British Sikh MP defends record as landlord amid tenant complaints

London\ : Apna Punjab Media : London, A newly elected British Sikh Labour Member of Parliament has defended his record as a landlord after UK media reports highlighted anonymous complaints from his tenants of being subjected to poor living conditions in properties owned by him. Jas Athwal, elected to Parliament in last month’s general election from Ilford South constituency in east London, said he was “shocked” and “profoundly sorry” to hear of residents’ issues after the mould and ant infestations on Friday.Athwal, 60, is said to own 15 rental flats and says he had not been aware of the issues due to the properties being managed by an agency. He has now promised that repairs and maintenance will be completed through immediate action. “I am a renters champion. I’m proud to rent out homes with secure tenancies at below-market rents,” Athwal said in a detailed statement. “I want every one of my tenants to have excellent accommodation; 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. I know it’s my responsibility to have issues addressed as soon as they arise and have met with the property management company to understand failures in communication,” he said. “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 added.