A newly elected Labour MP has been accused of renting out an apartment infested with black mould and ants.
Jas Athwal, the MP for Ilford South, owns 15 rented apartments. BBC report.
The report said that in one block of seven apartments, almost half of the residents said they had to regularly clean their bathroom ceilings to remove mould, and that the company's reporters also claimed to have seen evidence of ant infestations in some of the seven apartments.
“There are ants everywhere,” one resident reportedly said, pointing to insects climbing up a door frame. “They're on my kids, on their clothes.”
Other residents reportedly said that real estate agents had threatened to evict them if they complained about problems in their apartments or began claiming benefits.
Mr Atwal told the BBC he was a “tenant advocate”, adding that the properties were managed by agencies and he was unaware of any issues, and denied that tenants had been threatened with eviction.
According to Redbridge Council's website, Mr Athwal needs a Selective Property Licence to rent out seven properties, which was introduced in December when he was council leader. The BBC claimed a search of the council's public licensing register could not confirm the properties were licensed.
Labour's 2024 general election manifesto included a pledge to “prevent private rented housing users from being exploited and discriminated against”.
The BBC claimed the property management company had contacted the tenant, who showed reporters mould and ants in the apartment and gave an interview about the situation.
“After receiving these calls they became reluctant to speak to me – it seemed to me like intimidation,” BBC reporter Joe Pike alleged.
In a statement on Friday night, Athwal said he was “shocked” by the state of his properties and deeply regretted the incident.
“I understood all of the licenses for my properties were up to date, but I recently saw an email stating that my licenses were expiring. I am currently in the process of renewing all of my licenses,” he said.
“I’m proud to be able to rent out homes at below market rate rents and with stable leases.
“I want to provide great housing for all my tenants and am shocked by the reported condition of some of the properties and have asked the management company for an explanation and immediate action to resolve the issues.
A Redbridge Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the situation at these properties and in each case we expect those that require permission to apply for it. Where permission is not available we will serve notices and commence enforcement action.”
“It is important that all landlords apply for a licence – this is to maintain the standards of the selective licensing scheme and ensure the safety and wellbeing of people in Redbridge.”
The Labour Party has been contacted for comment.
