UK ParliamentA Labour MP has mentioned he’s “shocked” and “deeply sorry” to find flats he rented have black mould and an ant infestation.
Jas Athwal, who grew to become the MP for Ilford South in July, mentioned his tenants had been “let down”, and promised that repairs and upkeep work could be carried out “expeditiously”.
He additionally mentioned that he was not conscious of it earlier Problems highlighted in a BBC report Because the property is being managed by an company.
Paul Canales, the Conservative chief of Redbridge Council in north-east London, known as on Mr Athwal to resign as councillor “immediately” and described the situation of properties owned by Mr Athwal as “disgraceful”.
“His role as a councillor is untenable,” Mr Canales mentioned.
He mentioned he had requested Redbridge Council to analyze whether or not Mr Athwal had breached the code of conduct, and Andrew Boff, a Conservative member of the London Assembly, has made the same name.
Mr Athwal owns 15 properties, making him the largest landlord within the House of Commons. The BBC discovered that flats he owned had soiled communal areas, lights didn’t work and hearth alarms hung unfastened from the ceiling.
One resident mentioned the property’s letting agent threatened to evict them once they complained.
Mr Canal mentioned he would report the administration company to the police for “threatening behaviour”.
Mr Athwal mentioned: “I know it is my responsibility to resolve problems as soon as they arise and I have met with the property management company to understand the failures in communication.
“I deeply regret that tenants have been let down and I will be reviewing the management of the property and considering how the matter will be taken forward going forward.”
The Labour MP additionally admitted his flats didn’t have the right property licences beneath the plan he launched as chief of Redbridge Council.
In a prolonged assertion, he mentioned that to his information his property licenses are updated, however that he “recently saw an email stating his licenses were about to expire” and that “all licenses are in the process of being renewed.”
But Mr Canal mentioned Mr Athwal's licensing case amounted to “sheer disgusting hypocrisy”.
He urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to withdraw the whip whereas Mr Athwal is beneath investigation.
The Labour Party's 2024 common election manifesto included a dedication to “prevent exploitation of, and discrimination against, private tenants”.
Housing Ombudsman Richard Blakeway mentioned there was “a serious gap that needed to be bridged” the place social housing tenants might take complaints to the ombudsman however personal tenants couldn’t.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he mentioned it was “welcome” that the Government had indicated it might drive landlords to subscribe to the redress scheme.
He mentioned present requirements for an excellent residence had been “too low” and “outdated”.
“So there is a need for a fundamental rethink about what a decent home is in the 21st century.”
Describing himself as a “tenants’ champion”, Mr Athwal mentioned he was proud to be an excellent landlord who had by no means evicted a tenant.
Redbridge Council mentioned it was conscious of the scenario at Mr Athwal’s properties, and whereas it might not touch upon particular person circumstances, it treats all landlords who require a licence “equally”.
With inputs from BBC
