Criterion Capital has been accused of issuing eviction notices to residents at Britannia Point in Colliers Wood, south-west London, ahead of the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, which will abolish Section 21 no-fault evictions.
The property investment firm, founded by Asif Aziz and managing a £9bn portfolio across the UK and Europe, has previously donated £50,000 to the Labour Party. The Aziz Foundation, a charity established by Aziz, has also funded parliamentary office interns through donations in kind listed in the register of interests.
City Hall response
A spokesman for the Mayor of London stated that Sadiq Khan was “appalled” by reports of alleged mass evictions. “It is unacceptable to force Londoners out of their homes for no good reason – it leaves residents in an awful position, scared about the future for themselves and their family,” the spokesperson said.
Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, wrote to Criterion Capital requesting urgent reconsideration. He stated: “To evict tenants shortly before the implementation of the Act would be a short-sighted and cynical attempt to bypass the rules and show a disregard for the very spirit of this much-needed legislation.”
Local MP concerns
Dame Siobhain McDonagh, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden, said she was “extremely concerned” about residents who “may now face homelessness”, adding that she was “alarmed at the number of tenants who reported receiving eviction notices”.
Company response
According to the Telegraph, Criterion Capital denied claims of mass evictions, characterising the matter as a “routine and lawful tenancy matter”. A company spokesman stated that only a small proportion of tenants had been served notice as part of standard asset management processes, and that “the overwhelming majority of residents remain unaffected”.
The dispute highlights tensions between property management practices and upcoming legislative changes designed to strengthen tenant protections in the rental sector.