The government has recently announced that there will be a new amendment to the Social Housing Regulation Bill, introducing ‘Awaab’s Law’.
Awaab’s Law will force social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits.
The new proposals for Awaab’s Law will be introduced via secondary legislation. It follows the Housing Secretary’s recent announcement of £30 million for Greater Manchester and the West Midlands to begin works on improving the quality of social housing in their region.
The move comes in the wake of the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, caused by the damp and mould in his home, which was managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing. The government continues to block funding to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to build new homes until it can prove it is a responsible landlord.
The Housing Secretary made the announcement on a visit to Rochdale on the 9th February where he met with Awaab’s family and the Interim Chief Executive at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.
The new rules will form part of the tenancy agreement, so tenants can hold landlords to account by law if they fail to provide a decent home.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove said: “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. He was inexcusably let down and his family repeatedly ignored. I want to pay tribute to Awaab’s family for their tireless fight for justice over the last two years.
“We have announced tough new laws to force social landlords to fix their homes within strict new time limits.
“Those landlords who continue to drag their feet over dangerous damp and mould will face the full force of the law.
“Our Social Housing Bill will enshrine tenants’ rights in law and strengthen the Housing Ombudsman and Regulator’s powers so that poor social landlords have nowhere to hide.
“Awaab’s Law will help to ensure that homes across the country are safe, decent and warm.”
Outcomes of Awaab’s law
- Crackdown on damp and mould under new legislation in memory of Awaab Ishak
- Landlords must investigate and fix serious problems within strict time limits
- New powers for Housing Ombudsman to help landlords improve performance, in amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill.
