Homelessness Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Rent Hike After Evictions
So, here’s what’s been making headlines lately—and it’s causing a stir. The UK’s homelessness minister, Rushanara Ali, is under fire after it was revealed that she increased the rent on a property she owns by £700 a month , just weeks after ending the tenancy of the previous renters.
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According to a report from The i Paper , four tenants were informed last November that their lease would not be renewed. They were given four months' notice, which aligns with legal standards, and then the property was re-listed shortly after they moved out—at a much higher rent.
Now, Ali is not just any landlord. She holds the role of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping. That’s what makes this story particularly controversial. As someone tasked with addressing homelessness and protecting vulnerable tenants, this move has sparked serious concerns.
A spokesperson for Ali responded by saying she acted within all legal boundaries. In fact, it's claimed that the property had initially been put up for sale, and while the tenants were informed they could stay on a rolling contract during that time, they chose to leave. After it failed to sell—it was originally listed at nearly £915,000 and then dropped by £20,000—it was put back on the rental market, but at a significantly higher rate.
Critics, however, are not buying the explanation. Ben Twomey from Generation Rent called the situation “shocking,” especially given the power imbalance between landlords and renters, and the damage these kinds of rent hikes can cause in a housing market that’s already spiralling. He pointed out that if someone responsible for tackling homelessness is engaging in the same practices that often lead to it, it’s a major red flag.
Politicians from both sides of the aisle weighed in too. SNP MP Pete Wishart said the minister should resign immediately, calling the situation "shameful." Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty echoed that sentiment, saying her position is now “surely untenable.” However, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said she doesn’t know the details but believes the minister followed the rules.
This comes at a time when the UK is trying to pass the Renters' Rights Bill, aimed at better protecting tenants. The bill would prevent landlords from re-listing a property for rent for six months if they evict tenants claiming they want to sell it. It would also ban fixed-term tenancies and make four months’ notice mandatory.
So, while nothing illegal appears to have happened, the question being raised is about judgment, ethics, and whether someone in charge of fighting homelessness should be participating in the kind of rental practices that may be contributing to it. It’s definitely a story that’s sparked a larger conversation about housing, power, and responsibility.
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