urging the government to eliminate Section 21 evictions to enhance the protection of tenants' rights, but it was once more obstructed by the Conservative party."

This follows a BBC investigation revealing that, according to the council's official licence register, none of the seven properties were licensed.

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Mr. Boff verified that there seems to be no documentation of the necessary license — which he mentioned is a paid requirement for landlords — for the apartments.

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"Mr. Athwal brands himself as a champion for renters, having even initiated a licensing system aimed at securing more favorable agreements for tenants," Mr. Boff explained to Sky News.

"He did not participate in the licensing system, unlike many other landlords in the London borough of Redbridge who were required to pay for a license to rent out their properties."

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Mr. Boff mentioned that Mr. Athwal's remarks come off as boastful, and he would have held him in higher regard if he had "offered an apology to the tenants for the substandard service."

Regrettably, he is attempting to face this situation with defiance. Having reviewed the evidence myself, I find it perplexing that he continues to claim that his tenants are receiving satisfactory service from him.

"The property owner is accountable for renting out the premises. They often hire a management agency to facilitate this process, yet ultimate responsibility lies with the owner. Should the agency fail to perform their duties adequately, the burden falls back on the landlord."

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Mr. Boff has urged the Labour Party and Redbridge Council to conduct an inquiry into Mr. Athwal.

In addition to owning 15 residential units, the Labour Party member leases three business spaces, positioning him as the top property owner in the House of Commons, based on a Financial Times review of the parliamentary register of members' interests.

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