The London Renters‘ Union (LRU) has called on Labour MP Jas Athwal to stand down after a BBC investigation found black mould and ant infestations in his rental properties. The union, which has 7,000 members across the capital, has also written to Redbridge Council urging it to investigate its former leader over what it called “housing law violations”.
The MP for Ilford South owns 15 properties, making him the biggest landlord in the House of Commons.
He previously said he was 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.
When asked about the case earlier on Monday, Prime Minister 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.
BBC News also found Mr Athwal’s flats had dirty communal areas, faulty lights, loose fire alarms.
A tenant reported an ant infestation affecting their child, while another said they were warned of eviction if they claimed benefits. Mr Athwal also admitted his flats lacked the required licences under a scheme he introduced as Redbridge Council leader, despite earlier claiming compliance.
Source: BBC
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