The I newspaper this morning claims that a housing minister has allegedly evicted four tenants before increasing the rent.
The paper claims Rushanara Ali – the housing minister responsible for government homelessness policy – then re-listed her London property for some £700 more.
The I’s housing correspondent, Vicky Spratt, claims Ali previously let the four bedroom home near the capital’s Olympic Park for £3,300 a month but it was re-listed at £4,000 a month.
One of the evicted tenants tells the I: “It’s an absolute joke. Trying to get that much money from renters is extortion”.
The property was reported to have been managed on Ali’s behalf by two lettings agencies.
The MP has previously spoken out against “private renters being exploited” and claimed her government would “empower people to challenge unreasonable rent increases”.
The paper quotes a spokesperson for Ali saying: “Rushanara takes her responsibilities seriously and complied with all relevant legal requirements.”
The property is now reported to be on sale for £894,990, reduced from £914,995 when it was first listed last November.
Ali’s department – led by Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner – is leading on the Renters Rights Bill, expected to become law next month.
You can see the I report here, although for many readers it may be behind a paywall.
This article is taken from Landlord Today