A BBC investigation has revealed that tenants on the properties of Jas Athwal, a British-Indian Sikh Labour MP, had been dwelling in appalling situations, tormented by mould, fleas and ants. The newly elected MP, aged 60 and of Indian origin, has been accused of being a “slum landlord”.
The BBC investigation revealed that tenants in a few of Athwal’s 15 rental properties in London had been dwelling in a few of the worst attainable situations. Because the proprietor of those 15 flats, Athwal is the biggest landlord within the UK Home of Commons.
Athwal, who was born in Punjab and moved to Ilford together with his household in 1970, has been a councillor since 2010 and beforehand served as chief of Redbridge London Borough Council within the UK.
A BBC reporter visited Athwal’s flats above a store in Redbridge, east London, and located black mould on the lavatory ceilings, ant infestations, damaged lights and dangling fireplace alarms. There was even a washer mendacity on the aspect of the steps.
“The ants are in all places,” one tenant described, pointing to bugs crawling up a door body.
Tenants stated their complaints to Athwal and his actual property agent had been ignored they usually feared eviction in the event that they spoke out.
RENTAL APARTMENTS DO NOT HAVE THE APPROPRIATE LICENSES
Athwal has now admitted that his flats lack the correct property licences required below a scheme he carried out whereas working Redbridge Council.
Initially, he advised the BBC he was complying with the rules.
Paul Canal, chief of the Redbridge Conservatives, has known as for an investigation into Athwal’s attainable breaches of the code of conduct.
British-Indian MP vows to reimburse tenants for repairs
Athwal expressed shock on the reported situations and apologized for the shortcomings.
“I’m proud to hire out properties on safe tenancy agreements at under market charges. I’m shocked on the state of a few of the properties and have requested the agent managing them for an evidence and fast motion to rectify any points. I’m deeply sorry that tenants have been let down. Repairs and upkeep will probably be carried out shortly. I’m within the technique of renewing all licences,” Athwal advised the BBC.
Sarcastically, Athwal had already tweeted in October 2018: “Dishonest landlords, we’re coming for you.”
On September 1, Athwal tweeted an apology for the inconvenience.
He additionally stated he would conduct a “survey of my tenants” and “reimburse each tenant who has to pay out of pocket for repairs or renovations.”
“I’ll reimburse all tenants who’ve needed to pay for any repairs or renovations they’ve needed to do. I’ll conduct a survey amongst my tenants to uncover all the problems and guarantee that everybody resides in secure and cozy properties,” Athwal added.
