Mass Evictions Ordered by Billionaire Landlord Weeks Before Legal Reform
More than one hundred tenants renting properties owned by billionaire landlord Asif Aziz's company, Criterion Capital, have been served with eviction notices giving them as little as two months to vacate their homes. This action comes just weeks before a landmark new law is set to abolish 'no-fault' repossessions in England, a move that has drawn condemnation from political leaders and housing advocates.
Section 21 Notices Issued Ahead of Legal Deadline
The residents, who rent from Criterion Capital, have received Section 21 notices, the controversial 'no-fault' mechanism that permits landlords to repossess property without providing any legal justification. While this practice is scheduled to be outlawed across England from May 1, 2026, Criterion Capital denies any deliberate attempt to accelerate evictions before the new legislation takes effect.
The affected buildings are believed to include Britannia Point in Colliers Wood, Delta Point in Croydon, and Emerald House in New Malden. Collectively, these properties contain a total of 606 flats, with the eviction notices impacting a significant portion of the tenant population.
Government and Mayoral Intervention
The situation has escalated to the highest levels of government, with the Prime Minister ordering the Housing Secretary to launch an immediate investigation. Simultaneously, the Mayor of London has publicly condemned the move, describing it as 'unacceptable' and directly writing to billionaire Asif Aziz regarding the allegations of mass evictions.
During Prime Minister's Questions, Siobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden, informed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that London and the South East are experiencing 'the largest mass eviction by a private landlord in decades.' She confirmed that at least 130 no-fault eviction notices have been issued across Criterion Capital's portfolio, including within her own constituency.
Tenant Experiences and Legal Context
Alessio Ambrosj and his partner, who have rented a flat privately in Britannia Point for four years, received a notice terminating their tenancy within two months. Mr Ambrosj expressed his distress, stating, 'Two months is madness. It's like, move your home to somewhere else in two months. It's incredibly hard, incredibly unjust.' He further highlighted the potential impact on vulnerable families, including those with disabled children.
From May 1, 2026, the use of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions will be officially abolished for all new and existing tenancies in England. This significant legislative change ends the ability of landlords to repossess properties without providing a legal reason, a practice long criticised by housing campaigners for contributing to renter instability and homelessness.
Under the new regime, landlords wishing to end a tenancy must instead serve a Section 8 notice, citing specific, evidenced grounds such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or the intention to sell the property. A critical buffer period exists for notices served just before the changeover; landlords who serve a valid Section 21 notice on or before April 30, 2026, can still proceed with eviction through the courts, provided they officially begin proceedings by July 31, 2026.
Broader Protections Under the Renters' Rights Act
The May 1 commencement date also activates a suite of broader tenant protections under the Renters' Rights Act. These include a ban on 'rental bidding wars,' making it illegal for agents or landlords to accept offers above the advertised price. Additionally, landlords will be prohibited from requesting more than one month's rent in advance and will no longer be able to impose blanket bans on tenants who have children or receive state benefits.
Criterion Capital's Response and Background
Criterion Capital, which owns high-profile London assets such as the Trocadero Centre, has responded to the allegations by stating there is 'no attempt to accelerate action ahead of legislative change.' The company claims that reports of mass evictions involving private tenants paying market rents are false and misrepresent routine tenancy management. They assert that fewer than 5% of their portfolio has been served with statutory notices and that they will continue to engage directly with tenants to ensure all processes are conducted lawfully and responsibly.
The CEO of Criterion Capital is billionaire Asif Aziz, who appeared in The Sunday Times Rich List in 2008 with an estimated worth of £79 million. He gained public attention in 2005 when he purchased the Trocadero leisure complex on Piccadilly Circus in a £225 million deal. Aziz also runs a charitable foundation that sponsors community events, including the 2026 Ramadan lights in central London.
As the deadline for the abolition of Section 21 evictions approaches, the situation underscores the ongoing tensions in the housing market and the critical need for robust tenant protections to prevent last-minute exploitation of legal loopholes.
