A new analysis by The i Paper reveals that 75 MPs who are landlords are set to collect at least £4 million in rent from tenants over the course of this Parliament. The findings have sparked outrage among housing campaigners, who are calling for stricter rules on MPs' outside incomes.
The Labour Party now has the highest number of landlord MPs, with 38 members earning at least £10,000 a year from residential rental properties—a threshold that requires declaration in the register of members' interests. This marks a shift from the previous Parliament, where the Conservatives held the majority. The change reflects Labour's significant electoral victory and the influx of 20 new, often younger, MPs who own rental properties.
The controversy follows the resignation of Labour MP Rushanara Ali as homelessness minister after it emerged she had raised the rent on her east London townhouse by £700 following the removal of four tenants. Ali stated she had “at all times” followed legal requirements. Among other notable landlord MPs are Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who reportedly earns £74,000 a year from renting out her former south London home, and Labour MP Jas Athwal, who co-owns 15 flats in London and has previously faced criticism over poor living conditions. Athwal expressed regret and said all properties now comply with regulations.
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake also holds a significant property portfolio, with five properties in York. A Conservative spokesperson defended his declarations as transparent. The current group of 75 landlords earning over £10,000 annually will collectively bring in at least £3.7 million over the five-year parliamentary term, though the true figure is likely higher due to multiple properties and London-based assets.
Jae Vail of the London Renters Union called for a ban on MPs being landlords, describing it as a “blatant conflict of interest” that MPs profit from struggling renters. There are currently no rules preventing MPs from earning additional income from rentals or second jobs on top of their £94,000 salary.
