Labour MP ‘profoundly sorry’ over tenants who reported mould in his properties

A Labour MP has said he is “profoundly sorry” after tenants living in flats he rents out said they live with black mould and ant infestations.

Jas Athwal, who represents Ilford South in London, owns 15 rental homes in the capital according to Parliament’s register of members’ financial interests, with some reportedly having “pretty serious faults”.

A London City Hall member claimed he saw fire detectors hanging by a single piece of wire when he visited the properties earlier this year.

A BBC investigation found black mould in some of Mr Athwal’s properties, with dirty and dark communal areas, fire alarms hanging loose from the ceiling, and ant infestations “in a number” of the seven flats in one block.

Mr Athwal also admitted some of his flats may not have the correct property licences required under a scheme he introduced during his time in local government, according to the broadcaster.

Redbridge Council said it is aware of the “situation” with the former council leaders’ properties and it is “committed to a fair and consistent process for every landlord” in relation to licence applications.

“I know it’s my responsibility to have issues addressed as soon as they arise and have met the property management company to understand failures in communication,” the MP said in a statement.

“I’m profoundly sorry that tenants have been let down and will be reviewing the property management and how matters are escalated going forward.”

He also told the BBC: “I’m shocked at the reported condition of a number of the properties and have asked the managing agent for an explanation and immediate action to rectify any issues.”

According to the register of interests, Mr Athwal’s residential properties are “co-owned with (a) family member”.

He described himself as a “renters’ champion” who lets the homes below market rate.

Addressing the licences, Mr Athwal said: “It was my understanding all the licences for my properties were up to date, but I have recently seen an email which shared that licences are due to expire. I am in the process of renewing all licences.”

London Assembly chairman Andrew Boff, a Conservative, told the PA news agency he planned to send a letter to councillor Kam Rai, the leader of Labour-run Redbridge Council, calling for an investigation.

Mr Boff said he had been into the block and inside several of the homes, and was concerned about the condition.

He said he had knocked on doors at the block while canvassing in the area and residents of three of the properties complained about their condition.

“I went inside three of the properties and was concerned about what I saw in those properties,” Mr Boff said.

“Even in the common areas of the property, so the stairs up to the flats, there were some pretty serious faults with the property.

“There were things like fire alarms hanging off of a single piece of wire. There were clearly broken fire and CO2 detectors and it was concerning.

“And one thing I did know from the residents is that they had raised this with the landlord, and that the landlord was very slow to respond, or the landlord’s agent, I should say, was very slow to respond.”

One resident had told the BBC: “The whole ceiling would be black if we didn’t clean it every few weeks.”

Another urged the broadcaster “don’t use my name”, and added: “Finding a new flat is very difficult.”

It also published allegations the property agent may have been tipped off about the journalist’s visit, so they began phoning tenants who became reluctant to talk.

“I am, of course, more than happy for tenants to provide updates to journalists,” Mr Athwal said in response.

A Redbridge Council spokesperson said: “The selective landlord licensing schemes are in place across several wards. These schemes extend licensing to all privately rented properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers, ensuring a fair and consistent process for all.

“We are aware of the situation with these properties. While we cannot comment on individual cases, it is important to stress that the council is committed to a fair and consistent process for every landlord applying to the selective licensing scheme.

“We notify all existing landlords that they may need to renew their licences and systematically work through those that need to be renewed. This approach applies to all borough landlords needing a licence, ensuring all parties are treated equally.

“In all cases, we expect properties that require a licence to apply for it. Where they do not have a licence, we will send notices and commence enforcement action.

“It is important that all landlords apply for their licences. This is about maintaining the standards of our selective licensing scheme and ensuring the safety and well-being of people in Redbridge.”