London Mayor Sadiq Khan voices concern after 600 eviction notices issued by billionaire Asif Aziz firm

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced concern following allegations that a property company owned by billionaire businessman Asif Aziz issued eviction notices to several tenants across multiple residential buildings in the city, according to multiple media reports.

The mayor has written directly to Aziz seeking urgent clarification over claims that his real estate firm, Criterion Capital, served numerous Section 21 “no-fault” eviction notices to residents living in its properties.

The notices were reportedly delivered to tenants in three buildings: Britannia Point in Colliers Wood, Delta Point in Croydon, and Emerald House in New Malden. Together, the properties contain more than 600 apartments.

Section 21 notices allow landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason, typically with two months’ notice. However, these notices will soon be banned under the UK government’s new Renters’ Rights Act, which is expected to come into force in May 2026.

A spokesperson for the mayor said Khan was “appalled” by reports suggesting tenants could be forced out of their homes without justification.

“It is unacceptable for residents to be pushed out of their homes without a valid reason,” the spokesperson said, adding that such actions leave families worried about their housing security and future.

Khan also warned that the lack of explanation from the company has created uncertainty and anxiety among tenants, particularly as some reports suggest eviction processes may already be underway.

Local officials have also criticised the alleged actions. Councillor Stuart Neaverson described the situation as potentially one of the largest mass evictions in London in recent years, saying residents in the affected community are angry and concerned.

According to reports, dozens of tenants began receiving the notices earlier this year. Community meetings have been held where residents voiced frustration and fear about losing their homes.

Some tenants say the situation has caused emotional distress. One resident at Emerald House said she was shocked after receiving the letter and worried about finding a new apartment in time.

Meanwhile, Criterion Capital has rejected claims that a mass eviction campaign is underway. The company insists the notices are part of “routine and lawful tenancy management.”

In a statement, the firm said only a small proportion of tenants — less than five percent across its portfolio — have received notices, adding that the majority of residents remain unaffected.

The company also denied allegations that it is trying to clear entire buildings or accelerate evictions before the new rental legislation takes effect.

Asif Aziz’s company got into the current dispute with the residents – who are all rich and millionaires – over the way the residents have been made to pay service charges and a whole range of other complaints. Residents have shown concern at the way the company has failed to provide them with reasonable services.

Aziz has been criticised by the political magazine Private Eye for using companies registered in the Isle of Man to buy properties in London, especially pubs, and then close them down to replace them with more lucrative housing developments. In 2017, Aziz argued at the High Court that his wife of 14 years was not entitled to a share of his fortune, then estimated at £1.1bn, because they had “not legally married”. The couple, who have four children, agreed to a settlement.

In 2025, reports emerged highlighting widespread maintenance issues and vermin infestations in properties managed under Asif Aziz’s “Dstrkt” housing brand, despite rapidly rising rents. Aziz also reportedly paid £150,000 to settle allegations that he had illegally operated an unlicensed Forrest Gump-themed shrimp restaurant at Piccadilly Circus.

Golfrate Holdings (Angola) Lda is a company in Angola that is subject to sanctions, specifically listed as a “specially designated national” (SDN) by the United States, and is also known under other Names like Golfrate Africa, Golfrate Distribution, and Golfrate food Industries.

Housing charity Shelter has previously warned that Section 21 notices are one of the main causes of homelessness in England because tenants are often forced to move with little time to secure alternative accommodation.

A source at the London Mayor office added: “This is only tip of the iceberg. The scandal is bigger than what’s known so far. A lot more is coming up.”