[3][4] In April 2020, the company served its tenants with notices that they would be met with legal action if they did not pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, despite the government moratorium on evictions.
[12] In 2024/2025, Criterion Capital faced public scrutiny and media attention following the announcement of the planned closure of the world's oldest YMCA building on Great Russell Street,[13] London, which the company had acquired.
[14] The YMCA building has long been regarded as a vital community hub, providing affordable facilities, fitness classes, and educational programs to residents across London.
Protesters, community leaders, and members of the YMCA have called on Criterion Capital and its leadership to collaborate on a rescue plan to retain the site's services under a new brand or operational model.
[16] Criterion Capital has yet to release a detailed public statement addressing the campaign, though the issue has sparked broader discussions about the preservation of historic community spaces in central London amidst growing commercial developments.