Criterion Capital, the property company owned by billionaire Asif Aziz, has denied attempting to mass-evict tenants before England's ban on no-fault evictions takes effect on 1 May. The denial came in response to a letter from Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, who sought urgent answers after Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh reported at least 130 section 21 notices issued at Britannia Point in south London.
In its statement, Criterion said it had issued 87 section 21 notices across its portfolio, affecting fewer than 5% of tenants. The company described the actions as 'routine and lawful tenancy management' and argued that serving notices does not constitute eviction, as a court order is required for enforcement. It added that more than a third of affected households had moved voluntarily, and those wishing to stay were being offered renewed tenancy terms.
Pennycook's letter expressed concern that tenants might face mass no-fault evictions before the Renters' Rights Act comes into force, calling such behaviour 'thoroughly unscrupulous' if proven. He demanded a transparent account of the notices issued, including their number and reasons.
Criterion accused politicians of spreading 'inaccurate and politicised narratives' and causing unnecessary alarm. It stated that tenants should not be used as 'cannon-fodder for political campaigning' and rejected the term 'mass eviction' as inaccurate and irresponsible.
Local councillors and media reports have highlighted tenant alarm, with the BBC noting that over 100 cases at Britannia Point have been taken up by a councillor. The government awaits Criterion's response as a matter of urgency.
