Tenants at Benyon Estate in east London have been told to use food banks after the landlord increased their rent by nearly £1000 (NZ$1892).
In August the estate, which has 371 homes and is run by Lord Benyon's family, increased some of the rent by 3 percent due to inflation.
When the tenants complained about it they were told it was "fair," and were sent a list of food banks.
An email obtained by I News UK stated: "Although the Estate is very sympathetic to the increased cost of living they will be unable to accommodate your request for rent reduction at this time.
"They believe a rent increase of 3 percent is fair considering the rate of inflation.
"They have provided me with a number of links to various services such as food banks etc which I can share with you should they be of interest?"
According to the BBC, Lord Benyon - the former MP of Newbury, England - was appointed minister for rural affairs, access to nature and biosecurity by outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Labour MP Diane Abbott said the increase in rent was a "disgrace" as "poor and middle earners are already struggling with the cost of living."
A spokesperson for Benyon Estate defended the rise in rent and thought it was a fair thing to do.
"With the rate of inflation currently at 10 percent, we consider the 3 percent rent increase to be fair and reasonable to cover the increased costs of property maintenance and improvements, which are carried out by our staff and local contractors in Hackney.
"Our social responsibility is a guiding principle, and, as during the COVID pandemic, our staff are on hand to provide advice and support for tenants facing difficulties. Unfortunately, the information given in a private email appears to have been misconstrued and taken out of context."
