Homelessness Minister resigns amid landlord conduct controversy

London — Rushanara Ali has stepped down from her role as Minister for Homelessness following public backlash over her handling of a rental property she owns in East London.

The resignation comes after reports revealed that Ali had served notice to four tenants last year, stating the property was to be sold. However, shortly after the tenants vacated, the same property was relisted for rent with a significant increase — nearly £700 more per month than the previous rate.

The former tenants had been paying approximately £3,300 a month. The property was later advertised at close to £4,000 per month, prompting accusations of misleading conduct and calls for Ali to resign, particularly in light of her position advocating for vulnerable renters.

Critics accused the minister of hypocrisy, arguing that her actions undermined the government’s commitment to tackling housing insecurity. The controversy emerged as Parliament prepares to pass the Renters’ Rights Bill, which aims to prevent landlords from evicting tenants under false pretences and increasing rents immediately after regaining possession of a property.

In a statement announcing her resignation, Ali said she had complied with all legal requirements as a landlord, but acknowledged that the situation had become a distraction from the government’s work on housing reform.

“I remain committed to supporting efforts to improve housing security across the UK,” she said. “However, it is clear that my continued presence in this role would hinder that mission.”

The incident also drew attention to the property’s letting agents, who reportedly attempted to charge former tenants fees for cleaning and repainting — charges that appeared to breach the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Ali later intervened to have those fees waived.

Housing charities and opposition MPs welcomed the resignation but called for greater scrutiny of MPs who operate as private landlords while holding housing-related government positions.

A successor to the Homelessness Minister role has not yet been named.