British-Indian Labour MP Jas Athwal has publically apologised after a BBC probe revealed poor living conditions in several flats he rents out, including issues with toxic black mould and broken fire alarms.

Athwal, who represents Ilford South and is the largest landlord in the House of Commons with 15 rental properties, expressed his “profound sorrow” over the situation, saying that he is committed to providing quality accommodation for his tenants. “I want every one of my tenants to have excellent accommodation,” he said.

‘Ants are everywhere’

The investigation uncovered that nearly half of the residents in a block of seven flats reported needing to frequently clean mould from their bathroom ceilings, while one tenant described the ant problem as pervasive, saying, “The ants are everywhere.” Some tenants claimed they faced threats of eviction if they complained about the conditions.

Athwal acknowledged that he had met with the property management company to address communication failures and ensure that issues are resolved promptly. He emphasised his role as a “renters’ champion” and denied any knowledge of eviction threats against tenants.

However, Andrew Boff, a Conservative member of the London Assembly, has called for an investigation by the Labour Party and Redbridge Council, highlighting that none of the seven flats possess the required selective property licenses, a regulation Athwal had implemented as council leader.

In 2018, Athwal, who served as the leader of Redbridge Council from 2014 until he became an MP last month, shared an article about a local landlord fined by the council. He commented, “Rogue landlords, we are coming for you.”