The London Renters Union has called for a ban on MPs being landlords, after new data revealed that Labour has the highest number of MPs earning rental income.

Analysis by The i, based on the register of members’ interests, shows that 38 Labour MPs declare over £10,000 annually from rental property. The true figure may be higher, as only landlords earning above that threshold must declare their holdings.

The revelations follow the resignation of Labour MP and homelessness minister Rushanara Ali, who faced criticism for evicting tenants and raising rent by £700 a month.

Cabinet ministers Rachel Reeves and David Lammy are among those declaring rental income, with Ms Reeves and her husband reported to earn around £74,000 annually. Labour MP Jas Athwal, who owns 15 properties, was forced to admit to problems such as black mould, infestations, and unlicensed homes in his portfolio.

Overall, around one in ten MPs are landlords – 83 in total, including 27 Conservatives, nine Liberal Democrats, and Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay.

Tenant groups argue that landlord MPs represent a conflict of interest. Jae Vail of the London Renters Union said: “During an unprecedented housing crisis, it’s a blatant conflict of interest that MPs are making millions from struggling renters. Until parliament is free of landlord MPs, renters will not trust the government to deliver the bold action we need.”

However, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) defended MPs’ right to let property. A spokesperson said: “Calls for a total ban fuel an unhelpful narrative. Being a landlord is not a bad thing – what matters is whether MPs have the time to meet their responsibilities.”

The Ministry of Housing responded that strict parliamentary rules already govern MPs’ landlord interests and highlighted the government’s forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, which aims to strengthen tenant protections.