London Mayor Sadiq Khan Condemns Billionaire Landlord's Mass Eviction Notices
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has written a strongly worded letter to billionaire property magnate Asif Aziz, expressing profound dismay over allegations that his real estate firm, Criterion Capital, is orchestrating "mass evictions" of London residents. The controversy centres on the company's use of Section 21 "no-fault" eviction notices, which are set to be banned under new legislation coming into force in May.
Widespread Tenant Distress Across Multiple Boroughs
The affected properties are believed to include Britannia Point in Colliers Wood, Delta Point in Croydon, and Emerald House in New Malden. Collectively, these buildings contain 606 flats, with scores of residents reportedly receiving eviction notices over recent months. While Criterion Capital disputes the scale, claiming fewer than 5% of its portfolio tenants are affected, local officials and housing advocates describe the situation as deeply alarming.
A spokesperson for the Mayor stated that Mr Khan is "appalled" by the reports and has demanded the company "urgently explain their actions." The mayor emphasised that forcing Londoners from their homes without good reason creates immense fear and instability for families.
Section 21 Notices: A Looming Deadline
Section 21 notices allow landlords to evict tenants with just two months' notice without providing any reason. These notices will be prohibited from 1 May 2026 under the government's Renters' Rights Act. Housing campaigners have long warned that landlords might accelerate their use ahead of the ban, potentially leading to a surge in homelessness.
Housing charity Shelter has labelled Section 21 evictions as "one of the leading causes of homelessness" in the UK, citing the minimal notice period and lack of warning that leave tenants scrambling for alternative accommodation.
Community Outrage and Political Response
Merton councillor Stuart Neaverson described the alleged actions as potentially "the largest mass eviction London has seen in recent years," noting that over 150 residents packed a community meeting in Colliers Wood to protest. He condemned the behaviour, urging the company to reconsider.
Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden, Dame Siobhain McDonagh, also voiced extreme concern, warning that many residents "may now face homelessness" as a result of these notices.
Tenant Testimonies Highlight Personal Anguish
Clare, a resident at Emerald House in New Malden, shared her distress with The Independent, revealing she broke down in tears upon receiving the notice. "I've spent the last 12 months furnishing the apartment to make it feel like home," she said, "and now I've been told I have to leave in a matter of months." She expressed worries about finding new accommodation, potentially forcing her to move in with parents three hours away, disrupting her work, social life, and mental health.
Reports indicate a confusing sequence of events for some tenants, with notices allegedly being rescinded after initial media coverage, only to be reinstated later, adding to the uncertainty and anxiety.
Criterion Capital's Defence and Contradictions
Criterion Capital has firmly denied the allegations, characterising the notices as "routine and lawful tenancy matters" and part of a standard asset management process. The company insists there is no policy to vacate entire buildings and no attempt to accelerate action before the legislative reform.
A spokesperson argued that stories have been "materially misrepresented and politicised," emphasising that these are commercial matters between private parties. They stated that claims of "hundreds" being evicted are incorrect, though the company has declined to provide specific numbers.
The firm also disputed that its actions cause homelessness, asserting that tenants have access to the private rental market and that concluding a periodic tenancy lawfully does not equate to making someone homeless.
Mayor's Ongoing Scrutiny and Broader Implications
In his direct letter to Asif Aziz, Mayor Khan highlighted the failure to provide explanations or assurances about resident security, creating a "worrying and uncertain situation." He reiterated his steadfast opposition to Section 21 evictions, especially on a mass scale, calling the right to a stable home fundamental.
This incident casts a shadow over the collaborative relationship between Mr Aziz and the Mayor's office. Through The Aziz Foundation, his family's charity, Mr Aziz has sponsored the official Ramadan Lights switch-on in London annually since 2023, with the most recent event held on 14 February.
The controversy underscores the intense pressures in London's housing market as the ban on Section 21 notices approaches. It raises critical questions about landlord practices, tenant protections, and the urgent need for verified facts in sensitive housing discussions, as emphasised by all parties involved.
